Advice From Celebrity Couples Who’ve Stood the Test of Time

These two long-term lovebirds know there’s nothing more dangerous than becoming complacent in your relationship, and find that even after all these years, they are still discovering new things about one another! In an interview with Redbook Magazine, this leading lady says of her 28-year marriage: “We’ve been married for so long and there are no secrets. But I never in a million years thought there would be sides to [my husband] that I’m still learning…”

Kyra Sedgwick, about Kevin Bacon.

People never stop evolving, and in a relationship, it’s crucial that you never lose that desire to keep learning about your partner.

While it seems like everything is coming up roses for these two tinseltown stars, they’ll be the first to tell you that the honeymoon doesn’t last forever. This famous face told ET recently: “You can’t expect it to be easy, it’s like our marriage was the most difficult, grueling, excruciating thing that we have ever taken on in our lives. And you know we're just not quitters.”

Will Smith, about Jada Pinkett Smith.

When two people love each other enough to commit to “forever,” well, that’s going to mean more than just the days that go off without a hitch. Speaking of Hitch, these two are going on over 20 years strong, but it isn’t without it’s hurtles. Going into a relationship, it’s important to know full well that anything worth working at is going to give you some good days, and it’s also going to give you some very bad days – that’s just the truth of it.

Married for 30 years, and defying the trend of failed of marriages in Hollywood, these two know what it takes to make it work. During a television appearance, this A-lister was quoted as saying: “I got lucky.”

Tom Hanks, about Rita Wilson.

It seems after three decades, the pair must be doing something right. On a talk show appearance at The Ellen DeGeneres Show when again asked about his lasting relationship, Hanks answered, “The only thing we ever argue about is who loves each other more.”

This Hollywood star married her soul mate in 1978, and they're still going strong. In an interview, she explains: “You have to listen to your partner’s problems, suggestions and advice, and accept that you’re not always right. Conversation is the key to a successful marriage.”

Meryl Streep, about Don Gummer.

Both Meryl and Don credit their longevity to communication.

This stylish starlet and her long-time husband know what it takes to keep a marriage strong – a great sense of humour! On his lasting marriage to this screen-queen, this hunk revealed what has him so hooked: "She's really funny, she makes me laugh. That's good."

Matthew Broderick, about Sarah Jessica Parker.

It’s no surprise – countless relationship experts agree, it’s unlikely a relationship will last without a healthy sense of humour – life can be rough, you’ve got to be able to laugh!

Perhaps the most famously un-wed couple of Hollywood, these two have defied the odds and been together in unmarried bliss since 1983, even starring together in the 1987 blockbuster Overboard. They’ll tell you the secret to a long-lasting happy union is willingness to put in the work. As the starlet told People: "We have our ups and downs like everybody else. You have to want to stay together, and we really want to. Therefore you work to be together."

Goldie Hawn, about Kurt Russell.

Making a relationship – of any kind – last the test of time takes conscious effort.

This long-lasting celebrity couple seems to be making all the right moves and have been married for over eight years. The two made waves when they first stepped out and announced their engagement not long after, but have managed to avoid the headlines for much of their union. Privacy is clearly important to the couple, who credit much of their success to keeping their relationship – and all that comes with that – strictly between the two of them.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi.

Ellen and Portia know that any relationship that hopes to last for the long haul must put value on the privacy and intimacy that exists between the two people involved. Once you open yourselves up to the opinions of others, you lose the sacred connection – the bond and trust that only the two of you might share. Always communicate with one another to avoid pent-up emotions that might tempt you to put your issues “out there” – because once they are, well don’t be surprised if your breakup makes headlines.

There’s no substitute for quality time – just ask this style maven and her husband of over 25 years.

Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman.

Beyond being married, the two also work collaboratively on several of her projects, and still can’t seem to get enough of one another – it seems wherever Rachel is, Rodger is not far behind. Often calling their marriage “easy,” Rachel seems to relish the time with her husband, who she frequently refers to as her best friend. Quality time in a relationship may seem like common sense, but the key word here is “quality.” Making time for date night and other activities alone together allows you to reconnect with one another and hold on to that spark that might otherwise fizzle out without the effort.

This celebrity couple have been married for nearly 20 years, and have some very strong opinions on what it means to stay sane – and together – when it comes to love and marriage. One half of this duo told Guideposts.org: “It’s all about humility. I fail every day in my relationships and my marriage. I must say, 'Honey, I’m sorry,' about 10 times a day. 'I messed that up, didn’t I?' You may be a go-getter in life, but when you come home, you have to check that ego at the door.”

Angela Bassett, about Courtney B. Vance.

When it comes to your relationship. Sometimes you’ve got to take the high road and admit your faults – it’s not always about who’s right and who’s wrong, but you’ve got to be willing to keep your ego out of it.

No one's a better expert on friends than this quirky starlet, who married her best friend in 1995.

Lisa Kudrow and Michael Stern.

Married to French advertising exec Michael Stern since 1995, the two were friends for six years before they decided to take the plunge. Being friends first is no guarantee that you’ll make it long-term, but it doesn’t hurt. Starting off as friends allows you the kind of communication and bonding that can sometimes be overlooked when you dive headfirst into a romantic relationship – as friends first, you’re laying the groundwork for a foundation that’s going to play to your benefit later on.