Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey have jointly announced their separation in an exclusive statement to entertainment magazine, US Weekly . While the couple issued a pretty generic statement about the fact that they were "parting ways" etc., the story is a bit of a bigger media issue because of the constant denials of problems in the marriage over the last few weeks and months.

While Simpson and Lachey didn't detail the cause of the separation in the statement, there have been plenty of media stories alleging "infidelity" on Lachey's part and "growing pains" on Simpson's part.

Well, is this not the perfect time for Simpson's dad, Joe Simpson to say "I told you so"?

Joe Simpson has admitted in many media interviews that he was against his daughter's marriage, primarily based on the fact that she was so young.

So what could be the possible factors for the destruction of this wildly popular but short Hollywood marriage?

We are some GirlShrink theories...

1. They were plunged into the Hollywood A-List quickly and at the beginning of their marriage.
Embarking on a new life and marriage with someone and figuring out how to make that all work is enough work. But to tack on the stress and workload of being a successful singing artist, actress, celebrity etc. made things only worse. It's a tough ride - and you have to be extraordinarily strong to survive.

2. Jessica Simpson is growing as a person more than her husband.
And not just because she has this blossoming career. But also because she is so much younger then her husband and he has already been through a time of self- discovery. This is her time and she has had to explore this time in the limelight, married, and a lot of the times without her husband.

3. They were apart a lot. A whole lot!
The old-timers will tell you. There are sacrifices to be made in marriage from time to time. And while they were living their dreams career wise - their marriage was being sacrificed - when the sacrifice should have been other things career related. If you are still getting to know your partner as your spouse, and you spend months away from him on a movie set, you have to work really hard to maintain intimacy in a marriage like that. The core definition of marriage - of a union - means to be together.

4. The media was relentless
Media coverage of Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey was really ridiculous, but part of the normal Hollywood machine. Entertainment magazines were always covering where they went, how they acted with each other, what Jessica was wearing, and if their marriage was a strong one. And let's face it - no matter what your husband may say, if you read in a magazine that your husband was with a prostitute the night before - you may be a bit suspicious. Or it may weigh on you. The gossip. The speculations. Especially, if things are really good between you. That's probably some of the reason why Jessica Simpson has discussed the fact that she is in therapy to work on relieving the stress and anxiety of the media scrutiny.

We wish all the best to Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey. Hopefully they will find love - a better love - the second time around!

Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and an online advice authority. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Visit her for some Advice & Counseling, take a free Depression Screening, or save your relationship with the Relationship 911 Program by visiting: http:// http://www.girlshrink.com You can also subscribe to the site's popular relationship resource Better Choices at: http://www.girlshrink.com/better_choices.html

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