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This article is based on a master’s dissertation presented in 2003 at the Institute of Psychology of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, that had for objective the study of the types of conscious and unconscious marital relationship in marriages lasting between twenty and thirty years and its characteristics. Three couples were chosen to participate in this research because they were not taking part in any couple’s psychotherapy and had no obvious complaints. Information was obtained through interviews with the couple, husband and wife at the same time; the interviews were followed by the application of TAT, on each spouse individually. The psychoanalytic theoretical reference was used for the analysis of the results. Thus the authors have been able to notice that the marital link was gradually lost, specially after having children. In some cases, it has even been difficult to establish. Couples and children showed symptoms throughout the marriage. The authors have been able to notice that what kept the marriage together was the formation of complimentary couples and not a partnership where man and woman have equal places.