Did Howard and Bernadette get divorced?

Did Howard and Bernadette get divorced?

Howard Bernadette Divorced?
Yes No No

Introduction

Howard and Bernadette, two beloved characters from the hit sitcom “The Big Bang Theory,” captured the hearts of audiences with their quirky personalities and unique relationship. Throughout the series, there were moments of tension and conflict between them, leading some fans to wonder if they ultimately ended up getting divorced. This speculation arose from various storylines and plot twists that hinted at trouble in their marriage.

However, it is important to note that Howard and Bernadette did not get divorced on the show. While they faced their fair share of challenges along the way, including career changes, parenting dilemmas, and communication issues, their love for each other always prevailed. The writers expertly navigated these obstacles to showcase a realistic portrayal of a committed couple working through their problems rather than resorting to divorce.

Overview of the TV show “The Big Bang Theory”

The Big Bang Theory is a popular American sitcom that aired from 2007 to 2019, captivating audiences with its blend of comedy, science references, and endearing characters. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the show revolves around a group of socially awkward but brilliant physicists living in Pasadena, California.

Here is an overview of The Big Bang Theory:

  • The main characters include Leonard Hofstadter, Sheldon Cooper, Howard Wolowitz, Raj Koothrappali, Penny Hofstadter (later Penny Hofstadter-Barnes), Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz, and Amy Farrah Fowler.
  • The show primarily focuses on the friendships and romantic relationships within the group as they navigate their careers in academia and beyond.
  • Leonard and Sheldon are roommates who work at Caltech University. Leonard falls for their neighbor Penny, a waitress aspiring to be an actress.
  • Howard is an aerospace engineer who lives with his overbearing mother before eventually marrying Bernadette. Raj is initially unable to speak to women without consuming alcohol but later develops more confidence in himself.
  • The recurring themes throughout the series include geek culture references such as comic books and video games; scientific discussions about physics; relationship dynamics; and personal growth for each character.

Brief introduction to the characters Howard and Bernadette

Howard Wolowitz and Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz are two beloved characters from The Big Bang Theory who bring their own unique personalities to the show. Here is a brief introduction to these memorable characters:

  • Howard Wolowitz: Howard is an aerospace engineer with a distinct sense of style, often seen sporting colorful clothing and flashy accessories. He has a master’s degree in engineering from MIT and works at Caltech alongside his friends Leonard and Sheldon. Despite his intelligence, Howard often displays socially awkward behavior, especially around women.
  • Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz: Bernadette starts as Penny’s co-worker at The Cheesecake Factory before pursuing her career in microbiology. She is known for her high-pitched voice that contrasts with her petite stature but belies her strong personality. Bernadette eventually marries Howard and becomes the mother of their two children.
  • Together, Howard and Bernadette form a dynamic couple on the show, providing plenty of comedic moments with their contrasting personalities. They navigate challenges such as balancing work and family life while also supporting each other through various personal growth journeys.

The relationship between Howard and Bernadette

The relationship between Howard and Bernadette in The Big Bang Theory is one that evolves throughout the series, showcasing their love, growth, and commitment to each other. Here are some key aspects of their relationship:

  • Friendship turned romance: Howard and Bernadette initially start off as friends within their tight-knit group but gradually develop romantic feelings for each other. Their friendship forms a strong foundation for their relationship.
  • Supportive partners: Despite facing various challenges individually and as a couple, Howard and Bernadette always support each other’s dreams and aspirations. They encourage each other to pursue career opportunities while also navigating the complexities of marriage and parenthood.
  • Growth through compromise: Both characters undergo personal growth throughout the show, learning to compromise with each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies. This growth is evident in how they handle disagreements, communicate effectively, and work together as a team.
  • Parenting journey: One significant milestone in Howard and Bernadette’s relationship is becoming parents. They navigate the joys and struggles of raising children while balancing their careers, providing heartfelt moments that showcase their dedication to family life.

How they met and started dating

Howard and Bernadette’s love story in The Big Bang Theory began with an unexpected meeting and gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Here is how they met and started dating:

  • Their first encounter happened when Penny set Howard up on a blind date with one of her friends, who turned out to be Bernadette.
  • Initially, Howard was infatuated with Bernadette’s attractive appearance, while she found him amusing but somewhat creepy.
  • As they spent more time together within their friend group, Howard’s persistence paid off as he showed genuine care and support for Bernadette.
  • Over time, their friendship deepened, leading to them becoming a couple. Their relationship faced obstacles along the way, including dealing with Howard’s overbearing mother and navigating long-distance when Howard went to space.

