Liev Schreiber & Naomi Watts Split

In a thoroughly unexpected turn, we've just learned that Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts have split after more than a decade together. As much as I hate to say it, the sting of this news feels a little more dull after the shockwave of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's split a week ago. Nonetheless, Schreiber and Watts could, by all accounts, have been considered a stable and long term power couple in Hollywood. With two boys —Alexander, 9, and Samuel, 7—together, two respectively powerhouse careers and a lot of affectionate fandom in their corner, I'd go so far as to say Schreiber and Watts were #RelationshipGoals.

As this news breaks, there is no clear reason as to why they split. The couple released a joint statement earlier today, saying that "[o]ver the past few months we've come to the conclusion that the best way forward for us as a family is to separate as a couple. It is with great love, respect, and friendship in our hearts that we look forward to raising our children together and exploring this new phase of our relationship. While we appreciate your curiosity and support, we ask the press to be mindful of our children and respect their right to privacy."

In a 2013 interview with Allure magazine, Watts recalled that she and Schreiber met at the 2005 Met Gala wherein she boldly gave Schreiber her phone number after a brief encounter. Watts' forwardness caught Schreiber's attention and he ended up cheekily texting her a few minutes after they separated. The couple met for a breakfast date the morning after and the rest, they say is history. Well, sadly now it really is history but we shouldn't mourn this split. If anything, their statement alludes to a positive mindset on both their parts. That's precisely how we, the fans, should approach it too. If we have learned anything from the Brangelina split, it's that this break-up is not our own and yes, everything happens for a reason.