Red Flags In Erin And Ben Napier's Marriage, Analyzed By Our Dating Coaches

Power couples on HGTV seem to have the perfect relationships. They work together, they co-parent, and they're always on each other's side. But when it comes to Erin and Ben Napier, hosts of HGTV's "Home Town," their marriage may not be as picturesque as the settings they create on television. For the real story, Glam reached out to holistic dating coaches Orna and Matthew Walters of Love on Purpose. Here, the authors of "Getting It Right This Time: Break Free from Your Hidden Blocks to Lasting Love" help us break down potential red flags in the Napiers' love story.

First up, Erin admitted that she was interested in Ben from the first moment she laid eyes on him. She swooned over him from afar and even dated men that reminded her of Ben. Some see this as a big red flag, but the Walters chock it up to the optimism of being a young adult. "It's more a window into young romantic intensity than anything concerning. What matters is whether you grow out of idealizing and fantasying to choosing a life partner based on shared values, not just emotions," they tell Glam exclusively. And luckily, "Erin and Ben's history proves the latter," according to the Walters, although it's hard to know the truth when the renovation pair have spent so little time apart since meeting. 

Erin and Ben Napier live and work together, making them appear inseparable. It turns out this has been true for quite some time, as Erin shared with Us Weekly in March 2025 that they started talking about marriage just days after first getting to know each other. To many, this is a big red flag and a huge sign of rushing into a relationship, but Orna and Matthew Walters say the Napiers' relationship history refutes that point. The experts point out how Erin and Ben dated for three years before becoming engaged, which is a healthy amount of time to consider their future together.

Now as business partners and television sensations, it looks as though Erin and Ben are together every waking moment. Does that mean they're spending too much time together? Potentially. However, the Walters exclusively tell Glam, "Every couple creates their own relationship dynamic." Whether this becomes a glaring red flag or not depends on the pair and how they interact. To keep things balanced, it's important to establish routines that can help to curb codependency in a relationship. "If they have healthy communication skills, can turn conflict into a deeper connection, and are good about setting and keeping boundaries, working side-by-side can actually strengthen their bond," Orna and Matthew explain. "What looks like enmeshment from the outside may simply be a functional partnership that's ideal for Erin and Ben." Only time will tell on this one.

Celebrity couples often feel pressured to look perfect and united when being seen in the public eye. Speculation of a possible divorce has been growing for Erin and Ben Napier, and their defense of the relationship has led to more questions than answers. "It's worth noting that when a couple repeatedly feels the need to defend their relationship, it may mean things aren't as solid behind the scenes," Orna and Matthew Walters exclusively tell Glam. "In a stable partnership, there's a sense of safety and security that doesn't rely on public statements of reassurance." It's possible that the Napiers are both throwing themselves into their work to distract from relationship issues, but any existing tension will only grow if not addressed directly. 

Ultimately, the Walters say, "Not all things that appear to be red flags actually are — context matters." The real status of the Napiers' relationship can only be revealed through important considerations like communication and understanding. Orna and Matthew recommend asking, "Do you have healthy communication skills? Is there respect for each other's boundaries? Can you repair quickly after a conflict?" These are the core tenets of a long-lasting relationship, so if the Napiers can navigate the afoemntioned questionable aspects of their relationship and subscribe to these tasks, they might be golden in the end. Now, for more HGTV love-bird insights, check out the red flags in Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa's relationship.