Think Celebrities Always Have it Easy?
Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel to split from husband of two years? Relationship expert Susan J. Elliott on how celebrities often have a tougher time navigating breakups than non-celebrities…
Is Bethenny Frankel really divorcing her husband, Jason Hoppy? Some reports say that Frankel, the former star of ‘Real Housewives of New York’ is readying for a split from her hubby of two years, while other reports say that’s simply not true. Others say Frankel, who has aired her marital problems on her hit BRAVO reality show, “Bethenny Ever After,” reportedly is trying to make the marriage work, while at least one news outlet reported that Frankel may be pregnant.
Related: Navigating the Challenges of Divorce
Since Frankel left “Housewives,” she has also launched her own line of Skinnygirl Cocktails, cleanses, facial products and slimming undergarments, among other products.
While navigating the ups and downs of marriage is difficult for almost any couple, there are additional pressures put on couples in the media spotlight. We asked Susan J. Elliott, relationship expert and author of Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You, how celebrities and “regular” couples may cope differently with a breakup. Here’s what she said…
———————————————————————————————–
I think that all relationships are difficult but can become more strained when in the spotlight.
When I’m working with clients, most of them have the same issues (grief, starting over, secondary losses) that need to be worked through whether they are rich or poor, famous or not famous. The feeling of “failure” can be intense but I believe that it is more intense for celebrities. Not only have you failed, you have failed publicly.
Related: When the Person You Love Doesn’t Love You Back
On the other hand, a celebrity may have the support of fans and the public that a non-celebrity person may not get. I know one of my clients is a huge Bethenny Frankel fan and has written her in support of the breakup rumors. Most non-celebs don’t have the luxury of getting supportive fan mail when they’re having a difficult time. Some of my clients and readers feel very isolated and celebrities might have an easier time with that.
But sometimes, being the “bad guy” in a celebrity divorce can haunt you for years and can be a public relations nightmare in an industry that can punish you for being “out of line.” It is probably easier for non-celebs to recover from being the badly behaved partner in a bad breakup.
Susan J. Elliott
After a breakup, many people are actively grieving and not feeling like dressing up or putting on makeup. They will run out to the store in their sweats. For a celebrity, this will wind up splashed all over the nightly entertainment shows, web pages or magazines. Celebrities, no matter how bad they are feeling, have to “look the part” when they venture out, otherwise there will be all kinds of criticisms and rumors which just add to a person’s misery. Non-celebs don’t really have to worry about that. They can dart out of their house without having to primp for the paparazzi.
Slideshow: 8 Short-Lived Celebrity Marriages
Then, there is Jennifer Aniston syndrome. Jen has been over Brad and Angie for years now and yet the media just keep it going. Probably no other person, celebrity or non-celebrity is repeatedly the subject of media coverage over something that has been a “non-subject” in her personal life for years.
What do you think? Do celebrities have a harder time in relationships? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!
- For more daily expert updates, follow genConnect on Twitter and Facebook.
- To stay on top of Susan Elliott’s latest posts, as well as the contributions from other experts on the site: Sign Up for genConnect.
Category: Dating, Divorce, Loss & Grieving, Marriage, Relationships, Views on the News