This gradual progression from acquaintances to friends to lovers showcased the growth of their bond and made their eventual marriage all the more rewarding for viewers.

Milestones in their relationship

Throughout their time on The Big Bang Theory, Howard and Bernadette’s relationship went through several milestones that showcased their growth as a couple. Here are some notable moments in their relationship:

  • Dating: After meeting on a blind date arranged by Penny, Howard and Bernadette started dating. Despite initial reservations about each other, they found common ground and developed a deep connection.
  • Engagement: Howard proposed to Bernadette during a romantic trip to the Rose Bowl flea market. Although there were bumps along the way, including Bernadette’s hesitation due to her fear of commitment, they eventually became engaged.
  • Marriage: In an intimate rooftop ceremony officiated by none other than Mark Hamill himself (of Star Wars fame), Howard and Bernadette tied the knot surrounded by family and friends.
  • Parenthood: One of the biggest milestones for this couple was becoming parents. They welcomed their first child, Halley Wolowitz, followed by another daughter named Neil Michael Wolowitz after astronaut Neil Armstrong.

Getting engaged

One of the major milestones in Howard and Bernadette’s relationship on The Big Bang Theory was their engagement. Here is a look at how they got engaged:

  • The idea of marriage first comes up when Howard realizes he wants to spend the rest of his life with Bernadette, despite his initial fears about commitment.
  • In Season 4, Episode 1, titled “The Robotic Manipulation,” Howard plans a romantic date for Bernadette on the roof of their apartment building. He gets down on one knee and proposes with a ring made from a red twist tie.
  • Bernadette happily accepts Howard’s proposal, marking an important turning point in their relationship.

This engagement sets the stage for future storylines involving wedding planning, family dynamics, and ultimately leads to their marriage in Season 5. Throughout these episodes, viewers witness the ups and downs that come with planning a wedding while juggling work obligations and quirky friends.

Getting married

Getting married is a significant milestone in the lives of Howard and Bernadette on The Big Bang Theory. Their journey from dating to marriage showcases their growth as individuals and as a couple. Here are some key moments related to their wedding:

  • Proposal: After dating for some time, Howard proposes to Bernadette during a romantic dinner at Penny’s apartment. He gets down on one knee and presents her with a unique engagement ring.
  • The Wedding Planning: The couple faces various challenges while planning their wedding, including disagreements over the guest list, venue choice, and cultural differences between their families.
  • The Wedding Day: Despite some hiccups along the way, Howard and Bernadette finally tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family. Their wedding includes humorous moments such as Sheldon’s speech filled with scientific references.

Becoming parents

One of the major milestones in Howard and Bernadette’s relationship on The Big Bang Theory is becoming parents. Here is a look at their journey to parenthood:

  • Discovering pregnancy: After getting married, Howard and Bernadette decide to start a family. They experience the joy and surprise of discovering Bernadette’s pregnancy, which adds new excitement to their lives.
  • Pregnancy challenges: Throughout Bernadette’s pregnancy, the couple faces various challenges that test their patience and resilience. From dealing with morning sickness and mood swings to preparing for the arrival of their baby, they navigate these hurdles together.
  • The birth of Halley: In Season 10, Bernadette gives birth to their daughter named Halley. This momentous occasion brings immense happiness as they embrace parenthood for the first time.

Becoming parents not only adds a new dimension to Howard and Bernadette’s relationship but also allows for heartwarming moments as they learn how to juggle their careers with raising a child.

Challenges they faced as a couple

As a couple, Howard and Bernadette faced their fair share of challenges throughout the series. These obstacles tested their relationship and required them to work together to overcome them. Here are some of the challenges they encountered:

  • Career Changes: Both Howard and Bernadette experienced significant changes in their professional lives. Howard struggled with his desire to be taken more seriously as an engineer, while Bernadette pursued her career in microbiology, often facing demanding work schedules that put a strain on their time together.
  • Parenting Dilemmas: After becoming parents to Halley and later Neil Michael, Howard and Bernadette had to navigate the joys and difficulties of raising children. They grappled with balancing their careers with parenthood responsibilities, sleepless nights, and learning how to be effective parents.
  • Communication Issues: Like any couple, Howard and Bernadette faced communication breakdowns at times. Their different personalities sometimes led to misunderstandings or arguments that needed resolution through open dialogue.

