Despair Not, Romantics

A friend of mine on Facebook – the genuine variety of friend, not just the Fb kind – posted a despondent status update this week on hearing that long-time Hollywood couple Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins had split.

"My faith in lifetime couplings between those who don't marry is shattered," she wrote.

Interesting that she sets them apart as an "unmarried" couple she hoped would go the distance, as if not marrying could somehow provide protection from not only divorce, but separation as well.

In any case, that was no doubt the reaction many of us had on hearing the news. But I can’t help but think that any relationship that lasts a good five years is a success. Maybe we weren’t built for lifetime partnering, and maybe, just maybe that’s not so bad?

I realize I’m in the minority here, but for those who don’t want to let go of the idea of "forever" — and who hold celebrity couples up as the example — CNN.com has a slideshow of the Hollywood couples who have stayed together through thick and thin. (Oh, and kudos to CNN for looking on the bright side!)

Here are some of the highlights:

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell – together 25 years (and still unmarried!!)

Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan – married 21 years, 18 of which Fox has battled Parkinson’s.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett – married 12 years, in what they acknowledge to be an open relationship.

Kelly Preston and John Travolta – married 18 years.

Arnold Schwartzenegger and Maria Shriver – married 23 years, weathering both Hollywood and political life.

I still say, even if any of these couples split tomorrow, we could still call those relationships a huge success.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.