It takes a lot of effort and is a journey with ups and downs. The work is the same whether you’re a regular person or a Hollywood star.

And Barbara Streisand and James Brolin’s 24-year relationship is proof of it.

Hollywood Match Made in Heaven

Everything began on July 1st, 1996. Mutual friends introduced the two during a gathering.

Barbara, who was a little uneasy, spent the majority of the time with the children, just occasionally joining the larger group.

Initial thoughts and sassy remarks

Barbara couldn’t help but taunt him, saying, ‘Who messed up your hair?’

While for others this might have been awkward, James admitted that it was this humorous jab that made him fall in love with her.

It was clear that they were connected.

Barbara even recalled a day when James was gone in Ireland and she passed out on the bathroom floor with her phone pressed to her ear.

Wedding bells to red carpets

When they walked the red carpet for ‘The Mirror Has Two Faces’ premiere, the public got a glimpse of their burgeoning romance.

And as luck would have it, on the second anniversary of their initial meeting, they exchanged vows.

They’ve shared many milestones together, through thick and thin.

James was present for Barbara when she got the National Medal of Arts Award, and she was by his side when he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sharing Secrets and Blending Families
Both had their own families and prior marriages.

However, they came together to form a blended family, even exchanging a touching snapshot while on one of Barbara’s tours.

They shared some unusual thoughts when asked what the key was to their long-lasting union.

James made reference to the usefulness of maintaining different bank accounts, based on his prior experiences.

He underlined the value of being proactive and learning from the past.

Therapy’s and Listening’s Power
James firmly supports couples counselling.

He believes that using a mediator might help people get over the difficult emotional and confliction waters.

Barbara believes that listening is the key.
She said, as reported by PEOPLE:

‘Listening intently is the key. I believe that listening is a necessary part of acting. You must listen if you want to be a nice person.

You must listen if you want to be a decent marriage partner. Listen to your neighbor. To disagree is to agree.

A Negotiation’s Art

James respects the skill of compromise and the value of endurance in a union. ‘Everyone needs patience and to know when to take a walk,’ he counsels.