8. The Real Person Behind the Image
It’s easy to fall for the picture-perfect persona of a model, but what about the person behind the images? The one who’s passionate, hardworking, and just as human as anyone else?
Getting to Know the Authentic Self Beyond the Model Persona
When someone walks a runway, poses for a high-fashion campaign, or posts a flawless editorial shot on Instagram, the world sees the polished version of them—the one bathed in perfect lighting, dressed in designer clothes, and exuding confidence. But that’s just one side of the story. The person behind the camera flashes and magazine covers is more than the striking images they project. Beneath the high-fashion exterior is someone with messy mornings, weird habits, childhood dreams, and maybe even a secret love for terrible reality TV.
1. Peeling Back the Layers
Getting to know someone beyond their public image takes time and curiosity. It’s easy to be dazzled by the glamorous aspects of their job, but the deeper connection comes from understanding who they are outside of it. What makes them laugh uncontrollably? What were they like before they ever stepped foot in a photoshoot? What passions do they have beyond the fashion industry? Asking these kinds of questions and genuinely listening to their answers will help you discover the person behind the persona.
Sometimes, models themselves struggle with separating their personal identity from their professional one. When so much of their life revolves around maintaining a certain image, it can be refreshing for them to be with someone who appreciates them for who they are, not just for the version of themselves they present to the world. Your relationship should be a place where they can be unfiltered, unpolished, and completely themselves.
2. Understanding Their Struggles and Insecurities
People assume that models have unshakable confidence, but even those who seem effortlessly poised can battle self-doubt. The industry is full of pressure—pressure to maintain a certain look, pressure to book jobs, pressure to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. Compliments and admiration from strangers don’t always translate into self-assurance.
Being there for your partner means recognizing that behind the glamorous lifestyle, there can also be moments of vulnerability. Maybe they’ve had a tough day filled with harsh critiques from a casting director, or they’re feeling the weight of constant comparison to others in the industry. In those moments, they don’t need someone to remind them of how stunning they look in their latest campaign—they need someone who sees their value beyond their appearance. Support, reassurance, and reminding them of their worth outside of modeling can make all the difference.
3. Finding Balance Between Their Public and Private Life
A model’s career often involves maintaining a curated social media presence, but that doesn’t mean their entire life has to be public. It’s important to establish boundaries between what’s for the world to see and what’s just for the two of you. Not everything has to be shared, liked, or commented on—some moments are more meaningful when they stay offline.
Encouraging your partner to have a life outside of their career can also help keep them grounded. Whether it’s pursuing hobbies that have nothing to do with fashion, spending time with close friends who know them beyond their work, or simply enjoying quiet, unguarded moments together, these things help balance out the demands of their industry.
4. Appreciating the Person, Not Just the Profession
Being with someone who’s constantly admired by the public can sometimes feel intimidating, but the strongest relationships thrive when both partners see and appreciate each other beyond the surface. Attraction might have sparked the connection, but it’s the shared experiences, deep conversations, and understanding of each other’s true selves that make a relationship last.
Recognizing Their Hard Work, Discipline, and Professionalism
People love to assume that modeling is just about standing around looking pretty, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Behind every flawless campaign or perfectly timed runway walk is a whole lot of hard work, patience, and serious dedication. It’s not just about having great genes—it’s about knowing how to move, how to tell a story with just a look, and how to make clothes come alive. And let’s be honest, that takes skill.
The reality? Early call times, hours spent in hair and makeup, and standing in the same pose until their legs go numb. Photoshoots aren’t quick affairs—one perfect shot could mean hours of tiny adjustments, uncomfortable outfits, and holding expressions that make your face feel frozen. Then there’s fashion week, which is basically a marathon of castings, fittings, and back-to-back runway shows where they’re expected to change outfits at lightning speed and strut like they’ve had a full night’s sleep (spoiler: they haven’t).
And it’s not just the physical side of the job that’s tough. Models are constantly managing their own careers, keeping up with agencies, booking gigs, and making sure they stay relevant in an industry that’s always looking for the next fresh face. One month they could be landing dream jobs, and the next? Crickets. That takes serious mental toughness—handling rejection, keeping their confidence up, and staying motivated even when things slow down.
