Chris Hemsworth Shares How He & Wife Elsa Keep Marriage 'In Check'

Chris Hemsworth is sharing the key to his lasting marriage to wife Elsa Pataky and how they overcome "complicated times" in their relationship.

The Thor actor, 42, sat down for a wide-ranging chat on Jay Shetty's On Purpose podcast published December 15 where he opened up how he and Pataky keep their relationship "in check" despite both of the careers as actors and raising their three kids, daughter India, 13, and 11-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan, per People.

Hemsworth and Pataky met in 2010 and got married around Christmas that same year. Speaking to Shetty, he credits their lasting relationship as both of them "having an adventurous spirit" and prioritizing time with one another.

"I think the complicated times have been when it's been all work, all kids, and all of a sudden the 'us' in the relationship is sort of non-existent," he said. "You're just kind of managing a household or the work-family schedule. Elsa will be off at work, and I'll be off at work and then it's chaos with kid time, and so sort of removing ourselves from all of that and just having time for the two of us and making space for each other rather than the rest of the world that can be so all-consuming."

The Marvel star emphasized the importance of "humor" and "curiosity" in their relationship and an openness "to make a fool of yourself," adding that while there is "always that spark and that attraction," the biggest key is "friendship and companionship."

"The moment you run out of things to talk about, you lack that curiosity and interest in one another, that's when it's concerning," he said, adding that they also understand that "you don't entirely ever know each other [but] you'll continue to try and figure it out, as you're trying to have a greater understanding of yourself as well."

He continued, "It allows you to forgive each other. It allows you to be more compassionate with each other, it allows you to have a greater understanding for both of your shortcomings and the lesser versions of ourselves. I think that's kept us in check."

On Purpose with Jay Shetty has a focus on mental health and aims to help listeners feel understood in the challenges and hurdles they face in life. The podcast has new episodes each week and often features special guests to "uncover a side of them we've never seen before." Follow along with On Purpose or catch up on past episodes at iHeart.com.