Despite these challenges, Howard and Bernadette’s love for each other always prevailed. The show depicted them working through these obstacles together as a team, showcasing a realistic portrayal of the ups and downs many couples face in real life.

Rumors and speculation about their marriage

Throughout their time on The Big Bang Theory, Howard and Bernadette’s relationship faced its fair share of ups and downs, leading to rumors and speculation about the state of their marriage. Here are some common rumors that circulated:

  • Divorce: Some fans speculated that Howard and Bernadette would end up divorcing due to the challenges they faced in their relationship. These challenges included moments of miscommunication, conflicting career aspirations, and struggles with balancing work and family life.
  • Infidelity: There were also rumors suggesting that one or both of them might be unfaithful to each other, causing strain in their marriage. These speculations arose from instances where the characters interacted closely with other individuals outside of their relationship.
  • Growing apart: As the show progressed, there were storylines that depicted Howard’s desire for more independence and Bernadette’s focus on her career. This led some fans to speculate that these differences would eventually cause them to drift apart.

However, it is important to note that these rumors remained just speculation as the series ultimately did not depict a divorce or major turmoil in Howard and Bernadette’s marriage. Instead, the show highlighted how they worked through their issues together as a couple while still maintaining their love for each other.

Media gossip and tabloid rumors

As with any popular TV show, The Big Bang Theory was not immune to media gossip and tabloid rumors. Throughout its run, there were various speculations and false reports surrounding the cast and their personal lives. Here is a glimpse into some of the media gossip and tabloid rumors associated with The Big Bang Theory:

  • Rumors about real-life romances: Given the chemistry between the actors on-screen, there were often rumors circulating about romantic relationships off-screen as well. Some of these included whispers of secret romances between Jim Parsons (Sheldon) and Kaley Cuoco (Penny), or Johnny Galecki (Leonard) dating his co-stars.
  • Contract disputes: As one of the highest-paid ensemble casts in television history, contract negotiations for The Big Bang Theory were closely watched by the media. Rumors would occasionally emerge about cast members holding out for higher salaries or engaging in tense negotiations.
  • Cast departures: With such a long-running show, it’s not surprising that speculation arose regarding potential departures from the series. Over time, rumors circulated about actors wanting to leave or disagreements leading to characters being written out prematurely.

Fan theories and speculation

The Big Bang Theory has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years, leading to numerous fan theories and speculation about various aspects of the show. One popular topic of discussion revolves around Howard and Bernadette’s relationship, giving rise to several intriguing theories:

  • Divorce Speculation: As mentioned earlier, some fans speculated that Howard and Bernadette might get divorced due to hints of tension in their marriage throughout the series.
  • Infidelity Rumors: Another theory suggests that either Howard or Bernadette could have been unfaithful at some point, causing strain on their relationship.
  • Career Conflicts: Fans have also theorized that conflicts arising from their respective careers as an engineer and microbiologist could lead to significant challenges in their marriage.

While these theories sparked curiosity among viewers, it is important to note that they remain purely speculative. The creators chose not to take the characters down a path of divorce or infidelity, instead focusing on showcasing how love and commitment can overcome obstacles within a marriage. Ultimately, Howard and Bernadette’s storylines highlight the strength of their bond despite any difficulties they may face.

On-screen conflicts and potential divorce hints

While Howard and Bernadette’s marriage remained intact throughout the series, there were moments of on-screen conflicts and potential divorce hints that had fans questioning their future. Here are some examples:

  • In one episode, Howard lies to Bernadette about a fishing trip with his friends, which leads to trust issues between them.
  • Bernadette expresses her frustrations with Howard’s immaturity at times, particularly when he indulges in childish hobbies or fails to take responsibility for household chores.
  • Howard’s past infidelity is briefly referenced during an argument between the couple, causing tension and doubt in their relationship.

