Mila Kunis Reveals What Makes Her Relationship Work
Inside the secret to Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's enduring love story

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, and their journey from co-stars to life partners reads like a romantic comedy script. What makes their relationship particularly fascinating is how it evolved over nearly two decades, starting from their first meeting as teenagers on a television set to building a family together. Recently, Kunis has opened up about the secrets behind their strong bond, offering insights into what makes their relationship work so well after years of marriage and two children.
The foundation of their relationship wasn’t built on traditional romantic beginnings. Instead, it was rooted in genuine friendship, mutual respect, and an understanding that developed over many years. This unique path to love has given them a perspective on relationships that many couples strive to achieve. Understanding how they navigated from colleagues to friends to romantic partners provides valuable lessons about building lasting connections in an industry known for fleeting romances.
From Teenage Co-Stars to Unexpected Romance
The story of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher began in 1998 when they were cast as the on-screen couple Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso on the hit television series That ’70s Show. At the time, Kunis was just 14 years old, while Kutcher was 19. Their characters’ tumultuous relationship became a central storyline of the show, and their chemistry was undeniable from the start. What viewers didn’t know was that their first on-screen kiss was actually Kunis’s first kiss in real life.
During the show’s eight-season run from 1998 to 2006, Kutcher and Kunis developed a close friendship, but romance was never on the table. Kunis has admitted in interviews that she had a teenage crush on her co-star during the early seasons, but their relationship remained strictly platonic throughout the show’s production. The age difference and their professional relationship created natural boundaries that kept them in the friend zone for years.
After That ’70s Show ended, both actors went on to pursue separate paths in their personal lives. Kutcher married actress Demi Moore in 2005, while Kunis entered into a long-term relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin. For years, they lived completely separate lives, with their friendship fading into the background as they focused on their respective careers and relationships.
The Reunion That Changed Everything
The turning point in their relationship came at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards, a moment that Kunis has described as unexpectedly transformative. Both had recently exited long-term relationships, with Kutcher separating from Moore and Kunis ending her relationship with Culkin. At the awards show, Kunis noticed an attractive man from behind, only to realize it was her former co-star.
Kunis recounted the encounter during an appearance on Marc Maron’s podcast, explaining how she was caught off guard by her attraction to Kutcher. The recognition that she was checking out someone she had known for over a decade felt strange yet exciting. This chance meeting sparked a connection that had been dormant for years, and they began spending time together in a casual capacity.
What started as a friends-with-benefits arrangement quickly evolved into something more meaningful. Kunis revealed that they initially agreed to keep things casual, with both trusting each other and wanting to avoid any tension. For three months, they maintained this arrangement, convinced they could separate physical intimacy from emotional attachment. However, as anyone who has attempted such an arrangement knows, feelings rarely follow the rules we set for them.
The Foundation of Trust and Friendship
One of the most significant factors that Kunis credits for the strength of their relationship is the foundation of friendship they built long before romance entered the picture. Unlike couples who rush into relationships based purely on attraction, Kunis and Kutcher had years of knowing each other’s personalities, work ethics, and values. This deep understanding created a solid base upon which to build a romantic partnership.
The transition from casual dating to serious relationship happened organically. After three months of their arrangement, Kunis realized she actually cared deeply about Kutcher and didn’t want to risk ruining what they had by continuing the casual approach. When she expressed her concerns, Kutcher responded by asking her to move in with him the very next day. This bold move demonstrated his commitment and willingness to take their relationship to the next level.
Their shared history on That ’70s Show gave them a unique perspective on each other. They had witnessed each other grow professionally, handle fame, navigate the pressures of Hollywood, and develop as individuals. This history meant there were no surprises or hidden aspects of their personalities to discover later. They knew exactly who they were getting into a relationship with, which eliminated many of the uncertainties that plague new couples.
Building a Life Together
The couple’s relationship progressed rapidly once they committed to each other. After moving in together in April 2012, they kept their relationship relatively private, avoiding the media circus that often surrounds celebrity romances. This decision to maintain privacy allowed them to focus on building their relationship without external pressures and constant scrutiny.
