On-set bromance, networking nightmares

Isn’t that Bromantic?

Dear Remy,

Hollywood would be shocked to hear this, but all is not well in my marriage.

I am part of what I would reluctantly call a “power couple” (I hate that term, it makes it sound like we are running a multi-level protein powder business). My wife and I are both world-renowned actors and have been married for over a decade.

This year, I made a movie in which I was lucky enough to co-star with my best friend. It’s the kind of thing you dream of: spending every day seeing each other, side by side doing our makeup, practicing our stunts together, or even learning the latest TikTok dances. But unfortunately, my wife’s jealousy has prevented me from enjoying those Elysian days with him. She says I talk about him all the time, that I have more chemistry with him than I do with her, and that he clearly knows me in a way she never could.

While the press jokes about my “bromance” with my on-screen partner, my wife seems seriously convinced there’s something more going on between us. And, of course, I’d be lucky if it were true. He speaks multiple languages, is the most ambitious person I know and has neck muscles to die for. I could fall asleep listening to him sing – it’s like Manuka honey spun by Athena herself. And of course, he makes me feel like the best version of myself when I stare into his caramel-brown eyes – but who doesn’t have a friend like that?

Remy, how do I make my wife understand that I am committed to our marriage and that my relationship with my friend is just a friendship?… A wonderful, unique and intoxicating whirlwind of friendship.

Yours,

A devoted husband

Dear devoted husband,

Ah, the classic bromance conundrum—when your heart is torn between two loves: your spouse and your best friend. It’s like a Hollywood rom-com, except the plot is a little more nuanced.

First, let’s acknowledge that your wife’s feelings are legitimate. It’s not easy being an outside observer of a relationship as close as yours with your on-screen partner. But the good news is that she’s more concerned about being left out than any real threat to your marriage.

Now I have to ask if there’s any truth to his concerns. You’ve described your best friend in glowing, almost poetic terms. It’s one thing to admire someone, but it’s worth wondering if he’s hiding some unspoken feelings. If you find yourself lost in his eyes or pierced by the tendons in his neck (I didn’t know there were workouts to work that muscle group, it’s impressive), it might be worth taking some time to figure out what that means. Attraction can be complicated, and it doesn’t have to mean the end of your marriage.

That said, let’s explore how you can reassure your wife and keep both relationships going. Is there a way to get your wife to join you? Not in the sense of a literal ménage à trois…