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2.14.19

gabby reece laird hamilton in hawaii

TCM Classics – This story originally ran on the site in 2013, but we loved it so much we decided to bring it back.

Gabrielle Reece and Laird Hamilton – arguably the hottest couple in the entire sports world – have been happily married since 1997. As athletes, public figures, spouses and proud parents of three daughters—Bela, Reece and Brody—we wanted to know: what is their secret to keeping their relationship balanced, happy and full of all the love and passion they most obviously still share?

To get to know the whole truth, we thought we’d ask them each separately and get the low-down from both sides. Here are the secrets to a happy marriage according to him and according to her.

He Said, She Said –
Laird + Gabby on Healthy Relationships

LAIRD’S LIST:
1.  Be willing to accept that you are wrong even when you may not be.
2.  Listen and be attentive even when you have no idea what your partner is talking about.
3.  Ignore what she is saying, but UNDERSTAND what she really means and needs.
4.  Show affection even if you don’t feel affectionate.
5.  Don’t tolerate too much s**t.
6.  When you are around, be present.
7.  Respect and cherish your woman.
8.  Don’t treat her like your wife or mom, treat her like your chick.

GABBY’S LIST:
1.  Don’t take anything personally.
2.  Make yourself happy.
3.  Don’t mother him.
4.  Say what you want, because they want to help but are not mind readers.
5. Put out.
6.  Hold your line and commit to how you want to act. If he is being snotty, don’t go down to his level. By acting respectable, you may inspire him to pull out of it. Stay out of your ‘b-tch mode’ unless you really have a good reason.
7.  Speak in short clear ideas. Don’t go on and on or nag. They don’t hear that, anyway.
8. Treat him like the king and conduct yourself like a queen. Princesses are for amateurs.
9. Did I say put out?


Share this post with your significant other! We can only imagine the conversations these lists could start. What is your best piece of marriage advice? We want to know! Leave your comments below and add your voice to the conversation.

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Meet our February guest editors Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton and learn a bit about their healthy living philosophies!

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Comments


  1. Thanks for your honesty.

    I’m hoping to spend more time with wife, SUPing and Surfing.

    We’re moving forward together and bringing as many family members
    along as possible, with SUP lessons/short tours, etc.

    Thank you for taking the time to email us and answer our simple questions in the past.

    William C. Palmer | 02.11.2013 | Reply
    • So glad you enjoyed Gabby & Laird’s advice, William. Your plans sound wonderful – you have a very lucky family!

      The Chalkboard | 02.11.2013 | Reply
  2. I say A to the Men! They are TRUELY Sexy, Athletic Role Models who should inspire everyone, young and old! Weathering the Couple Storm for Over 16 Years is no Easy Feat and their advice will be heeded. Love & Peace…Keep On Keeping on Gabby and Laird xo

    Nanner | 02.11.2013 | Reply
  3. Wow what can I say but …you two are awesome . Love those lists. I am partial to #5 on Gabby’s list but hey …..LOL
    You two are a real inspiration and even though I do not know either of you personally I am glad the two of you exist in this world. We need more of you out there!

    Dusty, Heather, Hailey & Luke Decker

    Dusty Decker | 02.11.2013 | Reply
  4. Your #1’s on each of your list’s are powerful in the relationship world. Thank you for your integrity and passion in your personal and professional lives. Keep the sizzle and surf up! -Kplay out!

    Kim Players | 02.11.2013 | Reply
  5. Always respected Laird for his intensity and loyalty, but had no idea how dialed in he and Gabby were with their marriage.
    After 9 happy years of marriage, I can’t think of anything I would add or change to their lists.
    Spot on!

    Josh | 02.11.2013 | Reply
  6. Rock on y’all! I shared the list with my wife and we’re adding to it. Take care.

    Kevin | 02.13.2013 | Reply
  7. I love it that Gabby said “stay out of your b**ch mode unless you have a really good reason”, that is funny and honest! None of us wives want to admit we have a b**ch mode, but we all do…only used for good reason of course ; ) I could also add to this list, take an interest in your spouses interests, if he plays golf, play golf every now and again (but let him have his guy time too). If she likes yoga, surprise her by taking her to a partners class. And include yourself in his/her not so fun stuff too, like laundry or cleaning the garage 🙂 Great article, I always love what these two have to offer!

    Lili | 02.13.2013 | Reply
  8. “Treat him like the king and conduct yourself like a queen. Princesses are for amateurs.” I Like It !!

    Olivier | 02.26.2013 | Reply
  9. These are amazing! I have learned to pick my battles and to accept my husband for who he is.

    Kelsey | 04.03.2013 | Reply
    • Great advice – choosing your battles and honoring everyone’s unique personality is the key to ANY relationship!

      The Chalkboard | 04.03.2013 | Reply
  10. I had the pleasure of meeting Laird and Gabby at the OGG airport on May 26th and I have to say, they are All That and so much more! Very pleasant and courteous but also so organic and real. With all the pressures that come with family, fame and celebrity it’s obvious these two live and love by their own rules. Their 2 youngest daughters, also with them, were evidence of their Love, friendship and outdoor lifestyle. You guy’s rock and I’d love to have you all over to our big Makena house sometime soon.
    Mark, Sherry, Taylor & Brad Lasecke

    mark | 05.31.2013 | Reply
  11. been married 33 years and just wanted to say this is the TRUEST,BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE I’ve seen in print……[we learned it hard way:( for 12 years.] Now we are KING and QUEEN living happily everafter,lol!!!!!!!!!!

    donna | 09.02.2013 | Reply
    • So loved reading this, Donna! Wishing you and your hubby many more years of happiness!

      The Chalkboard | 09.03.2013 | Reply
  12. You two are the way to live here in Kauai. Something to strive for. Thank you.

    Michael OBrien | 02.16.2014 | Reply

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