By February 2014, Kutcher proposed to Kunis with a stunning Tiffany engagement ring. The engagement represented a significant milestone, but it was just the beginning of their journey toward building a family. Just a month after their engagement, Kunis announced she was expecting their first child, adding another layer of excitement and commitment to their relationship.
In October 2014, the couple welcomed their daughter Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher. The experience of becoming parents together strengthened their bond and gave them a new shared purpose. Rather than rushing to the altar, they took their time, finally tying the knot in July 2015 in an intimate ceremony in California. The low-key nature of their wedding reflected their desire to keep meaningful moments private and focused on their family rather than public spectacle.
Their family expanded again in 2016 with the birth of their son Dimitri Portwood Kutcher. With two children, Kunis and Kutcher settled into family life, balancing their successful careers with the demands of parenthood. They have been intentional about creating a normal childhood for their children, despite their fame and fortune.
What Makes Their Relationship Strong
When discussing what makes their relationship work, Kunis has emphasized several key factors that contribute to their lasting bond.
Communication
stands at the forefront of their relationship philosophy. Having known each other for so long, they developed an ability to be completely honest with each other, even when conversations are difficult. This openness prevents misunderstandings from festering and allows them to address issues before they become major problems.**Mutual respect** is another cornerstone of their relationship. Both Kunis and Kutcher have successful careers in their own right, and they support each other’s professional endeavors without competition or jealousy. They understand the demands of working in Hollywood and provide each other with the space and support needed to pursue their passions while maintaining a strong family unit.
**Shared values** regarding family and parenting have also been crucial. Both actors have been vocal about their desire to raise their children with a sense of normalcy and gratitude. They’ve made conscious decisions about how much they share about their children publicly and how they structure their home life to prioritize family time over Hollywood glamour.
The couple also maintains a
sense of humor
about their relationship and the media attention it receives. They’ve been known to mock tabloid headlines speculating about their marriage, demonstrating that they don’t take gossip seriously and can laugh together about the absurdity of celebrity culture. This ability to not take themselves too seriously helps them navigate the pressures of being a high-profile couple.Navigating Hollywood Together
Being a celebrity couple in Hollywood comes with unique challenges that most relationships never face. Constant media scrutiny, time apart due to filming schedules, and the temptations that come with fame and fortune can strain even the strongest relationships. Kunis and Kutcher have managed to navigate these challenges by maintaining clear boundaries and priorities.
They’ve been selective about their public appearances together, choosing to keep most of their relationship private while occasionally sharing glimpses into their life through social media or interviews. This balanced approach allows them to maintain their privacy while also connecting with fans who have followed their journey from That ’70s Show to real-life romance.
The couple has also been strategic about their work commitments, ensuring they don’t spend extended periods apart. When possible, they coordinate their filming schedules to minimize time away from each other and their children. This prioritization of family time over career opportunities demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a strong relationship foundation.
The Role of Growth and Evolution
One aspect that Kunis has highlighted about their relationship is how they’ve both grown and evolved together. The Mila Kunis who met Ashton Kutcher at 14 was vastly different from the woman who reunited with him at the Golden Globes. Similarly, Kutcher had matured significantly from his days as a young sitcom star. Their ability to grow together rather than apart has been essential to their lasting connection.
They’ve been open about learning from past relationship mistakes. Kutcher’s previous marriage to Demi Moore, which was highly publicized and ended in divorce, taught him valuable lessons about maintaining a relationship in the spotlight. Kunis’s long-term relationship with Culkin also provided insights into what she needed in a partner. These experiences, while sometimes painful, equipped them with the wisdom to build a healthier relationship together.
The couple has also embraced change and adaptation as their family has grown. Transitioning from a couple to parents required adjustments in how they related to each other and structured their time. They’ve been intentional about maintaining their connection as a couple even while focusing on their children, understanding that a strong parental partnership benefits the entire family.
