The Lesson of Warren Buffett’s Unconventional Love Life

Couples have options in shaping their romantic relationships

Warren Buffett has been in the news lately after announcing he will retire as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of the year.

While the billionaire investor is lauded for his financial savvy, his romantic life is just as interesting. Warren was married to Susan Thompson Buffett when Astrid Menks moved in with him when Susan decided to leave the family home in Omaha in the late 1970s, after two decades of marriage and raising their three children, for San Francisco to pursue her singing career. Susan met Astrid in a restaurant — Susan often sang there and Astrid was a server — became close friends, introduced her to her husband, and encouraged Astrid to take care of him, which Astrid did — even though the Buffetts never divorced.

The couple lived apart together until Susan’s death in 2004. But Warren remained devoted to Susan and cared for her when she was became ill and was treated for cancer, frequently spoke with her by phone, and socialized and traveled together.

Their relationship was strong and loving, their daughter Susie shares, but her mother wanted to develop a life of her own as her husband became ever more famous; like so many wives, she felt…