DVF: The Secret to a Great Marriage

I have long been a fan of Diane von Furstenberg.  Her talents, her style and her wisdom impress the heck out of me.  Yesterday’s The New York Times Magazine contained an article based on an interview with DVF by Andrew Goldman entitled ‘Like a Cowboy Going to a Saloon.’  The article referred to an interview question: “You married Barry Diller in 2001, but you don’t live in the same house in New York.  Is that the secret to a great marriage?”

DVF answered “No, the secret to a great marriage is

having a great husband.”  She went on to say, “This man has been my lover, my friend and he is now my husband.  I have been with him 35 years.  At times we were separated, at times we were only friends, at times we were lovers, at times we’re husband and wife, and that’s our life.”

I also admire her willingness to speak the truth.  In a long-term relationship the emotions don’t remain the same year in and year out.  Sometimes you don’t even like each other.  But you stick around and you become friends again.  And lovers again.  And husband and wife again.  You don’t throw away what is good in your relationship –  “that’s our life.”

If you want to know why the article is titled ‘Like a Cowboy Going to a Saloon’ you are just going to have to go to NYTimes.com/magazine.