Comedian Ruby Wax has shared her unconventional approach to maintaining a long-lasting marriage with her husband of 38 years, film producer Ed Bye. The couple, married since 1988, have raised three children and attribute their enduring connection to a strategy of maintaining distance and fostering a 'commune-style' living environment.
Wax, 73, explained in an exclusive interview that the key to their marriage's success is not constant proximity. "Don't see them and just train them to let you do whatever you want," she advised, suggesting that couples benefit from independent pursuits and separate social circles. "So we're not like a husband and wife, in that sense. My friends aren't his friends."
This philosophy extends to their living arrangements, where Wax embraces a communal atmosphere. "I have a lot of people living here," she stated. "I like the commune effect. It's pretty good. We have a ballerina, a burlesque star, a dancer, a, director… we have different people here. It's great. I've said 'come and stay here' and they just never left!"
Wax's open-door policy has even evolved into hosting day retreats, offering guided group sessions and Q&A opportunities. She is also set to participate in The Big Retreat Cambridgeshire, a festival focused on wellbeing, adventure, music, and food.
Wax, who holds a master's degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, has been an advocate for mental health awareness, often speaking about her own experiences with bipolar disorder and depression. She finds that performing and engaging with an audience is her personal