So if you’re with a model, it’s important to recognize the hustle behind the glamour. Yeah, it’s fun to compliment their latest campaign, but what really matters is noticing the late nights, the exhaustion they push through, and the way they keep showing up and giving it their all. Because modeling isn’t just about looking good—it’s about discipline, adaptability, and straight-up hard work. And honestly? That’s way more impressive than any magazine cover.
Appreciating Their Aspirations Outside of Modeling
Modeling might be their main career, but it doesn’t mean it’s the only thing they want to do—or even what they see themselves doing forever. The fashion industry is fast-moving, unpredictable, and sometimes even short-lived when it comes to longevity in a modeling career. That’s why many models are constantly thinking ahead, exploring other passions, and working on side projects that could turn into full-time pursuits.
Some models are naturally creative and dream of launching their own clothing brand, designing jewelry, or stepping behind the camera as photographers. Others have a sharp business mind and want to invest, start a company, or break into the entrepreneurial world. There are those who are passionate about education, choosing to study psychology, law, or marketing in between shoots. Many models also use their platform to raise awareness about important issues—advocating for sustainability in fashion, mental health, or body positivity.
But here’s where things get tricky: because they’re so deeply associated with their modeling career, people often don’t take their other ambitions seriously. They get boxed into the idea that they’re just a face for brands, not someone with ideas, intelligence, or the ability to build something on their own. That can be frustrating and discouraging for them, which is why your support is so important.
Being a supportive partner means actively listening when they talk about their dreams—not just nodding along, but really engaging with their ideas. Ask questions, help them brainstorm, and encourage them to take steps toward their goals. If they want to start a business, maybe that means offering to help research or connect them with people who can guide them. If they want to study something new, encourage them to go for it, even if it means adjusting schedules to fit in their classes. If they’re passionate about a cause, stand by them, help spread the message, and recognize the impact they want to make.
Their identity goes far beyond what they do in front of the camera. Modeling might be what introduced them to the world, but it doesn’t have to define their entire life. Supporting their journey to build something outside of it—not just for career security but for personal fulfillment—makes all the difference. And honestly? There’s nothing more attractive than someone who dares to dream big and chase after something meaningful.
MIRANDA KERR and Evan Spiegel Out and About in Los Angeles 07/12/2015
9. Tips for Building a Strong Relationship
Making a relationship work when your partner is a model takes some extra effort, but it’s more than worth it. Here are a few ways to make sure your bond stays strong.
Trust and Mutual Respect
Trust isn’t just important—it’s the foundation holding everything together, especially when your partner works in an industry where they’re constantly in the public eye. Fashion is full of long hours, travel, and working closely with other models, photographers, and designers. They might be styled in intimate photoshoots, attending exclusive parties, or networking with influential people. If your relationship isn’t built on a strong sense of trust and respect, it’s easy for insecurities and misunderstandings to creep in.
Open communication is key. If something is bothering you, say it—don’t let it simmer into resentment. Maybe a certain photoshoot makes you uncomfortable, or their schedule has been so packed that you feel a little distant. Whatever it is, have a conversation about it rather than making assumptions. Trust isn’t just about believing they won’t betray you—it’s about feeling secure enough in your relationship to talk through anything without fear of judgment or unnecessary conflict.
Respect goes both ways. Just as you respect their career and the demands that come with it, they should respect your feelings and boundaries too. If something is genuinely making you uncomfortable, your perspective deserves to be heard. That doesn’t mean trying to control their work—it means finding a way to navigate situations together in a way that makes you both feel valued.
And let’s not forget about social media. The modeling world thrives on it, which means your partner might have a big following, interact with fans, and post professional (and sometimes very eye-catching) photos. It’s easy to feel a little possessive when you see countless people commenting on how stunning they are, but remember: admiration is not the same as intimacy. Likes and comments don’t hold a candle to the real connection you have in your relationship.
