Keep your marriage alive with Best Marriage tips from Michael Douglas after reconciliation with Catherine Zeta-Jones

FOLLOWING a temporary split from wife Catherine Zeta-Jones last year Michael Douglas has shared his secrets for a successful marriage.

 

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones got back together in November [GETTY]

The 69-year-old actor became estranged from Catherine, 44, briefly last summer. But after reconciling in November, Michael argues that their 13-year-marriage is stronger than ever and is eager to offer advice to any couples in a similar situation.

“You can never take your marriage for granted,” says the Wall Street star. “It goes to the idea of where you spend your energy and attention. Do you spend it with strangers, trying to show everybody how nice you are? Or do you cherish your partner and really don’t worry about other people?

“Marriage requires constant nurturing. Like a lovely orchid or anything else that is nurtured, marriage prospers and grows. But if it is ignored it withers.”

They now seem to be back on good terms having made numerous public appearances together in recent months

The two released a statement in August last year announcing their separation and that they were “taking some time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage”.

No reason was given publicly for the split though their health problems at the time were rumoured to be a factor, with Catherine suffering from a bipolar disorder and Michael throat cancer.

They now seem to be back on good terms having made numerous public appearances together in recent months.

Over the weekend the pair were spotted in Beverly Hills helping Michael’s 97-year-old father Kirk celebrate a significant milestone of his own – the Spartacus star and his 84-year-old wife Anne Buydens commemorated their 60th wedding anniversary.