6 Helpful and Real Relationship Lessons We Learned from Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard
Sure, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard may look like they have it all figured out, but underneath the Game of Thrones-themed home videos and sloth surprises, Bell and Shepard are like any normal couple navigating the ups and downs of marriage. While they’re always honest and admit their relationship isn’t flawless (couples therapy, FTW), they’ve simultaneously provided us with valuable real-life examples of what it takes to maintain a healthy and happy relationship (and have fun while doing it). Here, six lessons we learned from the cutest couple on earth’s ten-year-and-counting relationship.
1. Don’t Storm Out Mid-Fight
When Bell appeared on Harry Connick Jr.’s talk show, Harry, in September of this year, she revealed the one “toxic” habit her now-hubby helped her break during their first year of dating. She said, “I used to have a temper. I loved slamming doors—I wanted a dramatic exit!”
2. Couples Therapy Is Totally Normal
Fact: Marriage is hard work for everyone. In 2015, Shepard admitted to seeking professional help when the going got rough, because they really wanted to make things work. He admitted, “There were hurdles, things she didn’t trust about me, things I didn’t trust about her. I just kept going back to ‘This person has the thing I want, and I have to figure out how we can exist peacefully.’ So we started [seeing a therapist together] right away.”
3. A Huge, Lavish Wedding Isn’t Required
Instead of a large, over-the-top wedding, the happy couple opted for a small ceremony at the Beverly Hills courthouse in 2013. “We got married in a tiny room in the Beverly Hills courthouse, and it is still one of the best days of my life,” Bell said. Ours too.
4. No Relationship is Perfect
The couple isn’t afraid to admit they had a rocky start, but Bell says they wouldn’t be where they are today if it weren’t for the tough times. “We earned each other,” she said.
5. Intimacy Is Key (Even If It’s Pre-Planned)
There’s a place on your calendar for everything, right? Last year, the Frozen star opened up about the couple’s personal life and revealed the key to a successful, long-term relationship is to always make time for it. She said, “We’ll be like, ‘OK, it’s been how many days?’ We find a night when nobody is coming over and we don’t have to work super-early in the morning, and then we slot it in.” Scheduled makeout sessions for the win.
6. Don’t Take Things Too Seriously
From Game of Thrones music videos to sloth surprises, Bell and Shepard love to laugh and be silly together. With ten years and two daughters—Lincoln (4) and Delta (2)—under their belts, we’d say they’re a pretty chill and real couple. Never change, you two.