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    Celebrity Relationships & Breakups: Too Much Pressure?

    By | Love + Sex – Fri, May 25, 2012 1:40 PM EDT

    While navigating the ups and downs of marriage is difficult for almost anyone, there are additional pressures put on couples in the media spotlight.

    Most couples have the same issues that need to be worked through whether they are rich or poor, famous or not famous. The feeling of "failure" can be intense but perhaps more so for celebrities. Not only have you failed, you have failed publicly.

    On the other hand, a celebrity may have the support of fans and the public that a non-celebrity person may not get. Most non-celebs don't have the luxury of getting supportive fan mail when they're having a difficult time. Some feel very isolated and celebrities might have an easier time with that.

    But sometimes, being the "bad guy" in a celebrity divorce can haunt you for years and can be a public relations nightmare in an industry that can punish you for being "out of line." It is probably easier for non-celebs to recover from being the badly behaved partner in a bad breakup.
    After a breakup, many people are actively grieving and not feeling like dressing up or putting on makeup. They will run out to the store in their sweats. For a celebrity, this will wind up splashed all over the nightly entertainment shows, web pages or magazines. Celebrities, no matter how bad they are feeling, have to "look the part" when they venture out, otherwise there will be all kinds of criticisms and rumors which just add to a person's misery. Non-celebs don't really have to worry about that. They can dart out of their house without having to primp for the paparazzi.

    Then, there is Jennifer Aniston syndrome. Jen has been over Brad and Angie for years now and yet the media just keep it going. Probably no other person, celebrity or non-celebrity is repeatedly the subject of media coverage over something that has been a "non-subject" in her personal life for years.

    Click here for more on why it is harder for celebs to recover from relationships...

    What do you think? Do celebrities have a harder time in relationships? Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

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    Susan J. Elliott, J.D., M.Ed.Susan J. Elliott, J.D., M.Ed. About the Author:
    Susan J. Elliott is a relationship expert and creator of the Getting Past Your Breakup series to help individuals cope with divorce and loss. She is also the author of Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You.