Blake Lively And Ryan Reynolds Made A "Rule" Not To Work At The Same Time To Put Family First
During an appearance on Amber Tamblyn's Substack show, Further Ado, Blake Lively revealed a "pact" she and her husband Ryan Reynolds made before tying the knot—a conscious decision to never work at the same time, ensuring that at least one parent is always present for their children and each other.
Their "pact" to put family before work is as endearing as it is inspiring, and it highlights the many commitments both Lively (36) and Reynolds (44) have made to nurture both their relationship and their family in the hostile, anti-family environment Hollywood has created.
“When Ryan and I got together, we made a rule not to work at the same time, so that we could always prioritize our personal life,” Lively explained.
Shattering Celebrity Stereotypes
Since meeting on the set of The Green Lantern and beginning their relationship in 2011, Lively and Reynolds have shattered celebrity stereotypes by building a strong, grounded family. They now have four children together: daughters James, Inez, and Betty, and a one-year-old baby.
Their shared philosophy extends beyond just scheduling and also focuses on how they raise their children, with an emphasis on self-awareness and open communication. Reynolds' reflections on fatherhood reveal that his main priority is ensuring his children feel "known" and that they are confident in their abilities to navigate life's challenges.
As for Blake, we've written about the unique attitude that sets her apart in Hollywood many times, namely her playful feminine energy and devotion to being a supportive wife and mother, so the fact that she's intentional about work-life balance comes as no surprise.
Some critics on social media were quick to dismiss Lively and Reynolds' choice to alternate between film projects as only feasible because of their celebrity status and financial security. Commenters lobbed sarcastic messages like, "Works well if you’re both movie actors and basically in no other circumstance" and "My wife and I did the same thing but we lost the house and starved."
While it's obvious that celebrities enjoy many advantages that average Americans don't, this perspective not only comes across as bitter, but it also misses the most inspiring part of Lively and Reynold's decision, which was to make a deliberate sacrifice for the sake of family. Countless normal couples make similar sacrifices daily, opting for one income, pursuing remote work, changing careers, homeschooling, or other life-altering decisions to prioritize their loved ones. Alternatively, many Americans refuse to even entertain the idea that another person's needs should come before their own, which is precisely why choices like Lively and Reynold's should be celebrated, not dismissed.
Lively admitted in the interview that the choice hasn't come without challenges, such as worries about lost opportunities and the need to work "really hard" and more carefully plan their finances during off-set periods. They've found the balance they need partly through Lively's rigorous work ethic, which she honed during her years on Gossip Girl. Now she's dedicated to bringing that same energy into her family life, and we love her for it. Foregoing potential career advancements or financial gains in favor of time and presence with family isn't very popular among many women, but based on the way Blake looks at her husband and children, it has its rewards.
Can't get enough of Blake and Ryan? Here are seven more reasons why they're one of the best couples in Hollywood.
Evie deserves to be heard. Support our cause and help women reclaim their femininity by subscribing today.