At a Glance
- Chrissy Teigen reveals the secret to keeping the spark alive with husband John Legend after 12 years of marriage.
- She says the key is to keep the sexy and hide the rough parts of everyday life.
- The couple married on Sept. 10, 2013 and celebrated their tenth anniversary with a vow renewal in Italy in 2023.
Why it matters: Fans and couples alike can learn practical ways to sustain intimacy and growth over a long marriage.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have been together for more than a decade, and the cookbook author recently shared her approach to keeping their relationship fresh on the Star Search red carpet. She emphasized that part of the secret is never showing the “unattractive” parts of her life, saying, ‘For all he knows, I have never farted or pooped.’ The couple’s playful honesty is part of a broader pattern of candidness that has kept their bond strong.
The Spark: How Teigen Keeps the Flame Alive
Teigen explained that maintaining the sexy is essential. She added, ‘You’ve got to keep the sexy and preserve the sexy in a little bit of ways. I won’t say that John necessarily does that all the time, but I make sure that I do.’ Her strategy focuses on:
- Surprise: Small gestures that remind each other of the early days.
- Privacy: Keeping certain moments off the public eye.
- Playfulness: Light-hearted banter that keeps the mood upbeat.
These tactics, she says, help the couple avoid the routine that can creep into long-term relationships.
A Timeline of Love
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Sept. 10, 2013 | Legal marriage in a New York City courthouse |
| 2013 | Lake Como ceremony in Italy |
| 2011 | Engagement while vacationing in the Maldives |
| 2023 | Tenth anniversary vow renewal in Italy |
| 2020 | Teigen discusses communication differences |
| 2020 | Legend highlights different communication styles |
Family Life: Children and Communication
The couple has four children-Luna Simone (9), Miles Theodore (7), Esti Maxine (2), and Wren Alexander (2). Their parenting journey has added new dimensions to their relationship. Legend noted that ‘being parents forces you to grow up, and it changes your priorities.’ He added that ‘all of the joy, tragedy, and challenges together cement the bond.’
Communication remains a cornerstone. Teigen said in 2020, ‘We have the same communication issues as other people.’ She explained that Legend ‘loves to talk about scheduling and work’ while she prefers to focus on other topics during their time together. Legend acknowledged that they have ‘different communication styles’ but have learned to ‘work around each other and know what works for one person versus the other.’
Challenges and Growth
Despite their public image, the couple has faced hardships. Legend reflected that they have experienced ‘tragedy together and challenges together,’ and that these moments have strengthened their partnership. Teigen’s emphasis on preserving the sexy while shielding the rough highlights a deliberate effort to protect the emotional core of their marriage.
Takeaways
- Intimacy thrives on intentionality: Teigen’s focus on keeping the sexy alive shows the importance of deliberate effort.
- Communication differences can be strengths: The couple’s willingness to adapt to each other’s styles has helped them navigate family life.
- Public honesty can reinforce private bonds: Their candid conversations about marriage and parenting demonstrate that openness strengthens relationships.
By sharing her personal approach, Chrissy Teigen offers a blueprint for couples looking to sustain passion and partnership over time.
