Reese and Ryan's neglected relationship

Nov 15, 2006, 13:50 GMT

Reese Witherspoon has confessed she and her estranged husband Ryan Phillippe neglected each other during their marriage.

The Oscar-winning actress, who filed for divorce from her husband of seven years last month, claims work and family life came between them.

Reese - who has two children, daughter Ava, seven, and son Deacon, three - told Britain's OK! magazine: "Love is a beautiful thing, but you've got to nurture that spirit in getting through the 50 things that come during the day, like driving the kids to school, who is picking up the in-laws at the airport, and working on a script when one of your kids is running a high fever.

"It's very easy to get wrapped up in your own little world, whether it's work, the kids or friends, and not pay enough attention to your partner."

The 'Walk The Line' actress also revealed that she expected Ryan to always be there for her and realises she might have taken him for granted.

Reese said: "You might think your partner is always there for you and you always have him or her around when you need them. But that means you might not be asking yourself what you're doing to make them happy or find out what they would like from you in the way of attention or help."

(C) BANG Media International