It's not hard to become jaded about celebrity marriages. Seems like every week we're proclaiming a new pair of A-listers our favorite couple, and then just six months later (or less!) they're already filing for divorce. Hollywood is where healthy relationships go to die.
So it's refreshing when we hear the rare stories about the couples who have gone the distance — and it appears that Denzel Washington's marriage might be one of the strongest in Tinseltown. The actor just celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary with wife Pauletta, and to mark the occasion, people want to know: How do you two lovebirds make it work?
Denzel answered the question with his signature good humor in a recent interview. Just about every line he dropped about the inner workings of his life with Pauletta is pure gold, and to be honest, anyone in a relationship could stand to learn a thing or two.
There's no shortage of red carpet photos of the happy couple.
The only thing longer than this marriage is Denzel's successful career. So how has he balanced superstardom with keeping Pauletta happy all these years?
Well, it's simple…
“I do what I’m told. I keep my mouth shut,” he jokes. All kidding aside, it sounds like staying grounded is the cornerstone of their life together.
For example, when asked what they did for their recent anniversary, the fabulously successful movie star responded, “We just chilled, had some dinner. It was kind of quiet.”
He has no shortage of praise for Pauletta.
When asked what he most appreciated about his better half, he responded, “There’s too many things! What pops into my head: security, food, a beautiful home. The difference between a house and a home, it’s a big difference. You can buy a house, but that doesn’t make it a home."
He also talks about amazing job she did as a mother to their three grown children. "[Pauletta] raised these beautiful kids and protected them and sacrificed for them, she did the heavy-lifting.”
Oh, and one more thing: Pauletta is apparently a great chef!
“She has a few [dishes]. I’ve been eating her curry chicken since I’ve known her. I used to make it too, but not as good as hers!”
While it's all sweet, fans seem to identify most strongly with Denzel's commitment to "keeping his mouth shut."
It's a simple piece of advice, and not always the easiest for a man to implement, but boy does it work!
Silence can be golden, after all.
Perhaps the fact that the couple don't both work in the 'biz helps them keep it real.
There's not a negative comment to be found on Twitter about Denzel's interview.
New life motto: Get yourself a significant other who treats you like Denzel treats Pauletta.
But be sure to return the favor. And if that means swallowing your pride sometimes and keeping your mouth shut, then so be it!
It sounds like this spouse has already figured out this life hack, but for everyone else out there, take notes.
It's all love, baby.
