Brad Pitt’s Powerful Marriage Advice Will Melt Your Heart

4) Give your spouse unwavering support respect their decisions

In 2013, Jolie made the decision to get a preventative double mastectomy. While it took immense bravery on her part, Pitt also had to trust in the process and his then-wife.

“Support. Whatever’s got to be done to keep the family together and keep the family together as long as possible is gonna be done. This was her charge, no question. It’s a scary decision. There’s many things that can go wrong and go many different directions.”

5) Never neglect important issues

When Jolie called Pitt and made him away of her medical scare, he dropped everything. Doing anything else could mean the difference between a long life together and not having the chance to say goodbye.

“I was out in France, and Angie called me and I got straight on a plane to return. Seeing my wife have to be her strongest and knowing that it’s the scariest news is terribly moving. And not being there is a horrible feeling.”

6) Appreciate what and who you have every single day

Whether it’s the morning pot of coffee already made or the amazing family you’ve created together, giving thanks for what you have is so important. It’s too easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and miss out on family bonding experiences.

“I’m satisfied with making true choices and finding the woman I love, Angie, and building a family that I love so much. A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss. That’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all… One of the greatest, smartest things I ever did was give my kids Angie as their mom. She is such a great mom. Oh, man, I’m so happy to have her.

7) Know your strengths and how to take direction

You do not always have to be the one making the calls and calling the shots. You may excel in some areas and need a lot of work in others. That intimidates some people, but trust us – a true leader also knows how to follow and serve others.

Although it was said in the context of movie direction, Pitt touches on this point: “I trust her with my life. She’s decisive, incredibly intuitive, knife-sharp, and, might I say, sexy at her post.”

8) Give praise where praise is due

Being a spouse is hard, but what’s harder? Being a parent. So, for any of our readers who have kids of their own, let them know how great they are at what they do!

“Angelina is just amazing. I’ll be tired and lie down on the sofa and then she’ll keep going until late at night. And that makes me feel like, ‘Why am I taking it easy?’ so I’ll go help out and play with the boys and get them to bed,” said Brad of Angelina’s parenting skills. “You realize that you always have the energy inside you, and as a parent you need to have a lot of willpower.”

9) Reflect daily on how you can love your spouse and family better

In light of his separation, Pitt did a lot of soul searching and self-reflection. In an unexpected revelation while reflecting on his own emotions and father figure growing up, it hit Pitt: “I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I haven’t been great at it.”

10) On that note, keep improving yourself

This marriage thing is hard and that’s all right. If you’re going through trials and tribulations and it’s causing you to overthink grow anxious, it’s because you care. It’s because you’re taking part in something beautiful – marriage. The more you develop yourself and help grow your spouse, the stronger that will make your relationship.