Kristen Bell has been open about her unusual views on marriage, revealing that she does not believe humans are naturally meant to be monogamous. The 2019 interview resurfaced on social media recently as Bell promotes the new season of her Netflix series, Nobody Wants This.
The actress also admitted that she would not necessarily be upset if her husband, Dax Shepard, cheated on her. It has drawn attention because they go against what many people expect from a married couple. However, Bell's views are based on trust, honesty and confidence in their relationship, rather than a lack of love for her husband.
Bell's Views on Monogamy
Bell shared her thoughts on monogamy during a 2019 interview, where she spoke about what she had learned from being married to Shepard. When asked directly about the subject, the actress gave an honest answer that challenged the usual ideas about marriage.
'I'm quite positive we are not meant to be monogamous,' Bell said during the conversation. She added that staying in a monogamous relationship was difficult and required 'a lot of attention, vulnerability, and openness'.
The actress also explained that communication played a major role in keeping their marriage strong. She praised Shepard for being open about his feelings and what he needed from their relationship, saying that both partners had to make an effort to keep each other happy.
She Would Not Mind Cheating
Bell's comments about infidelity became even more surprising during a November 2025 interview with The Sun. While discussing her views on relationships, the actress explained why she would not automatically see a one-night stand as a reason to end her marriage.
'Kind of who cares, to be honest?' Bell said when asked about the possibility of Shepard being unfaithful. She continued, 'I also know we're monkeys. We're both attracted to other people. We're married. We're not dead.'
Bell also recognised that not everyone would feel the same way about their partner being attracted to other people. 'But I don't know that everyone has the privilege of this much confidence in their relationship,' she added. Her comments suggested that trust and confidence were important parts of how she viewed her marriage.
Honesty Comes First
Bell had also spoken about cheating and jealousy during a 2018 appearance on The View. She explained that she and Shepard were comfortable discussing people they found attractive, rather than hiding those feelings from each other.
'We talk very openly about other people we're attracted to,' she said. Bell added that they sometimes even found the same people attractive, naming Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Kitsch as examples. She also said that being attracted to someone else did not mean she loved her husband any less.
The actress also made it clear that she had personal limits when it came to her husband's actions. She explained that putting their children's safety at risk, such as driving them while under the influence, would be far more serious to her than a one-time mistake involving attraction. Her comments showed that she viewed different actions in a relationship very differently.
Despite her statements about monogamy and cheating, Bell and Shepard have not said they have an open marriage.
In 2024, Shepard addressed rumours that they were Hollywood swingers during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, making it clear that they had not taken that step. The couple, who married in 2013, have continued to speak openly about the work and trust needed to keep their relationship strong.