Despite these conflicts and hints at trouble in paradise, the show ultimately focused on resolving these issues rather than pushing towards divorce. The characters matured over time and learned to communicate better, demonstrating that even though they faced challenges as a couple, their love for each other prevailed.

Arguments and disagreements between Howard and Bernadette

Like any married couple, Howard and Bernadette experience their fair share of arguments and disagreements throughout the course of The Big Bang Theory. These moments of conflict add depth to their relationship and showcase the complexities of married life. Here are some examples:

  • Career conflicts: Both Howard and Bernadette have demanding careers that sometimes clash with their personal lives. This can lead to disagreements about work-life balance, job priorities, or career ambitions.
  • Parenting differences: As parents to two children, Halley and Michael, Howard and Bernadette occasionally have different approaches when it comes to parenting decisions. This can range from disciplining methods to educational choices.
  • Communication challenges: Like many couples, Howard and Bernadette face miscommunication issues at times. Their different communication styles or misunderstandings can lead to heated arguments or hurt feelings.

Despite these conflicts, it is important to note that Howard and Bernadette’s love for each other ultimately prevails in the show. They work through their problems together as a team, demonstrating growth as individuals and as a couple along the way.

Moments of tension and doubt in their relationship

While Howard and Bernadette’s relationship on The Big Bang Theory was generally portrayed as strong and loving, there were indeed moments of tension and doubt that tested their bond. These instances added depth to their characters and provided opportunities for growth within their relationship. Here are some key moments of tension:

  • Howard’s immaturity: Early in the series, Howard often displayed immature behavior that caused strain in his relationship with Bernadette. This included his obsession with comic books, video games, and juvenile pranks.
  • Career conflicts: Both Howard and Bernadette experienced career-related challenges that put stress on their marriage. For example, when Bernadette advanced her career by taking a job in pharmaceuticals, it led to arguments about work-life balance.
  • Communication breakdowns: Like any couple, Howard and Bernadette had moments of miscommunication or lack of communication altogether. This could lead to misunderstandings or feelings of neglect within their relationship.

Resolution and current status of their marriage

The resolution and current status of Howard and Bernadette’s marriage on The Big Bang Theory is a positive one. Throughout the series, they face their fair share of challenges and conflicts, but ultimately, their love for each other prevails. Here are some key points about the resolution and current status of their marriage:

  • Despite occasional arguments and disagreements, Howard and Bernadette work through their issues rather than resorting to divorce.
  • They demonstrate growth as individuals and as a couple by learning from their mistakes and finding ways to better support each other.
  • Howard becomes more respectful of Bernadette’s career aspirations in microbiology while also balancing his own ambitions.
  • Bernadette supports Howard in pursuing his dreams while also encouraging him to mature emotionally.

In the final season of the show, it is revealed that Howard receives an offer to join a project at NASA. This opportunity puts strain on their relationship as it requires him to be away from home for extended periods. However, with open communication and mutual understanding, they find a way to make it work without compromising their marriage.

Communication and growth as a couple

Communication and growth as a couple are central themes in Howard and Bernadette’s relationship on The Big Bang Theory. Despite their initial differences, they learn to navigate challenges together and strengthen their bond through open communication and personal growth:

  • Overcoming Communication Barriers: Initially, Howard’s flirtatious nature and Bernadette’s assertive personality create some friction between them. However, they work on improving their communication skills, learning to listen to each other’s needs, and express themselves honestly.
  • Mutual Support: Throughout the series, Howard and Bernadette support each other through various career changes, including Bernadette pursuing her Ph.D. in microbiology while working full-time. They encourage each other’s dreams and provide emotional support during challenging times.
  • Growth as Individuals: Both characters experience significant personal growth throughout the show. Howard matures from being overly reliant on his mother to becoming a responsible husband and father. Bernadette also develops confidence in her professional life while balancing her role as a wife and mother.

