7 Celebrity Couples Who Prove That Living Apart Can Make Relationships Stronger

Most of us have this idealistic picture in mind when we think about romantic relationships. We meet “the one,” date them for some time, get married, and live happily ever after. But this beautiful formula doesn’t say anything about what happens once you tie the knot. Turns out, the way long-term relationships work is unique for each couple, and not everyone spends all their time together.

Bright Side decided to find some examples of celebrity couples whose love only becomes stronger from being apart.

1. Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, Brad Falchuk, found an unconventional living situation that works just fine for them. Most of the time (4 nights a week) they live together, but the rest of the time Brad Falchuk lives in a different house. Seems like the couple struck their perfect balance of shared time and personal space.

2. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick

This celebrity couple is definitely an example of a long-lasting relationship — they got married back in 1997 and have 3 children together. When asked about the secret of their success, the actress pointed out the importance of spending time apart: “We have lives that allow us to be away and come back together.”

3. David and Victoria Beckham

Another celebrity couple that’s been together for a long time also prefers to have the opportunity to spend time apart. According to an insider, David and Victoria live in different parts of their house. The person adds: “When you’ve been married that long, some regular distance does you both good!”

4. Julia Roberts and Daniel Moder

The Pretty Woman star, Julia Roberts, and her husband, Daniel Moder, had to lead separate lives at the beginning of their relationship: back in 2000 when they first met, Julia Roberts was in a relationship with actor Benjamin Bratt, and Daniel Moder was married. They sorted out their lives on their own and were apart for a while to then be able to get together and create a beautiful family.

5. Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy

Actors Hugh Dancy and Claire Danes have been married for over a decade, and unlike some other couples on this list, their long-distance wasn’t their choice. The mother of 2 mentioned in an interview that her husband and she had to stay in different cities for a long time because of work. She confessed that she’s “bad at it” and that it was tough.

6. Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg

The Good Guy star and his wife also have to live apart for a substantial amount of time because of their careers. Jamie Chung says it’s not too difficult for them: the lovebirds value their freedom and the time they get to spend together.

7. Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid

Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid have had different periods of their relationship: they got engaged and un-engaged, then they got back together again. After their reunion, they had to do long-distance — he stayed in the UK while she was in Los Angeles. Luckily, according to the Friends star, this works for them. The couple is a prime example of a loving relationship that doesn’t have to be standard.

What effect does living apart have on relationships? Do you know any examples?