Brad Pitt - Jennifer Aniston Marriage Undermined by Inappropriate Friendship with Angelina Jolie

Speculation continues about the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and what role Angelina Jolie may have played. At least three different rumors are circulating as to what may have been the cause.

Rumors of an Extramarital Affair

One rumor has it that Pitt and co-star Angelina Jolie were having an affair. This rumor began circulating last May, when Pitt was photographed holding Jolie's hand on the set while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith. They both denied there was any romance.

A Recipe for Emotional Infidelity

"Even if the rumors of an extramarital affair are untrue," says author and infidelity expert Ruth Houston, "it highlights the danger of inappropriate friendships with members of the opposite sex. This can lead to emotional infidelity, which is often a precursor to sexual infidelity". Problems can develop if the friendship is conducted away from the view or without the knowledge of the other person's marriage mate. Affairs usually start with someone the wayward spouse knows and comes in contact with on a regular basis.

Workplace Affairs

According to one study, 73% of infidelity begins in the workplace. Friendships that start out innocently enough progress to emotional infidelity and eventually escalate to extramarital affairs. Says Houston, "This holds true whether the workplace is a movie set or an office environment. And workplace affairs are on the rise." Anytime two people of the opposite sex are in close proximity on a regular basis for extended periods of time, the potential for emotional infidelity exists. All that's needed to take it to the next level is sexual chemistry and opportunity. "Even if the intense year-long friendship between Pitt and Jolie did not take a sexual turn," says Houston, "they were treading on dangerous ground."

When Opposite Sex Friendships Become a Problem

Time spent by a husband with a "friend" of the opposite sex is time spent away from his wife, unless they include her in the activities taking place "Even if there's no sex involved," explains Houston, " emotional bonding occurs, and before you know it, infidelity is rearing its ugly head." Opposite sex friendships become a problem when they become a replacement for the marriage. When one marriage mate starts sharing hopes, dreams, special moments and intimate information with an opposite sex "friend" instead of their spouse, a bond develops which has infidelity potential. Houston warns, "All it takes for the situation to spiral out of control and infidelity to occur is an air of secrecy, sexual chemistry, and the opportunity factor. Even if an affair was not the original intent."

Arguments Over Starting a Family

Another rumor has it that constant arguments between Pitt and Anniston over the issue of starting a family were a contributing factor to the split. Pitt, 41, is anxious to start a family, while Aniston, 35, is reluctant to do so at the expense of her acting career. During the filming of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Angelina Jolie brought her 3-year-old adopted son, Maddox to the set every day and Pitt enjoyed spending time with the little boy. Their closeness caused him to compare Aniston unfavorably with Jolie, by pointing out to her that Jolie, who is 6 years younger, has successfully combined motherhood with her acting career.

A Marriage "Ripe" for An Affair

Regarding the friendship that developed between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie ? if there were problems in the marriage, however minor, it was a bad time to form a close relationship with someone of the opposite sex ? even if that friendship was platonic. It doesn't take much for such a friendship to make the transition from emotional to sexual infidelity. Houston observes, "If there are major problems between husband and wife, that marriage is 'ripe' for an affair. Given the right (or wrong) set of circumstances, infidelity could be just a 'friendship' away."

Telephone Sex

Still a third rumor has it that Pitt and Jolie, called each other constantly on the phone. Supposedly Jennifer Aniston listened in on one conversation (either accidentally or deliberately) and heard Pitt and Jolie having telephone sex. "If the rumor about phone sex is true," says Houston, then Pitt's friendship with Jolie had already crossed the line ? even if phone sex was as far as it went." Frequent lunches, dinners, meetings, or phone calls with the "friend" that a spouse "forgets" or neglects to mention, have a way of alienating one's marriage mate.

Denials All Around

Angelina Jolie has denied any responsibility for the Pitt ? Aniston split. Both Pitt and Aniston themselves have publicly denied that a third party was involved. Even People magazine said the friendship between Pitt and Jolie never reached the point of an affair. In "Jennifer's My Space Blog" Aniston said, "The tabloid stories weren't true, no one was cheating, no one was carousing around town, it just didn't work out."

Jolie Directly or Indirectly Responsible

Says Ruth Houston, "The bottom line to all the rumors and speculation is this: It appears that either directly or indirectly, Angelina Jolie, contributed to the break-up of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Even if her only role was to prompt Pitt to make unfavorable comparisons between Aniston and Jolie."

The Lesson

Whatever the truth is concerning Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, the lesson is clear: Avoid opposite sex friendships that become very close and exclude your partner or marriage mate. They can lead to emotional infidelity. Houston cautions "If sexual chemistry and the opportunity factor are also part of the mix, sexual infidelity may not be far behind."