Reaffirmation of their commitment

Throughout The Big Bang Theory, Howard and Bernadette face their fair share of challenges, but they continually reaffirm their commitment to each other. Here are some examples of how they demonstrate their love and dedication:

  • Supporting Each Other’s Goals: Whether it’s Howard encouraging Bernadette in her scientific pursuits or Bernadette cheering on Howard as he advances in his career, they always prioritize each other’s dreams.
  • Navigating Parenthood Together: When they become parents to Halley and later Neil Michael, Howard and Bernadette work together to tackle the joys and difficulties of raising children while maintaining a strong bond.
  • Communicating Openly: Instead of letting misunderstandings fester, Howard and Bernadette strive to communicate honestly with each other. They address issues head-on rather than sweeping them under the rug.
  • Showcasing Small Acts of Affection: From sweet gestures like surprise breakfasts in bed to comforting each other during tough times, these small acts highlight their deep love for one another.

In summary, despite facing obstacles along the way, Howard and Bernadette consistently reaffirm their commitment through support, communication, and acts of affection. Their enduring love story adds heartwarming moments throughout The Big Bang Theory series.

Current state of their marriage in the TV show’s storyline

In the TV show’s storyline, the current state of Howard and Bernadette’s marriage is portrayed as strong and stable. Despite the challenges they have faced over the years, their love for each other has remained steadfast. Here are some key points about the current state of their marriage:

  • Communication: Howard and Bernadette have learned to improve their communication skills, which has helped them navigate conflicts more effectively.
  • Parenting: They have embraced parenthood with the birth of their two children, Halley and Neil Michael. The responsibilities that come with raising a family have brought them closer together.
  • Career Support: Both Howard and Bernadette support each other in their respective careers. They understand and respect each other’s professional ambitions.
  • Growth Together: Throughout the series, they have experienced personal growth individually but also as a couple. They have learned from past mistakes and worked on becoming better partners to one another.

All in all, Howard and Bernadette continue to be portrayed as a loving couple who face challenges head-on while maintaining a strong bond throughout The Big Bang Theory’s storyline.

Impact and lessons learned from their relationship

Howard and Bernadette’s relationship in The Big Bang Theory had a significant impact on the show and left audiences with valuable lessons about love, commitment, and personal growth. Here are some of the key takeaways from their relationship:

  • Supporting each other’s dreams: Howard and Bernadette consistently supported each other’s career aspirations, whether it was Howard encouraging Bernadette to pursue her Ph.D. or Bernadette cheering Howard on as he aimed for greater professional success.
  • Growth through compromise: Both characters learned the importance of compromising in a relationship. From deciding where to live to balancing work and family life, they showed that finding common ground is crucial for a successful partnership.
  • Overcoming insecurities: Howard struggled with self-doubt and often sought validation from others. Through his relationship with Bernadette, he learned to be more confident in himself while also addressing his need for attention.
  • The power of communication: Like any couple, Howard and Bernadette faced challenges that required open and honest communication. They demonstrated that talking through issues is essential for resolving conflicts effectively.

The enduring popularity of their relationship speaks volumes about the impact they had on viewers who resonated with their journey as a couple.

Representation of a strong and resilient marriage

The Big Bang Theory portrays Howard and Bernadette’s marriage as a strong and resilient relationship, showcasing the ups and downs that couples often face. Here are some key aspects of their representation:

  • Commitment: Despite the challenges they encounter, Howard and Bernadette remain committed to each other throughout the series. They demonstrate unwavering support and dedication, showing that a successful marriage requires effort and compromise.
  • Growth: Both characters experience personal growth within their relationship. Howard evolves from being an immature womanizer to a devoted husband and father, while Bernadette becomes more assertive in her career aspirations. Their individual development strengthens their bond as they navigate life together.
  • Communication: Effective communication is essential for any marriage, and Howard and Bernadette work on improving theirs throughout the show. They learn to express their needs, resolve conflicts, and listen to each other with empathy.
  • Teamwork: The couple faces numerous challenges together but always manages to find solutions by working as a team. Whether it’s balancing careers or parenting responsibilities, they support each other’s goals while maintaining mutual respect.

Overall, The Big Bang Theory presents Howard and Bernadette’s marriage as one that endures through adversity by emphasizing commitment, growth, communication, and teamwork.

