Yes, There Are Amicable Splits in Hollywood

By Jo Piazza Posted Jun 2nd 2010 08:00PM

We're so used to hearing about all the ugliness of celebrity splits. But just like you and I, some famous folk have messy breakups and some try hard to make sure the schism is smooth sailing for both parties.

This week, Al and Tipper Gore announced that they would be separating after 40 years of marriage! 40 years! That's like 1,278 in famous person years. Some critics are even wondering, why bother to divorce after so long? Why not just stick it out?

That's a terribly fatalistic opinion. These two healthy baby boomers could live 40 more years and maybe they want to do that alone or with someone new.

News pundits were also quick to jump to conclusions about what ended the marriage, looking for something salacious or Edwardsian (same thing).

They're looking because we just aren't used to a mutual amicable split. But they do happen.

"For as many couples that stick it out, others split. Life is short, and some couples choose to experience life in a new way (apart), rather than simply existing in a ho-hum relationship for the sake of staying together. When trust, honesty, love (although not being in love) and other characteristics exist, couples can part amicably, as they likely want the best for each other," explains relationship and sex expert Amy Levine, M.A.

Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins and Bruce Willis and Demi Moore

Just last year, we saw Hollywood royalty Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins split up amicably after a 21 year partnership.

They may not have been together as long, but Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, who divorced after 3 kids and 13 years of marriage have become the Hollywood poster couple for the friendly breakup.

They spend holidays together and Bruce even hangs out with Demi's new husband, Ashton Kutcher. It seems weird because it is such an anomaly. But in these cases, age, wisdom, maturity and a shared past have actually made the break easier than it would have been if the partners were younger.

"Age can work in your favor! Usually two people who started out together at a young age and are close to the same age and then just grew apart have amicable breakups because it took time for them to cause a divide," explains Match.com relationship expert Whitney Casey. Casey says that a couple who has been together longer also knows how to communicate better with one another so it's easier for them to express their feelings during the break.

We wish Al and Tipper all the best in this new part of their lives and hope they set an example for others to follow. Oh and Tipper, give us a ring. We have a hot uncle to set you up with.

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Tags: al gore, bruce willis, demi moore, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, tipper gore

Comments

(22)

Wednesday 02 June

By Sarah

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IF I could say anything to Al and Tpper Gore, it would be, even thou your children are almost grown, and you think they can handle this, I would say to them they cannot even adult children suffer when parents split. The two of you loved each other deeply at one time and I am sure you still do. The two of you have found outside interest more appealing, with Al and his Noble Peace Prize. Jet setting over the Planet like some rock star/ and Tipper who can walk into any designer store and buy what ever, and travel as well. With the Kids off on there own planet. Why not just go seperate ways? Please look closely at what is happening here. Really doe's any of the fame and or fortune bring true happiness/ NO/ your life together loving peace kindness and caring. Good character. Love for Family. Please dont ge a divorce. Not for another women, or any other reason. What God brought together let no man put under. See you only have short while we are like the wind blowing here and there, but God is a constant. He will give back the Joy Peace Happiness. The true Peace Happiness. Take eachother by the hand and walk into History with deep seated love. Fall in love all over again. Dont put Money Greed Image first. You will both be in my Prayers. I will Pray God will bring you Peace.

By Diane!!

Sarah is correct. There is no time when divorce isn't difficult. It isn't the solution! Why don't people read the statistics. Second marriages don't last as long as first marriages, and third and fourth are even worse. It's hard, I know. I've been married 30 years. It's been hard for my husband at times as well. But if you hang in there (trust me!!) it's worth the work. It's harder after you divorce. I've had many friends storm out of a difficult marriage only to find that it's much harder after they leave...especially ESPECIALLY if it is for sexual fulfillment. Don't buy into that. It's not, not, not true. Stay where you are for the sake of your children's psychological, spiritual and physical health. My parents divorced when I was in my mid-twenties and I didn't marry until 30 years of age. I was too scared! I've worked very hard and that love that you work for can't be matched. It is truly an earned treasure. I look back at all the hard times, and we both stayed. We're both so glad we did. Good luck and God bless each couple out there!!!!

