I love to see marriages endure the test of time as well as the test of Hollywood. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to work in the entertainment industry and maintain a seemingly healthy marriage at the same time. The added pressures of crazy work schedules and that extra attention that comes along with celebrity could be overwhelming for some. That’s why it’s good to see and hear about couples who are making love success happen.
With excitement centered around his 3rd time as host of the Grammy’s, LL recently spent some time on the Rickey Smiley morning show and provided some quick nuggets of information on marriage. Although it was brief, lighthearted and to the point, LL’s words of wisdom were honest and refreshing.
After reminding us he had been with his wife, Simone, since 1987 and married since 1995, he went on to share the following:
“Be friends, keep it simple, know what to overlook, and be quiet, eat my soup and let her talk.”
Although, he didn’t have the opportunity to really elaborate, those statements were actually quite insightful.
Being friends, should be the basis for any relationship. Friends share, trust and have a genuine like for one another, which is also a great beginning for a strong partnership.
Keeping it simple to me means being drama-free. Marriages don’t benefit from all that extra chaos. If something is bothering us, we should speak up about it and create a solution with our spouse. It shouldn’t linger on or become so out of control we can’t fix it.
Knowing what to overlook means we should pick our battles wisely. Everything doesn’t have to be a 911 emergency. Taking some time to calm down and assess the situation can completely change the outcome for the positive.
Being quiet, eating soup and letting her talk, while pretty funny, is actually very wise. Not just for the husband, but for both partners. Listening attentively can reduce so many misunderstandings. Most of our communication struggles surface as a result of our not being able to truly listen.
I’m loving that LL was even asked about marriage success in such a brief interview. It’s good to hear and know that people still care about what it takes to make a marriage work.
BMWK, what’s the secret to your marriage success?
Anonymous says
This man should not be the poster child for marriage, he cheated on his wife numerous times, which he has openly admitted too. The only thing standing the test of time is the community property state they live in so she can get half of his money if he decides to leave her for one of his mistresses.
Anonymous says
I love your negativity. Look, we all make mistakes in our relationship, especially when we are younger. You should applaud him for his honesty and humility in admitting his mistakes. But then again, your probably just a hater and not even married.
L. T. Smith says
Admitting to cheating on his wife is the reason he should be on that poster and include his wife on that poster. All marriages have issues. Some are worse than other’s. I admitted the same thing to my wife and we were able to get through it by the grace of God. If you want to condemn LL for making a mistake or having poor judgment then no one can be on this poster. Being married has nothing to do with being perfect in every aspect of life. It’s about accepting a person as they are flaws and all, and working/staying together no matter what. Exception to this would be domestic abuse.
Anonymous says
@L.T. Smith – So you mean to tell me you took vows before our Almighty God and then pursued another woman that wasn’t your wife, took your close off, had sex with this women and then say you made a mistake, you might want to look up the word mistake in the dictionary and learn the true meaning of that. Mistakes are things you do unknowingly. Your wife could have HIV, or you could have given her a disease that would have affected her ability to conceive another child. Tell me something would you forgive you wife if she was having a affair on you right now…… I doubt it.
Dee says
Ll.cool j make me your # how many now.. or was mistresses?
Anonymous says
@ Anonymous – Actually, I’m married and have been for awhile and no, I don’t consider myself negative, it’s my opinion. I just think they’re countless black married celebrity men you could have profiled with a better reputation and who walks aligned in Christian principals.
jazz says
I have heard from very reliable sources that he is still unfaithful to his wife. It’s cheaper to keep her.
jazz says
My bad. Wrong rapper.
Jazz says
I’m a taro don’t no way I say n
Jazz says
I would such ll cool j s dic.
Jazz says
Ll.cool j is a super cheater on his wife. She ugly anyway
Latishia says
I agree! Everybody does make mistakes in life and marriage and just in general! But the point is you don’t keep making them!! LL was already rich and famous with a load full of groupies and women at his feet at the age of 16 way before he met Simone. They didn’t meet in high school they met through her cousin, who was his friend, in their neighborhood in Queens, NY. When they met he was 19 and she was 17! He admitted in his book “i make my own rules” in 1995 that he had a rough and abusive childhood and as a teenage sensation he indulge in a lot of sex with random women along with drugs ect to cope with his childhood memories! He also stated that he did all this before simone, while with simone ( which caused them to break up a lot) and even still after marriage which is why he did the song “luv you better” in 2003 so although he may have used his book as therapy and he may have become a changed man now who knows? but the fact is Simone knew LL was famous!!! Why would a woman put up with all that cheating and messing around?? Then have babies, he cheat again and then leave again? She said on VH1 Behind The Music of LL CooL J ” that i would call him while he was on the road and say i bet your with girls” then on Oprah she stated ” I’ve definitely did a lot of questioning” referring to him cheating. So that does show her insecurities towards him and then at one time LL said he wanted to marry kaidada but their different religious beliefs made him break up with her and he went back to simone…. so you mean to tell me that this man was willing to marry another woman over you, the same man that has been cheating on all this time but the only reason your Mrs Smith today is because a difference of “religious beliefs”??? Thats all it took for him to come back to you and wife you? Not because I’m still in love with you and I want you to be the one but just because of religious beliefs??? So what if kaidada changed her beliefs with LL? Would they be married today instead of him and Simone? Is that how simple it could’ve been lol Like if LL was just a regular mojo on the street I really don’t think Simone would’ve took him back or even married him the way he dogged her which he admits throughout his book! But of course if it’s about who he is and the the lifestyle she can live off of like she’s currently living now from what I see on social media of course it’s worth it but how much is it worth without BEING IN REAL TRUE LOVE with that person or them with me? If a man truly knows what he wants and what he got he wouldn’t dare jeopardize his relationship in the fist place. I wonder why it took him so long to finally show his family to the world. They been together since 87 but nobody knew of her through him publicly until she got cancer which I’m glad she beat and been a survivor for years and has an amazing jelwery line which most of the earnings go to the cancer society. But come on! I’m tired of people faking and pretending to be happily married for the perks, lights, and reputation!! I’ve seen this with Hollywood couples forever including will and jada it’s sad!! People can tell when couples are actually happily married and in it for real not for money or fame but for the LOVE that if he/she loses it all today I’m still riding or yes I been down with him/ her when they were nothing or had nothing and I’m still here riding! Thats true LOVE and a real MARRIAGE couples who know and understand the true value of it and it shows honey. Not I’m dealing with his/ her shit no matter what and although they dog and cheat on me I’m gone accept it because I can get a few hand bags, a little bit of spotlight, and enjoy the life style… man please! People ain’t fools and can see through the bullshit lol