In his Oscar speech Ben Affleck Thanks Wife Jennifer Garner and admits Marriage Is “Work, But It’s the Best Work There Is
Let’s be honest- NONE of us truly knows what goes on behind the closed doors of a marriage. We see a couple, they have three kids, they’re fairly good looking, they’re both ambitious- they take turns in the spotlight- although from a woman’s perspective it feels like the wife spends the bulk of her energy raising their kids while the husband gets to go out, climb those proverbial mountains- and yes, even score a coveted Oscar.
But I guess amid the mirage of Hollywood smokescreens and publicists working overtime to create the illusion of a couple married with nary a sign of trouble-Ben Afflecks’ honest comments about his marriage to his wife during his Oscar’s acceptance speech- spoke volumes- at least to me- about the reality of being in a marriage.
I know when I got married- I expected the thrilling wedding day euphoria to simply carry me through that first year- almost like a wind beneath my sails- as if just the pure idea of being married would keep me happily ensconced in a union. Of course I could not have been more wrong. I could never have foreseen all the effort and gritty, dirty work marriage would entail.
I have grown up as a woman and as a person over these last 14 years that I’ve been with my husband. My marriage has stretched me (quite literally during the births of both my babies) and changed me in ways that are hard to articulate. I’ve learned that being in the daily trenches with another person- is nothing short of tiring, boring, frustrating and at times thankless. I’ve wanted to run many times. But my marriage is also the place I’ve found shelter. My husband has pushed me to find my voice, to work harder than I cared to, and to face truths about myself that were incredibly uncomfortable. Oh and then there is the issue of our kids and how their existences have helped to keep our union intact.
Which brings me back to Ben Affleck and his very honest speech about his wife…” For working on our marriage, its good… it’s work it’s the best kind of work- there’s no one I’d rather work with.”
I loved that Affleck acknowledged the truth about his relationship, That his marriage is not birds flying and chirping on your heads -0 as you smile and clink champagne glasses, 24/7 all the time. It was so nice to see a spouse honestly and openly acknowledge the wife’s place in making his life work and helping him get to that place in his marriage and his professional life.
Oh and I told my husband– if EVER he needs to make a speech– THIS IS ONE to emulate. So what do you think- did you like Ben Afflecks’ honesty about his marriage?
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This made me so happy. What a great affirmation, and what a good role model! I think we despair of finding honest politicians and genuinely happily married celebrities. The ones who seem to make it work usually only have one truly famous person in the couple. This team makes me feel like family can exist (if the work is done) in really any circumstance!! Way to go Ben and Jen and way to go you for highlighting this!