The bottom line? Trust and respect aren’t built overnight. They grow through honesty, patience, and the ability to support each other without letting outside pressures get in the way. The stronger that foundation, the easier it is to handle anything that comes your way—whether that’s time apart, industry expectations, or just the everyday challenges of being in a committed relationship.
Balancing Individual and Relationship Goals
Being in a relationship means sharing a life, but it doesn’t mean giving up who you are. Both of you have dreams, ambitions, and things you want to achieve, and those personal goals still matter—maybe even more so when one of you is in an industry as demanding as fashion. Modeling isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle, one that requires constant movement, adaptability, and an unpredictable schedule. It’s easy to get caught up in their world, but it’s just as important to make sure you’re still pursuing your own path, too.
Supporting your partner’s career doesn’t mean putting yours on hold. Their schedule might be packed with castings, photoshoots, and travel, but that doesn’t mean your ambitions take a backseat. Whether you have your own demanding job, a passion project, or personal goals you’re working toward, you both need space to grow as individuals. A healthy relationship isn’t about merging into one person—it’s about two people evolving alongside each other, cheering each other on.
Finding that balance isn’t always easy. There might be moments when their work schedule clashes with important events in your life, or when you feel like their career is pulling them in a direction that makes it hard to stay connected. That’s when communication becomes everything. Talk about your expectations, your goals, and how you can support each other without either of you feeling like you’re sacrificing too much. Sometimes that means making adjustments—maybe they miss a dinner or a weekend trip because of work, but they make up for it in other meaningful ways.
And remember, just as you’re supporting them, they should be supporting you. It’s not just about one person’s success—it’s about making sure both of you feel valued in the relationship. If one of you feels like they’re constantly bending while the other stays rigid, resentment can build. The goal is to create a relationship where both of you can chase your ambitions without feeling like you’re losing each other in the process.
Prioritizing Quality Time
When life moves at full speed, it’s easy for quality time to slip through the cracks. Between photoshoots, castings, and unpredictable travel, schedules can feel impossible to sync. Some days, you might feel like you’re in a long-distance relationship even when you live in the same city. But here’s the thing—quality time doesn’t have to mean spending endless hours together. What really matters is how you use the moments you do get.
Since their schedule is anything but traditional, flexibility is key. Maybe that weekend getaway you planned has to be postponed because a last-minute campaign popped up, or a dinner date turns into takeout at midnight because they just got home from a long shoot. Instead of focusing on how much time you have, focus on how to make it meaningful. Spontaneous coffee runs, a quick FaceTime call between gigs, or simply unwinding together at the end of a long day—those little things add up.
It also helps to be intentional. If their job keeps them on the go, planning ahead can make a huge difference. Setting aside time, even if it’s just an afternoon together, gives you both something to look forward to. And when you do have those rare stretches of uninterrupted time, make them count. Put the phones down, step away from work talk, and just be present with each other.
Of course, there will be moments when you wish you had more time, and that’s normal. The key is to work with the reality of the situation instead of against it. Rather than measuring your relationship by how many hours you spend together, measure it by how connected you feel in the moments you share. It’s those moments—the inside jokes, the stolen kisses, the late-night conversations—that build something strong, no matter how chaotic the schedules may be.
Communicating Needs and Expectations
Every relationship requires open communication, but when one (or both) of you has a high-pressure, unpredictable career, that need multiplies. The reality is, no matter how much love and trust exist between you, misunderstandings can creep in when schedules get packed, time zones shift, and exhaustion takes over. Without clear, ongoing conversations about needs and expectations, small issues can snowball into full-blown frustration.
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is assuming their partner should “just know” what they need. The truth? No one is a mind reader. If you’re feeling neglected, missing quality time, or needing more reassurance, say so. Be specific—vague comments like “I feel like you don’t prioritize me” can feel accusatory, but saying “I’d really love if we could schedule a weekly video call when you’re away” is productive. The same goes for your partner. They might not always express when they’re overwhelmed, struggling, or just need a moment to recharge. Creating a space where both of you can share your emotions without fear of judgment is key.
