Love & The Media: On Heidi and Seal, Kobe & Vanessa Bryant – Love in the Public Eye

With the constant celebrity adoration that is prevalent in today’s culture, I sometimes wonder why we have such a glamorized view of the celebrity lifestyle. We see the red carpet appearances, lavish vacations, and extremely full bank accounts – and immediately conclude that theirs is the “perfect” life? After all, who doesn’t want to that rich, that famous or that “beautiful” (that is a discussion for another day), right?

Well….wrong! Though I’m just like everyone else in my wants and desires, I do also realize that, many times, what these people have has come at an incredible price. It can’t be easy to never have anonymity, to have your face splashed on the cover of every tabloid known to man, and to be photographed literally everywhere you go like an animal in a zoo. It must be a nightmare! There is absolutely no privacy whatsoever – something that is absolutely imperative for the growth and success of love and marriage; and when things get difficult, for the possibility of reconciliation.

Recently, the internet went crazy as it was announced that NBA superstar, Kobe Bryant and his wife of 10 years and the mother of his children, Vanessa Bryant, were getting a divorce. During what was an undoubtedly difficult time for both parties – no matter what their reasons – the internet went absolutely insane when it was revealed that Vanessa received $75 million as a divorce settlement from her now ex-husband. This would have been, for any average person, a time to retreat and take stock of the future and what to do next in privacy. Instead, both Bryants were opened up to intense criticism, with the greatest criticism directed at Vanessa (that, too, is certainly a discussion for another day).

The internet went crazy yet again when spouses of nearly 7 years, Seal and Heidi Klum, announced that they were separating. This was an unfortunate turn of events since Seal and Heidi had always appeared deeply in love and in tune with each other. Rather than wish this couple well and hope that they are able to work their differences out in their private time, the glare of public speculation and rumor-mongering has been directed squarely at them. This couple has not had a chance to attempt to save their marriage out of the public eye.

My point? Love in the public eye is extremely difficult. Every couple knows that just as there are amazing highs, there are also moments of disappointing lows. Every relationship deserves the chance to deal with their lows in private, but celebrities often do not have that luxury. So, next time you find yourself envying that celebrity lifestyle, remember that the highs and lows of your love are best enjoyed completely in private.