Public Perception and Private Reality
Despite being one of Hollywood’s most watched couples, Kunis and Kutcher have managed to maintain a distinction between their public personas and private reality. They’ve been candid about the fact that no relationship is perfect, and they work daily to maintain their connection. This honesty has endeared them to fans who appreciate their authenticity rather than presenting an unrealistic picture-perfect image.
The couple has used their platform to challenge tabloid narratives and media speculation about their relationship. By occasionally addressing rumors directly with humor and honesty, they’ve taken control of their narrative rather than allowing gossip to define their relationship. This proactive approach has helped them maintain dignity while navigating the often intrusive world of celebrity journalism.
Lessons from Their Love Story
The relationship between Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher offers several valuable lessons for anyone seeking lasting love.
Timing matters
, and sometimes the right person comes into your life before you’re ready to recognize them as such. Their story demonstrates that being patient and allowing relationships to develop naturally can lead to stronger connections than forcing romance when the timing isn’t right.**Friendship as a foundation** provides stability that purely romantic relationships may lack. Having a deep understanding of your partner’s character, values, and personality before committing romantically can prevent many of the surprises and disappointments that end relationships. Their years of friendship gave them insights into each other that new couples spend years discovering.
**Authenticity and honesty** create trust that weathers challenges. By being completely honest with each other about their feelings, fears, and desires, Kunis and Kutcher built a relationship based on genuine connection rather than pretense. This authenticity extends to how they present their relationship publicly, refusing to pretend their life is perfect while still maintaining appropriate boundaries.
**Shared values and goals** align a couple’s trajectory and prevent conflicts down the road. Kunis and Kutcher’s agreement on how to raise their children, manage fame, and prioritize family has eliminated many potential sources of disagreement. Couples who take time to ensure they’re aligned on major life decisions often find greater satisfaction and longevity in their relationships.
Moving Forward Together
As Kunis and Kutcher continue their journey together, they serve as an example of how Hollywood relationships can succeed when built on the right foundation. Their story isn’t about fairy tale romance or love at first sight but rather about two people who knew each other deeply, reconnected at the right time, and committed to building something lasting together.
In October 2024, Kunis discussed what makes their decade-long relationship work so well, emphasizing the continued importance of communication, respect, and maintaining individual identities while growing together as a unit. The couple has continued to make public appearances together, from hiking in Los Angeles to attending concerts, showing that they still enjoy spending time together after years of marriage.
Their relationship evolution from teenage co-stars to one of Hollywood’s strongest couples demonstrates that the best relationships often develop from unexpected places and require patience, timing, and genuine connection. By prioritizing their friendship, maintaining honest communication, and keeping their family at the center of their decisions, Kunis and Kutcher have created a partnership that continues to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher first meet?
A: Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher first met in 1998 on the set of That ’70s Show, where they played on-screen couple Jackie and Kelso. Kunis was 14 years old at the time, while Kutcher was 19.
Q: When did Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher start dating?
A: They began dating in 2012 after reuniting at the Golden Globe Awards. Both had recently ended long-term relationships and initially started as friends with benefits before developing deeper feelings for each other.
Q: How many children do Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have?
A: The couple has two children together: daughter Wyatt Isabelle, born in October 2014, and son Dimitri Portwood, born in 2016.
Q: When did Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher get married?
A: Kunis and Kutcher got married in July 2015 in an intimate ceremony in California, about a year after welcoming their first child.
Q: What does Mila Kunis say is the secret to their strong relationship?
A: Kunis credits their strong foundation of friendship, honest communication, mutual respect, shared values about family, and their ability to maintain a sense of humor about their relationship and the media attention it receives as key factors in their lasting bond.
References
- https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a42544454/mila-kunis-ashton-kutcher-relationship-timeline/
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni57046043/
- https://www.etonline.com/ashton-kutcher-and-mila-kunis-relationship-timeline-from-cute-co-stars-to-real-life-romance-207472
- https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a41954163/mila-kunis-ashton-kutcher-relationship-timeline/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/mila-kunis-ashton-kutcher-relationship-history-2018-8
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