It’s also important to recognize that different people express affection in different ways. Maybe your love language is quality time, and you feel disconnected when your partner is constantly traveling. Meanwhile, they may show love through thoughtful messages, gifts, or simply by working hard to provide a stable future. Understanding these differences helps avoid resentment and instead fosters appreciation for the ways you both show up for each other.
Beyond emotional needs, practical expectations also need to be addressed. If their career means frequent travel or long, unpredictable hours, how will you both stay connected? A scheduled nightly check-in? Little voice notes throughout the day? If plans change last minute (as they often do in industries like fashion), what’s the backup plan? Having these discussions before frustration builds makes it easier to navigate the challenges without feeling like one person is constantly making sacrifices.
And communication isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about staying connected in the good moments too. Celebrating wins, sharing excitement, and acknowledging each other’s efforts strengthen the foundation of your relationship. A quick text that says, “I’m so proud of you” or “Thinking about you today” can go a long way. The goal is to create a relationship where both of you feel valued, heard, and prioritized—even when life gets chaotic.
Finding Common Interests Beyond Fashion
Fashion can be an exciting world, full of creativity, art, and self-expression—but if it’s the only thing you connect over, your relationship might start to feel one-dimensional. No matter how passionate your partner is about their career, they’re still a whole person with hobbies, dreams, and interests that exist outside of photoshoots and runway shows. The same goes for you. Finding shared interests that have nothing to do with the industry can strengthen your bond and give you something to enjoy together, no cameras or flashing lights involved.
Think about what naturally brings you both joy. Maybe you both love the outdoors—weekend hikes, beach walks, or road trips to national parks can become your thing. If food is something you bond over, cooking together can be a fun way to unwind after a long day. You don’t have to be Michelin-star chefs—trying new recipes, making a mess in the kitchen, and laughing through failed attempts can be just as meaningful as the meals themselves.
For couples who love to learn, diving into books, documentaries, or even picking up a new language together can be an incredible way to grow alongside each other. Imagine setting a goal to learn French together and then planning a trip to Paris—not for work, not for a shoot, but just for the experience of walking through the city, testing out your skills at a café, and making memories that have nothing to do with the industry.
Even something as simple as gaming, painting, or watching a favorite TV series together can become a special part of your relationship. The key is to carve out space for the things that bring you both happiness outside of work. Because no matter how passionate your partner is about fashion, and no matter how much you support them, your relationship needs its own unique foundation—one built on laughter, shared experiences, and the ability to just be yourselves, without the pressures of the industry looming over you.
10. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Real-life story
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend might look like a couple straight out of a movie—him, a soulful musician with countless awards, and her, a model-turned-TV personality with an unfiltered, hilarious charm—but their relationship is anything but a fairy tale. It’s real, messy, full of highs and lows, and built on the kind of love that takes effort, patience, and constant growth.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend attend the LOVED01: Skincare by John Legend launch event at Skybar on March 07, 2023. Photo: Getty Images
Learning to Navigate Different Worlds
When Chrissy and John first got together, she was thrown into a world she didn’t fully understand. John wasn’t just a musician—he was a global superstar, with a schedule that meant long stretches apart, relentless touring, and a level of public scrutiny that could test even the strongest relationships. Chrissy has openly admitted that she didn’t quite grasp what she was getting into at first. But instead of letting the challenges create distance, they both made the effort to truly understand each other’s careers. Chrissy learned what life on the road was really like, the exhaustion that came with it, and why John needed quiet moments to recharge. In return, John stood by her through the ups and downs of her own evolving career, whether it was modeling, writing cookbooks, or becoming a TV personality.
Communication and Trust: The Backbone of Their Marriage
Their secret weapon? Unfiltered honesty. Chrissy has never been one to hold back, and John has always valued deep emotional connection. They’ve talked openly about how trust and communication kept them strong—even when John’s music career pulled him in one direction and Chrissy’s projects pulled her in another. Instead of expecting things to always be easy, they committed to working through the hard parts. John has said in interviews that he believes their relationship works because they truly respect and admire each other, which makes even the challenging moments easier to navigate.
