Catherine Zeta-Jones Reveals the Secret to a Long-Lasting Marriage

Robert Griffin
Catherine Zeta-Jones
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Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has established herself as one of the biggest names in the industry. The incredibly versatile actress has played an array of different roles across different genres and continues to do so well into her 50s. Zeta-Jones who started off as a dancer aged 9, moved to the United States in order to pursue a career in acting. While she has succeeded professionally, it is safe to say that her personal life has blossomed equally well. Zeta-Jones and her husband Michael Douglas have been married for 22 years now which is incredibly rare in the industry.

Secret to a Happy and Long-Lasting Marriage

Catherine Zeta-Jones
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In a recent interview, Zeta-Jones shared her views on what it takes to make a marriage work. Given that she has been married for 22 years it is safe to assume she knows a thing or two about the same. She said, "I think it's more about not thinking, for one, that we are on a pedestal in which people go, ‘Oh, that's perfect,’ because nothing is perfect — ever, ever, ever, ever,” she says. “But what we do have is a very respectful relationship, in that first of all, we're not consumed by each other's careers, and we have interests and friends that are not solely in our business.”

The Grounding Effect

The 53-year-old also shared the other factors that contributed to the success of their marriage given the industry they are in. She revealed that she and her husband never lived in Hollywood as they did not want to get engulfed in that lifestyle which she believes grounded their family.

Bringing up Children

Unbeknownst to many, Douglas and Zeta-Jones made sure to work alternatively so that their children would have access to one parent at all times. Also, the couple brought up their children in Bermuda for eleven years.

Family Life at Home

The 53-year-old also shared a valuable piece of advice on handling the day-to-day conflicts in a marriage. She said, "Let it out when it needs to come out, and shut up when you need to shut up,’ is what I say. It's a long journey. Pick your battles.” Furthermore, she stressed the importance of having interests you share with your partner as well as interests of your own independent of your partner which she feels is extremely important. The Chicago actress was born on the same day as her husband 25 years apart.