If you've come across their popular Instagram accounts or any interview they've done together, then it's quite obvious actress Gabrielle Union and husband Dwyane Wade, shooting guard for the Miami Heat, are just plain crazy about each other. While speaking about a woman's age is somewhat forbidden in today's times, when it comes to relationships, it can cause quite a scandal. Especially when the woman is older than her husband. Slang terms like cougar are thrown around freely when that occurs. In a recent interview with Redbook for the October 2015 issue, Union opens up about being married to a younger man, troubles conceiving a child, and more.
Based on her flawless skin and amazing physique alone, guessing Union's age might be a challenge. Although the Being Mary Jane star is 10 years older than Wade, she loves being the cougar in their marriage. The 42-year-old actress, who turns 43 this October, doesn't believe age plays a major difference in their relationship. Their goofy personalities and strong family values mesh extremely well together, each providing their own sense of youth and wisdom to the romance.
"I realized his friends, his teammates, were conceived when I was, like, a senior in high school," said Union in her Redbook interview. "I was in high school at the same time as their parents! Sometimes he'll be like, 'Oh, my God, he's so old!' about someone who's 35. But, Dwyane's an old 33, and I'm a young 42, so it balances out."
A photo posted by Gabrielle Union (@gabunion) on Sep 14, 2015 at 7:05am PDT
A photo posted by Gabrielle Union (@gabunion) on Sep 14, 2015 at 7:05am PDT
Union married Wade in a fairytale-like ceremony last year, taking on the role of stepmother to his three children. The NBA star has openly gushed about how thankful he is to have such an accepting woman in his life; a woman with the strength to take on children who aren't biologically hers, but treats them like they are.
The two are hoping to have a child of their own together, but it hasn't been the easiest process. The actress discussed the struggles of getting pregnant at an older age as well as why women feel forced to choose between family and a career.
"So far, it has not happened for us. A lot of my friends deal with this. There's a certain amount of shame that is placed on women who have perhaps chosen a career over starting a family younger. The penance for being a career woman is barrenness. You feel like you're wearing a scarlet letter."
A photo posted by Gabrielle Union (@gabunion) on Aug 30, 2015 at 11:49am PDT
If childbirth is seen as one of the greatest gifts humans can bestow in this world, why isn't motherhood held in equal high regard? The California-raised actress believes discrimination is at an all time high when it comes to mothers in the workplace. As if being a woman doesn't bring its own share of obstacles, mothers in the office often take career hits without even realizing it's because they have a child.
"The reality is that women are discriminated against in the workplace for being mothers. As much as there are strides being made - you get pregnant, your career takes a hit. You can't have a bad day. Don't you dare cry at work. Don't raise your voice. Especially if you're a black woman in corporate America-now you're 'the angry black woman.'"