ATTENTION: Editors, Reporters, Staff Writers, Producers, Talk Show Hosts

If you would like a copy of the Inappropriate Friendship Quiz or "13 Tips on How to Keep Opposite Sex Friendships from Becoming Infidelity" to use as a sidebar or as part of your coverage of this story, please send an e-mail to InfidelityExpert@gmail.com with "friendships" in the subject line. Please include your name and the name of your publication or show.

To interview Ruth Houston, please call 718 592-6039 or email her at InfidelityExpert@gmail.com

# # #

About Ruth Houston

Author and infidelity expert Ruth Houston is the nation's leading authority on signs of infidelity. Her book Is He Cheating on You ? 829 Telltale Signs documents practically every known sign of infidelity, making it the most comprehensive infidelity reference of its kind. A member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Ruth's articles have appeared in publications in the US and abroad for the past 20 years. Ruth's 10 years of in-depth research on infidelity began when she accidentally discovered her now ex-husband's affair. Ruth has been quoted in such publications as the New York Times, and Cosmopolitan, and has been a guest on Good Day New York, Telemundo, 1010WINS and over 100 other radio and TV talk shows nationwide.

To receive a copy of the Inappropriate Friendship Quiz and a free tip sheet on "How to Keep Opposite Sex Friendships from Becoming Infidelity" send an e-mail to InfidelityAdvice@gmail.com with "friendships" in the subject line or visit http://www.InfidelityAdvice.com.

---

A Wedding For All Seasons

In times gone by it wasn't uncommon for young couples... Read More

Wedding Favor Creator

Wedding favors have always been a nice, personal gesture to... Read More

What Happens If You Dont Wear Proper Wedding Shoes?

Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More

7 Stupid Wedding Mistakes Even Smart Couples Make

"What in the world could they have been thinking?"Definitely words... Read More

Wedding Shower Favors

Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More

Married 4 Good Thinking

Although I do believe in "till death do us part",... Read More

Women Sufferings and Infidelity

Her dreams of marriage and collected marriage values disintegrate when... Read More

Weddings - Who Pays For What?

Of course, times have changed and there are occasions where... Read More

Budget Tips For Your Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions are expensive affairs and can set you back... Read More

Man Made Diamonds, The Affordable Alternative

Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but modern man... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 9

When it came to love-making, Napoleon, that short plump bundle... Read More

Dallas Wedding Receptions

The most important day of your life is drawing near... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Star Jones Nuptials: Fairytale Wedding or Diva Gone Wild?

In case you've been living on another planet for the... Read More

Choosing The Right Music For Your Wedding

OverviewI suppose a typical Christian wedding in the UK can... Read More

Family Law

A frustrating lack of permanence plagues modern relationships. Approximately one... Read More

Hawaii Honeymoon Vacations - Romanticizing Your Honeymoon!

Hawaii honeymoon vacations could take you to a miracle trip... Read More

Trust in Marriage

Trust is the basis of all human relationships. Trust can... Read More

Shopping For Elegant Mother Of The Bride Dresses

There are many places to shop for elegant mother of... Read More

Searching For A Discount Mother Of The Bride Dress

You can look fabulous at your daughter's wedding in a... Read More

Thoughts from Deik and Kims Wedding, for You and Your Marriage

Deik and Kim, remember that marriage is a COVENANT relationship.... Read More

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace for Your Wedding Day

The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More

The (American) Bride Wore Red

Increasing numbers of American brides are thinking about doing the... Read More

How To Tell An Extraordinary Wedding Disc Jockey From Someone Who Could Ruin Your Reception

You have your band (around your finger), now it's time... Read More

Considering Success in Marriage

Your success in marriage depends largely upon having sound and... Read More

Wedding Videography - When Getting it Right on the 1st Take Counts, Hire a Professional

Getting married is one of the most stressful events anyone... Read More

Mattresses and Marriage ? a Match Made in Heaven

Mattresses and marriage go hand in hand. Sleep is important... Read More

Honeymooning on the Waves

Cruising down the river was always deemed by couples the... Read More

Searching For An Affordable Mother Of The Bride Dress

It is absolutely possible to find a beautiful and affordable... Read More

Fine Plus Size Mother Of The Bride Dresses

There are many choices available when shopping for fine plus... Read More

New Trends for Wedding Favors 2005

Wedding favors have evolved over time. Wedding favors today combine... Read More

Business Partners & Marital Partners Will The Marriage Survive - Part II

In the last article, we concluded by saying that keeping... Read More

Choosing a Maui Wedding Package

Just like anywhere else in America, there are a variety... Read More