Comedian Dax Shepard has shared why he's no 'fan' of his wife, Hollywood actor Kristen Bell, while opening up about relationships.
The couple tied the knot in an ultra lowkey wedding at their local courthouse in October 2013, just a few short months after they welcomed their first child, Lincoln.
In the years since, their careers have taken them in different directions, with Bell, 45, continuing to star in film and TV, while Shepard, 51, has moved into hosting, particularly with his smash hit podcast, Armchair Expert.
Part of his success in the podcast sphere has been his sometimes overly honest and forthright discussion of his relationship with Bell and how they raise their two kids, a trait which reared its head on his latest episode, when he shared that 'it wouldn't be healthy' if he was a 'fan' of his wife.
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Shepard shared his insight while speaking to Justin Garcia, an evolutionary biologist and Executive Director of the sex and relationships focused Kinsey Institute, who explained how it is 'really important to let your partner know' why you are attracted to them.
"'We tend to be attracted to people who are attracted to us," Garcia said. "In long-term relationships its why its really important to let your partner know... whatever that attraction is, if its physical, you look beautiful, you look handsome, or you're so smart."
But this is not the same as being obsessed, or a 'fan', of that person.
Garcia added: "I think that there's a difference, with I've followed you, I'm a fan. I don't know if we want fans in our relationships. Because, did they hear you? Did they witness what you are saying?"
Shepard responded strongly to this conclusion from the Kinsey Institute head, reflecting on his own relationship with Bell, where both of them had been building a successful career on screen when they met.
"I agree with you, you shouldn't be a fan of your partner," Shepard said. "I get asked this all the time in interview, like 'You must be so blown away', but no I don't look at my wife like you do, and I don't think that would be healthy."
No doubt, after starring in a number of popular TV series and comedies, such as Bell's The Good Place and Shepard's Parenthood, the one thing they likely did not lack was people who would sycophantically tell them they are great at whatever they do.
In a relationship, this fan attitude is not so much of a partnership as a one way street of adoration, which is not so helpful when you need to do the dishes, or organize picking up the kids from school.
Showing a mindset that has led to almost 13 years of marriage, Shepard importantly added of his wife: "But I do admire and respect her."
Topics: Kristen Bell, Film and TV, Sex and Relationships
William Morgan