Jennifer Aniston publicly interviewed her boyfriend, author Jim Curtis, on Wednesday in New York City to celebrate the release of his new book, "The Book of Possibility." The couple appeared on stage together at Kaufmann Concert Hall at 92NY Residence in front of a full theater audience.
During a question-and-answer session, Aniston revealed a significant personal challenge, stating she is "choosing to overcome a very deep, deep fear of public speaking." Curtis, who was moderating the event, has been instrumental in helping her address this fear. When asked about managing stress, Aniston emphasized the importance of "deep breaths and meditation."
Curtis, 50, also shared his personal journey, detailing his experiences in his early 20s when doctors discovered lesions on his spinal cord, leading to partial paralysis and chronic nerve damage. He spoke about the initial shame he felt about his condition, even fabricating a motorcycle accident story to explain his limp. "I was so shameful that I had a medical condition. I was broken in some way. I thought the motorcycle accident was at least a little macho," Curtis admitted. He explained that over 25 years, he worked to overcome these insecurities through "self-acceptance and self-love."
Curtis encouraged the audience not to live as victims of their suffering, stating, "You don't have to live as the victim. You don't have to live in your suffering. It can become your power." His advice for navigating health ordeals is to "accept it and love it."
Aniston, 57, and Curtis, who went Instagram official in November, are reportedly developing a strong partnership. An insider told Us Weekly that the couple has "moved beyond the excitement of a new relationship and are developing a genuine partnership." The source added that they share "an ease about them that's infectious," stemming from a mutual feeling of being "accepted rather than needing to impress each other." Their connection has grown from an exciting spark to a "dependable partnership."
Friends of Aniston have reportedly expressed approval of how naturally her and Curtis' lives have blended, noting that Curtis, who is not in the entertainment industry, "does his own thing."