Celebrity

10 Ways Reality TV Couples Can (Actually) Make It Work

by 7/23/2014

Since LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian are just beginning the exciting journey of reality television, we thought we’d give them (and other couples out there) a few pointers on how to make your relationship last once America is in your living room.

Over the years, we’ve seen couple after couple grow dysfunctional and fall apart once they let the cameras into their life. Whether they’re singers, actors, or professional athletes, stars in the spotlight are unfortunately prone to the lying, cheating and divorce that comes with the territory of fame. However, certain TV couples have managed to survive, emerging out of the reality TV fog happier than ever. From The Bachelorette’s Trista and Ryan Sutter to the titular stars of Giuliana and Bill, these lovebirds are still going strong, providing us with 10 rules any reality TV couple can use to make their relationship work. We suggest they take note.

 

1. Keep hold of your traditional values.

[Photo Credit: awesomelyluvie]

Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes tells it how it is, and we like that. She has a firecracker personality, but still holds traditional values near and dear to her heart, no matter how she chooses to express them. “Your marriage is supposed to just compliment and enhance who you are,” NeNe said last year. “Like, if you want to jump over the damn moon, your partner should support you jumpin’ over the damn moon.” Despite divorcing her husband of 15 years in 2011, NeNe remarried Gregg Leakes in 2013.

2. Accept and embrace each other’s weirdness. 

[Photo Credit: @kourtneykardash]

Kourtney Kardashian is obsessed with “going green,” and Scott Disick refers to himself as LD (aka Lord Disick). Yes, they’re both crazy in their own way, but after being together for over seven years, they may have the realest relationship we’ve seen on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. In being — and loving — their weird selves, they’re obviously doing something right.

3. Take on adventure together.

[Photo Credit: @giulianarancic]

On Giuliana & Bill, the Rancics remind us that even though being under the spotlight can be stressful at times, it’s still OK to have fun. The couple lightens things up together, and relies on one another to be their partners in crime. G still refers to Bill as “Rancic” — because marriage is a team effort, after all.

4. Don’t let the fame get to you.

[Photo Credit: Taylor Ferber/VH1]

LaLa Anthony admitted she was hesitant to date NBA star Carmelo Anthony because of the scandal and cheating that permeates the world of professional athletes. Yet after 10 years together, we’re seeing the two live out their own dreams on LaLa’s Full Court Life without getting caught up in all of the negative buzz. By staying grounded, they’re able to put their relationship first.

5. Recognize and frequently admire your significant other’s private parts.

[Photo Credit: Taylor Ferber/VH1]

Couples often forget to keep up one crucial practice: flirting. We all know that Jessie James and NFL star Eric Decker do not monitor themselves nor turn down the heat just because the cameras are on. With all of those screams of “baby!” plus the touching and jumping on each other, it’s hard not to get hot and bothered while watching these two. E!’s Eric & Jessie: Game On shows us that it’s OK to continue being passionate for one another, all the way to the bedroom.

6. Remember a woman’s right to shoes.

[Photo Credit: WWLVD]

It’s no secret why The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump and her husband Ken Todd have been married for over three decades. In every relationship, you must make compromises, especially when the world is watching. You don’t need to be a couple on TV to know women love their accessories. So, men, take note: Whether you’re on television or not, you probably won’t be able to get your wife or girlfriend to stop buying shoes. Ken has been a smart enough enough to accept this for the past 32 years. Yes, it’s not just the business acumen that’s landed him in Beverly Hills.

7. A little tough love never hurt.

[Photo Credit: killthehydra]

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne are the veteran couple of reality TV, dating back their 2002 MTV series The Osbournes. Regardless of whether or not ridiculous banter and f-bombs were thrown around left, right, and sideways, Sharon and Ozzy have been married for 32 years. Their relationship hasn’t always been easy — Ozzy has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, and admitted to relapsing in 2013 — but after all that time, you gotta give it to your loved ones straight.

8. No matter how crazy they may be, family always comes first. 

[Photo Credit: @taylorferber]

The only family that may give the Kardashians a run for their money are the Manzos. Former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Caroline Manzo and her husband Albert invited Bravo in to their insane but loving household in the spin-off Manzo’d With Children. Despite all the drama of the previous series, the couple still has a solid foundation to remember what’s really important regardless of all the public scrutiny. It helps that Caroline will cut any b–ch that talks smack on her family (and will tell you so). This year, they will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.

9. Experiment in the bedroom.

[Photo Credit: Taylor Ferber/VH1]

Just because you’re on national TV, doesn’t mean you can’t be open with your sexuality. Basketball Wives star Jackie Christie and her NBA hubby Doug keep their marriage fresh by… trying new things. As far as ongoing traditions, these two remarry every single year on their anniversary to remind one another of their love, as well as to fight the temptations fame can bring. Possibly the most aggressive/cutest tactic ever.

10. It’s okay to lead a normal life.

[Photo Credit: Taylor Ferber/VH1]

One of the earliest couples birthed by reality TV is still killing it to this day. Season one Bachelorette Trista and her husband Ryan Sutter are perfectly content passing up fame and fortune for a quiet life with their kids in Colorado. Before dating on TV became the spectacle it is now, these two found something real, and are now happier than ever in their marriage, 11 years later. Props to these guys. Oh, and no pressure, Andi Dormfan.

Pizza is bae. And yes, I still say bae.
@taylorferber