How Jennifer Aniston Feels About Being A Subject Of Celebrity Gossip

Jennifer Aniston Office Christmas Party

If you have ever glazed over the tabloid covers on a supermarket magazine racket, or if you have ever scrolled your way through a celebrity gossip website in your life, there's certainly a good chance that you've seen Jennifer Aniston mentioned at least once or twice. The former Friends actress-turned-movie star is certainly no stranger to constant speculation from the media. Whether it's about her lifestyle, beauty secrets or, more likely than not, her romantic life, there's always someone gossiping about Jennifer. How does she feel about that? Well, she understandably holds mixed feelings.

During a recent cover profile for InStyle, Jennifer Aniston elaborated on how it feels to constantly be the source of speculation. While she admits that she'll laugh at some of the ridiculousness stuff, it can sometimes get under her skin a bit too. Considering how wild the rumors get, that's reasonable.

There are definitely moments of not being balanced and poised, but I do that all in my own personal space. For the most part I can sit back and laugh at the ridiculous headlines because they have gotten more and more absurd. I guess they're feeding into some sort of need the public has, but I focus on my work, my friends, my animals, and how we can make the world a better place. That other stuff is junk food that needs to go back in its drawer.

Ultimately, though, it's all about the work. She's a hard-working actress and producer, so gossip rags be damned. Everyone has a job to do, and Aniston is focused on hers. Still, Jennifer Aniston does admittedly find herself frustrated by some reporting. Notably, the A-list performer is annoyed by the constant questions about her broken heart and whether she'll ever settle down and have kids. While Aniston has developed a thick skin for a few unsavory things directed her way, these comments -- and the pressure to have a family -- can rub her the wrong way.

The misconceptions are 'Jen can't keep a man,' and 'Jen refuses to have a baby because she's selfish and committed to her career.' Or that I'm sad and heartbroken," she says. "First, with all due respect, I'm not heartbroken. And second, those are reckless assumptions. No one knows what's going on behind closed doors. No one considers how sensitive that might be for my partner and me. They don't know what I've been through medically or emotionally. There is a pressure on women to be mothers, and if they are not, then they're deemed damaged goods. Maybe my purpose on this planet isn't to procreate. Maybe I have other things I'm supposed to do?

These comments are related to Jennifer Aniston's recent separation from her husband, Justin Theroux, earlier this year. There has been a great deal of speculation (of course) as to what might've caused the high-profile break-up, with some people believing it might have something to do with work hassles between the two highly in-demand actors, along with Theroux's preference for New York City over Aniston's insistence on living in Los Angeles. But ultimately, it's a private matter, as all relationships are -- even when the tabloid media says otherwise. Like Aniston admits in the quote above, nobody really knows what happens behind closed doors, and we might never know what caused these two lovers to go about their separate ways.

Jennifer Aniston continues to find a steady stream of new projects to keep her attention away from the noise. Next, Aniston will be seen in the comedy musical Dumplin', which is based on the book of the same name by Julie Murphy. It is expected to arrive sometime this year, though it's unclear when. She's also filming Netflix's Murder Mystery, which reunites the actress with Adam Sandler. They previously worked together on 2011's Just Go With It. Additionally, Aniston is looking to return to the small screen. She is currently attached to an upcoming, untitled new series with Reese Witherspoon produced by Apple. It will be Jennifer Aniston's first TV role since the actress wrapped up her tenure with Friends 14 years earlier.

Will Ashton

Will is an entertainment writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. His writing can also be found in The Playlist, Cut Print Film, We Got This Covered, The Young Folks, Slate and other outlets. He also co-hosts the weekly film/TV podcast Cinemaholics with Jon Negroni and he likes to think he's a professional Garfield enthusiast.