- Jada Pinkett Smith revealed that she and Will Smith have been secretly separated for seven years.
- Online, some individuals criticized them for being deceptive in public.
- A therapist believes their decision to maintain privacy demonstrates their prioritization of each other and themselves.
When Jada Pinkett Smith made the revelation that she and her husband Will Smith have been separated and leading separate lives for the past seven years, it caused shockwaves across the internet.
Fans started revisiting public appearances and interviews by the couple in search of signs that indicated they were putting on a façade, leading some individuals to claim that their behavior was “embarrassing.”
On “The View,” co-host Ana Navarro suggested that Pinkett-Smith’s disclosure was a strategic move to garner more attention for her upcoming memoir, “Worthy.”
However, there were also supporters who defended the couple, arguing that their decision to keep their relationship issues private for such a long time underscored their deep care for each other.
While the internet appears to be divided about the couple’s secrecy, it is evident that their chosen approach has been beneficial for their relationship, according to Tammy Nelson, a couples therapist and author of “The New Monogamy,” as told to Insider.
“By keeping their private life out of the public eye, they have reclaimed their power and asserted that nobody has the right to dictate how they should live or judge their choices,” Nelson explained.
Nelson, who has not treated Pinkett Smith or Smith, clarified that withholding private details from others is not necessarily indicative of deception or shame about their relationship.
Rather, it can be a deliberate strategy to protect the aspects that matter the most to the couple, such as their children’s privacy, mutual respect, and the freedom to live in a manner that may defy traditional norms around monogamy and marriage.
Pinkett Smith and Smith’s Seven-Year Secret: A Therapist’s Perspective
Since Pinkett Smith’s revelation, speculation has arisen about various highly-publicized incidents throughout the years, including Smith slapping Chris Rock after a joke about Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, and Pinkett Smith’s mention of an “entanglement” with singer August Alsina.
Fans have also shared a 2017 clip from “Watch What Happens Live,” where Pinkett Smith provides an elusive response when asked how she and Smith keep their marriage passionate.
While some people theorized whether these events were staged or camouflages for underlying relationship problems, others criticized Pinkett Smith outright on social media platforms.
At present, it is impossible to determine their motivations behind these behaviors or why Pinkett Smith chose to disclose their separation after so many years. Nevertheless, their decision demonstrates their commitment to honesty and each other, as per Nelson’s interpretation.
“Clearly, they made this choice together regarding what they wanted to keep private,” Nelson stated.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Even if Pinkett Smith and Smith resorted to lies or partial truths to maintain the privacy of their relationship status, it is possible that they felt they had no other choice in order to safeguard their dynamic while staying true to themselves and their evolving needs and desires, according to Nelson.
To her, this decision reflects the integrity of both individuals, as they have the ability to be their authentic selves within their relationship, even if it means deviating from societal norms.
Nelson noted that there is still significant judgment in society surrounding marriage separations, which could explain why Pinkett Smith and Smith kept their situation under wraps to avoid unwanted scrutiny while prioritizing the integrity of their marriage.
Marriage Privacy and Personal Growth: Insights from a Therapist
Nelson stated that self-exploration and acceptance could be another driving factor behind couples like Pinkett Smith and Smith choosing to withhold news of their separation.
She emphasized that there isn’t a singular “correct” way to navigate a marriage or relationship. In reality, relationships can take various forms, such as living separately, having private encounters with other
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