“When you’re both so busy, you have to trust each other completely.”
— Chrissy Teigen
Supporting Each Other in Personal Struggles
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Chrissy has been vocal about her struggles with postpartum depression, grief, and internet trolling, and John has been her rock through it all. When they tragically lost their son, Jack, in 2020, they didn’t hide their pain—they shared it with the world, showing what it really means to support your partner through heartbreak. Instead of letting tragedy pull them apart, they leaned on each other, proving that love isn’t just about celebrating the good times but about standing together when everything falls apart.
Building a Life Beyond Fame
Despite their high-profile lives, they’ve managed to create a sense of normalcy. They cook together, raise their children with as much love and laughter as possible, and never take themselves too seriously. Chrissy has joked that John’s biggest flaw is being too perfect, and John has said that Chrissy’s energy keeps life exciting. They’ve mastered the art of being each other’s biggest cheerleaders—whether it’s Chrissy dancing in the audience at John’s concerts or John hyping up Chrissy’s latest cookbook.
What can we learn from them
Their relationship is proof that love isn’t just about grand gestures, red-carpet appearances, or perfectly filtered Instagram posts. It’s about the moments no one sees—the late-night conversations, the inside jokes, the unwavering support when things don’t go as planned. They show us that real love isn’t about perfection but about embracing the imperfections, knowing that the little things—like cooking together, making each other laugh, or simply being present—are what truly matter.
John and Chrissy remind us that relationships require constant effort, but that effort doesn’t have to feel like work when it’s built on a foundation of mutual respect and trust. They’ve faced personal struggles, career pressures, and public scrutiny, yet they continue to stand by each other, proving that love isn’t about having a perfect life—it’s about choosing each other, day after day, through all of life’s unpredictable twists.
At the heart of it all, they show us that the strongest relationships are the ones where both partners feel safe to be their true, messy, unfiltered selves. When you can love and be loved without pretense, when you can celebrate each other’s successes and lift each other up in hard times—that’s the kind of love that lasts.
11. Conclusion
Falling for someone in the fashion industry is anything but ordinary. One day, you’re having a cozy breakfast together, and the next, they’re jetting off to another country for a last-minute photoshoot. Plans change, schedules are unpredictable, and their phone is constantly buzzing with calls from agencies, stylists, and photographers. It’s a fast-paced life, but if you’re in it for the right reasons, it can also be one of the most exciting and fulfilling relationships you’ll ever have.
There’s definitely an allure to it—the exclusive events, the stunning photoshoots, the chance to see the world in a way most people only dream of. But beyond all that, there’s the reality that most people don’t see. The exhaustion from back-to-back shoots, the pressure to maintain a specific look, the long hours spent in makeup chairs, or traveling between cities with barely a moment to breathe. Sometimes, they come home drained, craving nothing but sleep, and all you can do is be there to support them, offering a warm meal or a quiet space to unwind.
That’s why the real connection isn’t built on the glamorous moments—it’s built in the in-between. It’s in the late-night conversations about their dreams beyond modeling, the random inside jokes, the way you support each other when no one else is watching. It’s about knowing that behind the magazine covers and runway lights is a person who, at the end of the day, just wants to be loved and understood for who they really are.
Forget the industry stereotypes. It’s not just about beauty or luxury—it’s about trust, patience, and understanding that their career, as exciting as it is, comes with challenges most people never think about. There will be times when their schedule pulls them away, but there will also be moments when you create your own world together—one that’s just as special, away from all the cameras and flashing lights.
The whirlwind of the modeling world will always be there, but when your relationship is built on something real, it won’t define you. Instead, it just becomes another part of the story you’re writing together—one where love, respect, and shared dreams matter more than any magazine spread ever could.
Continue Reading:
What Is It Like to Date or Marry a Fashion Model? / Part 1
What Is It Like to Date or Marry a Fashion Model? / Part 2
What Is It Like to Date or Marry a Fashion Model? / Part 3
What Is It Like to Date or Marry a Fashion Model? / Part 4
Written by Anh Nguyen
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