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It was a bad sign. In the weeks leading up to Valentine\u2019s Day, Jessica Simpson<\/strong><\/a> sparked rumors of a split from husband Eric Johnson<\/strong><\/a> by posting a slew of Instagram photographs of herself sans a wedding band. She was also spotted without the jewelry this past November and December. \u201cWhen Jessica and Eric are fighting<\/a>, the ring comes off,\u201d spills an insider exclusively<\/a> to Life & Style<\/em>, confirming that anytime she leaves the bling behind it\u2019s not by accident. \u201cIt makes her feel like a fraud wearing her ring if they\u2019re not getting along.\u201d<\/p>\n But as their 10-year anniversary approaches this July, neither spouse is willing to give up on the romance that easily. In fact, Jessica, 43, and Eric, 44, were seen enjoying a cozy meal at Santa Monica hotspot Ivy at the Shore on February 14.<\/p>\n \u201cIssues come up \u2014 just this year they\u2019ve gone through ups and downs and faced challenges \u2014 but they\u2019re both dedicated to the relationship,\u201d notes the insider. \u201cJessica and Eric say couples counseling has really saved their marriage and taught them invaluable life lessons. Even when times are tough, they know to still make each other a priority \u2014 which is why Eric insisted on their Valentine\u2019s Day dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n In the past, Jess has admitted she turned to alcohol to help her through the day-to-day. Although she got sober in 2017, the problems didn\u2019t stop. Their main points of contention lately? Money \u2014 especially since their $11.5 million house in Hidden Hills, California, was used as collateral to buy back Jessica\u2019s eponymous fashion label \u2014 says the insider, as well as her busy schedule. Last year, the \u201cIrresistible\u201d singer revealed that she was splitting her time between L.A. and Nashville<\/a> while working on new music, leaving Eric alone in California to care for their three children<\/a>, Maxi, 11, Ace, 10, and Birdie, 4.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re in school,\u201d she\u2019s explained. \u201cSo I have two weeks [away], two weeks home.\u201d While the situation has put pressure on their marriage, \u201cEric knows making music again has given Jess a renewed happiness,\u201d says the insider of the former NFL tight end. \u201cSure, there are days he resents doing the heavylifting when it comes to parenting, but he realizes this time will pass and sets up weekend trips to Nashville with the kids to break things up a little.\u201d<\/p>\n Reconnecting as a romantic couple during the jaunts is important, too. \u201cDate nights are a must for Jessica and Eric,\u201d says the insider. \u201cThey may seem like small gestures, but having alone time with each other makes a world of difference.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nFinding Balance<\/h2>\n