Surprisingly, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden have one of the most solid relationships in Hollywood. They’ve been together for over a decade, have two children together, Harlow and Sparrow, and have weathered countless breakup rumors. These two are definitely the real deal. Since we all secretly wish we could have a relationship more like theirs, here are 10 things you didn’t know about Nicole and Joel’s romance:
10. Giving Joel a Chance
Nicole and Joel began dating in December 2006, shortly after he had broken up with Hilary Duff, who he’d been dating for two and a half years. According to him, he had to convince the reality TV star to go on a date with him. “Obviously, the first thing is, ‘What does your guy look like?’ I am not the tall, dark, handsome guy. But it’s when you get to know me, like how I got Nicole. When I would first see her around, we were friends, I was like, ‘Just give me a shot! Just give me a shot. One date.’ (I thought), if I get my foot in the door. That’s how it has always been with girls. I have never been the obvious (choice). But once they give me one date, you know, I do the song and dance. That’s how it was with my wife.”