Valerie Bertinelli and Robert Downey Jr.'s Relationship Rules: A Guide from a Celebrity Matchmaker

Regular people, including celebrities, often employ guidelines to ensure successful marriages.

Patti Stanger, the star of the new CW show, "Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker," discussed with Planet Chronicle Digital how a typical person's relationship and a celebrity's relationship share more similarities than differences.

Stanger stated that while he follows the two-week rule, in today's society, it can be three weeks because in the past, it was a two-week rule. He explained that losing connection can affect one's ability to smell, taste, touch, produce oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.

"The rule that men stray if they don't have a connection every two to three weeks is correct. While women can also stray, it's programmed in their DNA due to the lack of oxytocin, which is responsible for bonding. Therefore, I agree with this rule. It's a fantastic rule."

Valerie Bertinelli, who has experienced both marriage and divorce, has disclosed that she applies the "three-week rule" in her current relationship. This rule dictates that she and her partner must not exceed three weeks without meeting again.

David Foster and Katharine McPhee, who got married in 2019, do not follow any strict rules in their relationship.

Stars who have shared their secrets on how they maintain their relationships.

Valerie Bertinelli

Bertinelli spoke to People about her new relationship with a "mature, kind, thoughtful, patient" beau who is an East Coast-based writer 10 years younger than her. She has chosen not to disclose the identity of her new partner.

Bertinelli, a resident of Los Angeles, stated that their relationship is unique and unlike any other connection they have experienced. They shared how they maintain their long-distance romance by visiting each other every three weeks.

""Finding joy in life and sharing it is what it's all about," said the "One Day at a Time" star, adding that they never go longer than a certain amount of time without seeing each other."

As their feelings grew, Bertinelli and their partner decided to take a chance on a long-distance relationship, despite initially being hesitant.

"We finally said, ‘Why are we doing this? It’s going to be challenging, because it’s long distance, but why not?’" she remembered. "You only live once."

The couple met in person for the first time during a romantic trip to New York City in March, after communicating through Instagram messages.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan, follow the same rule that Stranger swears by in her matchmaking services.

In March, Susan discussed with People her and Downey Jr.'s practice of adhering to the two-week rule in their marriage.

Susan revealed that her family follows a two-week rule, which can sometimes feel too lengthy, but they never go more than two weeks without being together. Luckily, they enjoy being a traveling circus when they can.

"The basic rule of two weeks should be followed, and then one should avoid overthinking about the future since much of what we do is unpredictable. One can never know what might happen, such as someone getting sick or a shutdown occurring. Therefore, it is essential to have some basic things in place and be flexible with the rest."

Susan, who has been married to Downey Jr. for 18 years, stated that her life is more flexible than her husband's, allowing her to better manage a healthy work-life balance.

"As a producer, I appreciate not being in front of the camera because it gives me more flexibility in terms of location. I admire and empathize with couples who must both be on camera, as they face the challenge of making choices."

The couple have two children, a son named Exton, 12, and a daughter named Avri, 9. Downey Jr. also has a son, Indio, 30, with ex-wife Deborah Falconer.

David Foster

David Foster and his wife of five years, Katharine McPhee, have abandoned the notion of establishing guidelines to maintain their marriage.

In a March interview with People, Foster, 74, stated that flexibility is key to their family's success with McPhee, 39.

""As a parent, you undoubtedly understand that marriage is a constantly changing target," the music producer stated to the outlet."

Foster stated that there are no strict rules in their marriage.

In 2019, Foster and McPhee became parents to a 3-year-old son named Rennie.

Rennie is the first child for McPhee and the sixth for Foster, a record producer who has been married four times and is also a father to five daughters.

Judge Judy

Judy has a unique way of preserving a healthy relationship, which involves limiting the amount of time spent together.

In January, E! News interviewed Judge Judy, whose real name is Judy Sheindlin, about her secret to her 47-year marriage to husband Jerry Sheindlin.

"She confessed that spending 24 hours together is fatal. Jerry recently turned 90, and I still enjoy seeing him when he enters a room. That's significant."

In 1977, Sheindlin married Jerry, both of whom were previously married. They have five children together and 13 grandchildren, including Sarah Rose, who starred in "Judy Justice."