The tabloids are full of celebrity romances, including hook-ups, marriages, divorces and break-ups. Even though most of us don’t know these celebrities personally, it’s easy to become engrossed in the ups and downs of their love lives. Some even take the news of celebrity break-ups harder than break-ups of their friends. However, for people not in the limelight, it can be difficult to fully grasp the pressures involved in a celebrity relationship. As LA’s top celebrity matchmaker, we can provide some insight into what makes for a lasting celebrity relationship.

Let’s first look at Jay-Z and Beyonce, arguably the first couple of R&B. What makes them such a great couple is that they both share a strong work ethic, a drive to constantly produce great music. Because they have similar life goals, priorities and aspirations, they truly understand the values and priorities that shape each others’ lives, something they would find in few others.

Next, let’s look at the love lives of long-time friends and collaborators Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Though they’ve both had their share of public break-ups (Matt Damon with Minnie Driver and Winona Ryder and Ben Affleck with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez), they both, ultimate, chose different paths. Ben decided to keep “the business” an important part of his relationship by marrying Jennifer Garner, another successful TV and screen actress. On the other hand, Matt chose to marry outside of the business. In 2005, he married Brazilian bartendress Luciana Bozan Barroso. Unlike Ben, Matt chose to keep Hollywood out of his home life.

Here’s what we can take away from these celebrity unions. Any rewarding, long-lasting relationship is built on shared values and goals, not jobs, nationalities or stations in life. Ultimately, you’ll be happiest with someone who is working to move in the same direction as you.