BY VANESSA BURKA, FW Writer

We should all know that relationships consist of
its ups and downs. Whether it is a high or low
period for you and your ‘other half’, most of us
would appreciate experiencing these moments in
a private setting, behind closed doors. Take for
example, a break up. The world has now come to
an end (at least it feels that way) and all you want
to do is cuddle up in your duvet, a roll of cookie
dough on your lap, listening to Carrie Bradshaw
question love, (yet again). We want to fall asleep
in a sea of used tissues and dream the nightmare
away.

Now imagine, before being able to break the
news to your friends and family, realizing that
your break up just became front page news at
every magazine stand. Imagine photographers
outside your doorstep or witnessing the falling
out itself. There’s no place to hide and suddenly,
while at your lowest, you’re in the eye of the
storm.

Some running mascara marks, public blowouts
or a wandering eye can ruin what was once
defined as the ‘perfect couple’. But what sets us
apart from these Hollywood big shots, is that in
the world of the rich and famous, there are over
publicized romances and rumor mills happening
left, right and centre.

A relationship that first consisted of two
now consists of millions. Is it all worth it? After
analyzing some of Hollywood’s biggest couples,
I noticed a thread of problems that seem to
reappear; hazards that we average Jane’s and
Joe’s seem to be excluded from.

Yes, you can breathe that sigh of relief now.

With A-listers constantly looking over
their shoulders, you must wonder if they really
have the time to enjoy a little TLC. Before
sympathizing with the over-exposed celeb, we
must take into account those that over publicized their relationship deliberately.

Stars such as Jessica Simpson and Nick
Lachey, Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro or
Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler have all tried
their hand at love-centric television.

The shows gave a frank and intimate
glimpse inside rarely publicized lives of two
Hollywood celebrities. After very few episodes,
it wasn’t hard to note that despite the glitz and
glamour, the show spoke volumes about the
realities of celebrity status – the good, the bad
and the Chicken of the Sea. They may have
given a new and positive meaning to reality
television; however their relationships suffered
as a consequence. Was it the cameras or was it
their “irreconcilable differences”, as quoted in the
divorce court documents, which you can also get
your hands on thanks to TMZ.

Whether you’re an 80’s pop princess or a
power-hitting third baseman for the New York
Yankees, your ‘private life’ does not exist in thisworld. Whether we’re ‘Team Aniston’ or ‘Team
Jolie’, we’re all part of the same team whose
infatuated response time to Hollywood news is
impeccable.

How can you tell if your favorite celebrity
relationship has what it takes to last? With
a lack of privacy and the constant hovering of
paparazzi, one could imagine how any couple
would be able to maintain a healthy relationship.

We may turn green with envy at sight of their
luxurious lifestyle, but after skimming through
their very exposed tabloid articles, we begin to
question whether the fame, fortune and status are
really worth all the tittle-tattling and hush-hush
gossip.

Does grabbing the headlines automatically
lead to problems? I think so. First come the
whispers, then the denials. For celebrity couples,
their PR rep is as important as their first born
child.

Though, there are few elusive couples that
keep us guessing and wondering if they’ll make
it. Will Brangelina keep adding to their brood
and will TomKat keep the romance alive? I’m
sure we’ll be the first to know, unless they lock
themselves up in a secret location. But I’m sure
TMZ would be staking out the property!