Lessons about love, compromise, and forgiveness

The Big Bang Theory not only entertains viewers with its humor and quirky characters but also imparts valuable lessons about love, compromise, and forgiveness. Throughout the series, Howard and Bernadette’s relationship exemplifies these important life lessons:

  • Commitment: Despite their differences, Howard and Bernadette remain committed to each other throughout the ups and downs of their relationship. They demonstrate that true love involves standing by your partner through thick and thin.
  • Compromise: As with any couple, Howard and Bernadette face numerous challenges that require compromise. From dealing with career changes to balancing family responsibilities, they show the importance of finding common ground for the sake of a harmonious partnership.
  • Forgiveness: In any long-term relationship, there are bound to be mistakes or misunderstandings. Howard and Bernadette teach us that forgiveness is key to maintaining a healthy bond. They learn from their past errors and give each other second chances.

By observing Howard and Bernadette’s journey in The Big Bang Theory, viewers can gain insights into building strong relationships based on love, compromise, and forgiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Big Bang Theory was a beloved sitcom that captivated audiences for 12 seasons. While there may have been speculation about Howard and Bernadette getting divorced, the show portrayed their relationship as resilient and committed.

Here are some key takeaways from this guide:

  • The Big Bang Theory aired from 2007 to 2019 and revolved around a group of socially awkward but brilliant physicists living in Pasadena, California.
  • Howard Wolowitz is an aerospace engineer with quirky fashion sense, while Bernadette Rostenkowski-Wolowitz is a microbiologist known for her high-pitched voice.
  • The show focused on the friendships and romantic relationships within the group while incorporating geek culture references, scientific discussions, and personal growth storylines.

Overall, The Big Bang Theory provided viewers with laughter, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters who became part of pop culture history.

Summary of Howard and Bernadette’s journey as a couple

Howard and Bernadette’s journey as a couple on The Big Bang Theory is filled with ups and downs, showcasing the realities of married life. Here is a summary of their relationship:

  • Early stages: Howard and Bernadette meet through Penny, who sets them up on a blind date. Despite their initial awkwardness, they hit it off and start dating.
  • Marriage: After years of being together, Howard proposes to Bernadette in a romantic gesture involving her favorite movie. They eventually tie the knot in a rooftop ceremony surrounded by their friends.
  • Parenting: One major milestone in their relationship is becoming parents. Bernadette gives birth to their first child, Halley, followed by the arrival of their second child, Neil Michael. Balancing work and family becomes an ongoing challenge for them.
  • Career growth: Both Howard and Bernadette experience significant career advancements throughout the series. Howard goes from being an engineer at Caltech to working on projects for NASA, while Bernadette transitions from working at The Cheesecake Factory to pursuing her passion in microbiology.

Throughout these milestones, Howard and Bernadette face various obstacles that test the strength of their relationship. However, they always manage to overcome these challenges through communication, compromise, and unwavering support for one another.

Reflection on their enduring love story in “The Big Bang Theory” series.

Howard and Bernadette’s love story in The Big Bang Theory is a testament to enduring love amidst the challenges that come with marriage and parenthood. Here is a reflection on their relationship:

  • Supportive partnership: Despite their differences, Howard and Bernadette consistently support each other’s dreams and aspirations. They encourage one another to pursue their careers while also providing emotional support during difficult times.
  • Growth as individuals: Throughout the series, both characters experience personal growth, with Howard evolving from an immature womanizer to a devoted husband and father. Bernadette goes from being shy and reserved to embracing her assertiveness and becoming a successful scientist.
  • Parenting journey: Howard and Bernadette navigate the ups and downs of raising children together, showcasing the realities of balancing work, family life, sleepless nights, and the joys of watching their kids grow up.
  • Humor in adversity: One aspect that makes Howard and Bernadette’s relationship endearing is their ability to find humor even in challenging situations. Their witty banter adds levity to tense moments, reminding viewers that laughter can be a powerful tool for connection.

The enduring love between Howard and Bernadette serves as an inspiration for fans of The Big Bang Theory, showing that true love can overcome obstacles when two people are committed to supporting each other through thick and thin.

FAQ on ‘Did Howard and Bernadette get divorced?’

Are Howard and Bernadette still together?

Yes, Howard and Bernadette are still together.

Did Howard cheat on Bernadette?

No, there is no evidence of Howard cheating on Bernadette.

Do Howard and Bernadette have any children?

Yes, Howard and Bernadette have two children named Halley and Neil Michael.

Is there any tension in Howard and Bernadette’s relationship?

Like any couple, they may experience occasional tensions, but overall their relationship is strong.