Thursday 03 June

By veronica kramisen

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IWAS ALSO DIVORCED .CHILDREN FROM ONE YRS. OF AGE THEE AFFECT ON THEMM NEVER GOES AWAY.NO MATTER WHAT AGE THEY ARE AT.

Friday 04 June

By rex

sarah and diane cry me ariver. you both need to grow up
parents get divorced.
you two sound like your living in another world.
if you both are divorced i can understand why your husbands split

By lj

watch them since the clinton years and always felt it was all for the camera and very fake what were they trying to prove with all the huggy, kissey stuff. give me a break

By GINGER

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THE RECENT COUPLES THAT HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 13 & 40 YEARS, MUST NOT HAVE LOVED EACH OTHER, IF SO THEY WOULD NOT BREAK UP, MAYBE IT WAS A BOUT MONEY IN THE BEGINNIG AND NEVER LOVE. I HAVE BEEN MARRIED 55 YEARS AND STILL IN LOVE WITH MY HUSBAND AND IS STRONGER EVEN MORE.. THIS IS WHAT LOVE WILL DO FOR YOU. YOU NEVER LOSE IT IF YOU REALLY LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
SHAME OON YOU BOTH
GOD BLESS

By Eula Carnley

Personally I have always thought Al acts and looks Gay. Therefore, it is my personal opinion, that Tipper may have caught him with another Man. His Weird Science concerning the Global Warming Farce is as Bizarre as he is too!

By bill

You're stupid. What does act and look gay mean?

By Virginia

I am glad to see that Human Beings can breakup without blood, guts, and murder. Being able to let go without the violent behavior is the best way to go. Betty Broderick should have let go of her husband and not killed her husband and his new wife.

By otis

Wow and to think of this genius that discovered the internet cant hold on to his woman

By tony

Cant hold to his woman cuz he isholding onto his boyfriends knob

By DEBORAH

Beautiful people please leave them alone. They have the right to live without any one's opinion.

By Sharon

Very well written article. I like the positive spin. You did not focus on negative gossip. If this is a sample of your writing "m.o." then you are a credit to your profession.

By sleepyhead

Geez, I've known my hubby 4 21 years. Will WE SURVIVE 20 more years??????

By Science Bob

So which one of you gets the Internet (will you get it AL because you invented it - right?). What about global warming Al? Will you still have time to scare us and frighten everyone into believing you are so damn smart? OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By dickie

it all started when tipper realised global warming was very real! she was very "conductive" and grew very hot and her life with al was getting very boring and sensed there was a lot more to life than growing old while al was growing more self-possessed! they have'nt yet decided who is going to take possession of the 400.000.square foot mansion in the beautiful northern california grape country!!!

By Melody

The author of this article acts as if divorce is perfectly acceptable when it is amicable. She acts as if "growing apart" is a perfectly fine reason to ignore the vows taken. Look folks, if you think "Gee, if this doesn't work out or if I get bored in a few years, I'll just get a divorce" then don't bother getting married. Shack up (divorce vs. living in sin... what's the difference?)The vow says "for better or worse", not "until you get sick and tired of each other." Maybe...just maybe if folks took those vows seriously and really thought about those vows before they planned the HONEYMOON, our country (with all its broken families and broken morals) wouldn't be in the shape it's in!

Welll..Seems Al..ee boy met a boyfriend while hobknobbing with the Holywood et..Always was the efeminate type

By madjanssen

I can't fathom the criticisms everyone's showering on the Gores. What goes on in a marriage/relationship is strictly between 2 people & tho one party can tell their best friend the gorriest of details, it's still not the same. Only the 2 people involved in the relationship really knows what 's going on. Yes, it's a shame, after so long but my parents in law did the same too & it was for the best, for the both of them. Maybe they're just trying to be honest with each other & everyone else about not wanting to stay married anymore - staying together for the sake of 'sticking it out' is just hypocritical & clearly the Gores aren't those kind of people. Give them a break guys!!!

By mark

She finally got to know him. Gore is a walking lie/joke.

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