Brooke Shields Reveals the Key to Her Lasting Marriage with Chris Henchy: Effective Communication (Interview)

Brooke Shields Shares the Secret to Her Decades-Long Marriage to Chris Henchy: 'Communicate!'

Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy. Mike Coppola/Getty Images for WarnerMedia

Brooke Shields revealed the key to her long-lasting marriage with Chris Henchy. She emphasized the importance of forgiveness in a relationship. Shields advised not only forgiving but also communicating about it. Simply forgiving without addressing the issue may lead to misunderstandings or resentment. It's crucial to talk things out and ensure both partners are on the same page.

Shields emphasized the significance of forgiveness in relationships to prevent conflicts from escalating. She highlighted the importance of clear communication in expressing and understanding each other's feelings during disagreements.

She advised against blaming each other and instead suggested using a more open and honest approach. Shields recommended reframing statements from blaming to expressing personal feelings and asking for clarification from the partner. She also mentioned that effective communication and empathy are essential for progress in a relationship.

"And then you have to really think about whether you want to forgive the person or just forgive without really meaning it to keep the relationship going. In my opinion, that's not a good idea."

Shields and Henchy first crossed paths in 1999 on the WB lot while Shields was working on her popular sitcom, Suddenly Susan. Henchy came to the rescue when Shields' dog, Darla, went missing on set. The couple has been together since then, getting married in 2001 and having two daughters, Rowan and Grier, in 2003 and 2006, respectively. (Prior to Henchy, Shields was married to tennis star Andre Agassi from 1997 to 1999.)

Expanding their family has strengthened Shields and Henchy’s relationship even more. They waited until the right time before having kids, and Shields mentioned how adding kids changes the whole picture. She waited until her late 30s or early 40s before starting a family.

While Shields is glad she waited before having children, she does have one regret - not freezing her eggs. The Mother of the Bride actress shared with Us that she went through seven rounds of IVF before conceiving. That's why she plans to support her daughters financially if they ever choose to undergo the same process.

She mentioned to Us that freezing her eggs will be her birthday gift to her future children. Despite acknowledging that it may be considered a luxury due to the cost, Shields believes in the option of egg freezing if it is accessible to individuals.

Brooke Shields Shares the Secret to Her Decades-Long Marriage to Chris Henchy: 'Communicate!'

Shields has always been open and honest with her daughters, Rowan and Grier. She values the open communication they share, as it was something she missed out on with her own mother when she was growing up.

I didn't want my children to feel like they had to grow up and keep me hidden from their reality. I accept whatever their reality may be, whether it's terrible, wonderful, or uncomfortable, without any judgment because it's their own experience.

I have made a conscious effort to let them decide what they want to share with me, without feeling like they have to hide anything. I don't want them to feel like they will get in trouble or that I will think less of them for being open. I know life can be messy, and they shouldn't have the added pressure that I had growing up, constantly trying to navigate everything except my own life. I don't want them to go through what I did with my mother, the world, and the public.

Shields hasn’t discussed Mother of the Bride with her daughters yet. She mentioned that her kids have not watched the rom-com, which portrays her character Lana navigating through her daughter Emma's unexpected wedding. Shields hopes that the movie will spark meaningful conversations between mothers and daughters.

She expressed her admiration for the film, noting that younger audiences, including her daughters, enjoy it. She also mentioned that older generations, like mothers, appreciate the movie as well. Shields remarked that she has never been involved in a film that did not generate strong opinions.

Shields suggested that daughters take their moms out to brunch before sitting down to watch it together.

 “It’s kind of nice,” she said.

Editor's P/S:

Brooke Shields' candid insights on marriage and relationships offer valuable lessons for fostering healthy and lasting connections. Her emphasis on forgiveness and open communication is particularly resonant, as it highlights the importance of addressing conflicts constructively rather than suppressing them. By acknowledging and discussing hurts, partners can prevent misunderstandings and build a stronger emotional foundation.

Furthermore, Shields' experiences with motherhood and her regrets about not freezing her eggs provide a nuanced perspective on the complexities of family planning. Her honesty about the challenges she faced during IVF and her support for her daughters' reproductive choices underscore the importance of open dialogue and individual empowerment in these matters. Ultimately, Shields' journey serves as a reminder that authentic communication, empathy, and a willingness to embrace change are essential for navigating the ebb and flow of relationships and creating fulfilling lives.