Did you ever notice that, once a couple has been together for a while, everyone around them starts clamoring about when they're going to get married? Not too long ago, I did a post about celebs who should just take the plunge already, but I'm doing a turn-around this time. Marriage isn't for everyone, and in Hollywood, I'm willing to come right out and say that, more often than you might think, the star couples who don't want to put a ring on it end up more successful than the ones who do. I mean, Britney Spears is older than I am and she's been married twice, yet the majority of the couples here have been together many, many times longer than she and K-Fed. Kim Kardashian's recent nuptials got me thinking about this, you see – my friends and I are hedging bets on how long that will last. In the meantime, let me introduce you to some awesome celeb couples who haven't tied the knot.
Angelina and Brad are always making headline news. Usually it's for their children, their movies, their fake breakups – or their fake nuptials. Rarely, however, are they lauded for the fact that they've now been together for more than six years. In spite of frequent tabloid reports of fights and breakups, and in spite of the nature of their relationship when it first began, these two are going strong.
These two may well be the king and queen of unmarried celebrities, especially since Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins broke up. They've been with each other for more than 25 years, and you probably don't need me to tell you that their relationship has lasted longer than most marriages. More, Kurt has always been a great dad to the kids Goldie had prior to their relationship. That's love, yo.
Although Oprah and Stedman have been almost married I don't know how many times, they've reached a point where they seem really happy with the state of things. Oprah's been known to say that she thinks they've got a closer bond over recent years, simply because they aren't married. Still, you have to wonder if they'll ever make it to the altar. Of course, at this stage – they, too, have made it to their silver anniversary – there's no real reason to fix what ain't broke.
In terms of things, Matthew and Camila haven't really been together that long. Their relationship has been steady for four years, though, and since Matthew used to have a reputation as a pretty big player, that's saying something. Maybe fatherhood's helped to tame him a little.
I just love these two! They seem so happy together, and along with the other unmarried celebrities on this list, prove that you don't really need a ring to make a long lasting commitment. They might get married someday, but for now, they're unquestionably happy – and in love, and faithful – just as they are.
Both of these two experienced divorce within their own families, which goes a long way toward explaining why Naomi and Liev aren't rushing to the altar. In fact, Naomi at least is known for her long term but ringless relationships. Thus far, they've been together five years, and they have the same philosophy: maybe they'll get married one day … and maybe they won't. But they're happy, and they're committed, just as they are.
Ricky and Jane have been with each other for an enviable 25 years. They share everything, they say; all they really lack is a piece of paper and a ceremony. I'm a ginormous fan of Ricky Gervais; I'd love to be not-married to the man.
Here's another example of two people avoiding their “I do's” because of what they've experienced in their own families. Jon's been known to say that neither of them have the marriage gene – and that, at 13 years, they've been together four times as long as his parents. I can understand that, can't you?
I'm not a huge fan of Gene Simmons, and I'm not a huge fan of the way he tends to treat his partner as someone disposable … but something about the relationship works for them. Of course, this past season of their reality show, Gene finally proposed. Since it took them nearly 25 years to get to that point, however, and since it happened on TV, I'm kind of skeptical about whether or not they'll make it to marriage. Well, unless it makes a good episode.
These two take the cake! They've been together since 1983, and they're still going strong. They have two children together, which is actually one of the reasons they haven't wanted to tie the knot. Because of their firm belief that American families fall apart, and since they've both gone through failed marriages before, they've never wanted to experience that again. They say they're married in spirit.
When it comes down to it, marriage really is a personal choice these days. Some people aren't cut out for it, some people don't believe in it, and others simply don't have the privilege. Regardless of whether you think marriage is the end-all, be-all of commitment or not, seeing the strength of these relationships is really inspiring! You don't need a ring to love and honor one another, and I think that's the crux of what these awesome celebrity couples who haven't tied the knot are all about! What are your feelings on the matter?
Top Image Source: weheartit.com