Elizabeth Madison Shares What Her Relationship with Husband J.D. Madison Is Like During Their Separation

After coming to J.D. Madison's defense following Naomie Olindo's allegations about her husband on Southern Charm (clip above), Elizabeth Madison is setting the record straight on the couple's decision to separate last year. 

Elizabeth recently opened up about her marriage to The Daily Dish in an interview via email. "The differences in personality and the arguing that came from those differences morphed our beautiful relationship into something toxic. We both approached our marriage in an adult manner and tried to make a decision that would make us better people and keep our children happy and balanced. I was deeply saddened by how far we had fallen as a married couple, and at the time, I felt we had both done everything we could to make it work," Elizabeth explained. "Our differences had caught up to us, and although it was difficult, we made the decision to separate." 

Elizabeth said that she couldn't point to a single reason or instance that led to the couple's separation. "I was done and had been done for a long time. My heart wasn't in it, and I felt like the cons of our marriage outweighed the pros. That said, even with all the difficulty, I knew I still loved him. I had just fallen 'out' of love with him. It is hard to explain," she shared. "J.D. is an incredible person, father, and genuine soul. He is full of passion and that is something I admire in him. I am proud of the roads we walked down together but some of the roads took their toll."

Now Elizabeth, who has four children with J.D., said that she's glad she and her husband gave each other some space. "With time apart, it allowed us to heal and to grow as human beings. We are better people now than we were then. J.D. is, and always has been an amazing father. His dedication to them through all of this has been amazing. I see him clearer now for who he is and I know him better than anybody on this earth. I have seen him go through so much and he just keeps on fighting. He works hard to provide for our family, and to be the best dad in the world. He is still a royal pain in the ass at times, and such an extremist, but he has warmed my heart again, and I am taking things slow," Elizabeth said. "Most importantly, we are spending quality time together, and J.D. has been very supportive through all of this. For now, we remain separated and maintain a wonderful friendship and partnership in raising our children. I take pride in how we chose to handle this, showing support, love, and respect for each other." 

And Elizabeth said that J.D. has continued to be her "rock" during this difficult time. Danni Baird has also "been the most supportive" of Elizabeth out of anyone in the Southern Charm crew, she said. 

As the Southern Charm couple remains separated and continues to work on figuring out what the future holds for their relationship, Elizabeth shared that she's now focusing on herself and her family. "I am doing what is best for me and my family. I'm working on myself and on who I am. I am spending a lot of time with J.D. and our kids, and I am literally taking it one day at a time. I am thankful to God for each day. I want the world to know that I AM LIVING FOR TODAY. What matters most is that I am truly very happy today, and that my kids are happy. The past is for J.D. and I to handle privately on our terms. J.D. and I have both grown internally and maybe this is what God had planned for us, and I am OK with that."

We'll learn more about Elizabeth and J.D.'s journey this season of Southern Charm, which continues with an all-new episode Thursday at 9/8c. Check out a preview, below.

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