No one knows what goes on between a couple except the two people involved. Every relationship therapist (like myself) knows this. However, this fact won’t get in the way of all the speculation, hypothesizing, blaming, and innuendos that are sure to come now that the news of the Brangelina split has been confirmed.
Already there is talk about Jen—and how karma has come back around to this couple who met and started their relationship when Brad and Jen were still together. There is also rumor about possible drug use on the part of Brad that Angelina just can’t tolerate for the sake of the kids. Her illness and subsequent surgeries are bound to come up—as are rumors of someone stepping outside of the marriage. We may never know and it’s none of our business anyway.
The reason Jolie gave when filing for divorce was for the well-being of the family, and she has requested full custody. This is bound to get folks speculating about what Brad must have done, is doing for Jolie to take this step. Perhaps there has been a lot of tension, fighting and dysfunction due to having so many children in such a short period of time, several having been adopted from other countries/cultures. Add to that Jolie’s health issues and you have the makings of serious stress, and we know that stress has a negative impact on individuals, couples, and families.
Whatever the reason for this step—it does not have the feel of a typical Hollywood split—one partner getting bored or just becoming unhappy and going elsewhere to get their needs met. Or the time Hollywood couples spend apart due to their work, and the fact that while they are apart, hubby or wifey is getting chummy with a co-star or others they work and live closely to while on location.
This one is also different due to the focus these two have had on their kids/family—and how supportive Brad was during Angelina’s difficult diagnoses and subsequent surgeries. According to Jolie, he was wonderful. But really—where has the time been for just Brangelina, the lovers/partners/friends? Seems like it’s been Brangelina the spouses and parents of a large brood of young children. This and their work must have led to a lot of loneliness and unmet needs—how could it be otherwise?
Whatever the reasons, we will never really know what they are. We can only hope that they find a way to end things amicably for the sake of the kids—and for Jen fans, that Brad finds his way back to his first love. Just thought I’d throw that one in for the fun of it.
