Hugh Jackman’s 3 sweet rules for keeping his 21-year marriage strong

Celeb marriages aren’t always the best example of healthy relationships, but every once in a while, a star-studded duo does lend a heartwarming morsel of wedded-bliss inspo (looking at you, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard). Academy Award–nominated actor Hugh Jackman recently pulled back the curtain to detail how he and his wife of 21 years—actress and producer Deborra-Lee Furness—stay true to their vows and prioritize their relationship. And, pay attention: You’ll want to keep these tips in your back pocket, regardless of your marital status.

“We are not going to spend more than two weeks apart, and we are not going to work at the same time if we don’t have to financially. So, one of us is always there to support the other.” —Hugh Jackman, on prioritizing his marriage

First, the X-Men star told Today that the couple strictly adheres to two rules: “We are not going to spend more than two weeks apart, and we are not going to work at the same time if we don’t have to financially. So, one of us is always there to support the other.” Okay, okay, chances are you and your S.O. will likely work simultaneously, but you can embrace Jackman’s guidance as an invitation to have that all-important conversation about money and to re-organize your work trips to maximize face time with your bae.

Next, Jackman said that he and Furness consistently carve out time to go on adventures together. Their most notable trip so far being to Ethiopia in 2009, where the pair met a coffee farmer who inspired Jackman to start Laughing Man Coffee—the Australian couple’s conscious coffee brand.

So, after you talk about finances with your partner, maybe also set a date for your next road trip, hiking excursion, or under-the-radar stint abroad. It’ll lighten the mood, for sure, not to mention pave the way for creating awesome memories and maybe even a side hustle, à la Jackman and Furness.

Originally published March 15, 2018; updated July 4, 2018.

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