The dynamic team famed for their co-hosting role on Live with Kelly and Mark, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, recently revealed their distinct perspective on the secret to a happy marriage.
The answer, they believe, is to avoid the habit of vow renewals, which they see as fraught with superstition and potential relationship problems.
During a recent episode of their morning talk show, the pair discussed their feelings on vow renewals. Ripa, a talented 52-year-old actress and television personality, bluntly remarked that such events frequently indicate trouble, branding them the “kiss of death” and suggested that they come standard with divorce papers.
In her perspective, a vow renewal represents a couple’s struggle and acts as a subtle hint of turmoil within the relationship. “It sounds like a declaration of ‘We don’t get along,’” she said.
Instead of renewing their vows, Ripa believes that couples should address their concerns immediately and take proactive actions to enhance their partnership.
Consuelos, her 27-year-old coworker, mirrored Ripa’s feelings and provided his take on the situation. He underlined that vow renewals are often performed after a husband has made a grave mistake or setback in the relationship.
However, he clarified that he was not referring to trivial blunders like leaving the toilet seat up. Instead, he referred to more severe errors that can damage a partnership.
Consuelos emphasized that a vow renewal should not be utilized as a quick fix but rather as a sincere attempt to rebuild a relationship after a severe breach of trust or misconduct.
Ripa and Consuelos met while working on the soap opera All My Children in the mid-1990s, reflecting on their journeys. Ripa recalled her first impressions of Consuelos, saying she had an odd connection with him and suspected he could be her future life partner.
Their bond became more robust, and on May 1, 1996, the couple secretly married in Las Vegas, beginning a journey that provided them immense joy and fulfillment.
Ripa and Consuelos are the joyful parents of three children: Michael (26), Joaquin (20), and Lola (21). Their dedication to raising a caring and supportive family has undoubtedly influenced their long-lasting marriage.
While there is no shortage of advice on how to build a long-lasting marriage, Ripa and Consuelos strongly oppose the idea of vow renewals as a way to strengthen a partnership.
However, it is essential to note that perspectives on this subject may differ amongst couples, and there is no conclusive answer as to whether vow renewals are a harmful or helpful activity.
Finally, whether or not a couple chooses to renew their vows should be a personal decision based on their specific circumstances and values.
Ripa and Consuelos are adamant that open communication, confronting challenges head-on, and actively fostering their relationship are the true pillars of a solid and long-lasting partnership. Only time will tell whether or not the feared ominous omen of vow renewals is correct.