“I had odd jobs. I worked at K-Mart, graveyard shift, security. That’s when I was just grinding man. I met my wife during them days. She was with me. She was just coming out of Sister, Sister, but they had everything man and I didn’t have anything. I had a studio apartment, sleeping in the corner, no furniture for almost two years," the actor revealed. "I was waiting on a bus stop—after I shot my first film. Her sister and her drove by, they saw me waiting and asked to give me a ride. I was embarrassed. I was downtown. They gave me a ride and we were friends ever since. They took me to Inglewood, so that’s how that relationship started."
#1: Be Down From The Start
Both Tia and Cory have been honest about how they met, his humble beginnings and her acceptance. If that's not love, what is?!
#2: Holding Each Other Down Isn't Easy, But It's Worth It
“We weren’t physical, we didn’t do anything for a while to make sure this was something special and this was something real," the actress shared. "That’s what we did. And also my husband…we courted each other for about a year. We didn’t go on dates with just him and I, there were other people around. We waited a year to kiss. That’s basically what I did.”
She later admitted she didn’t lose her virginity until she was 25.
#3: Being Patient Has Its Perks
Tia suffers from endometriosis so she changed her diet to address her pains. Cory was totally on board and their son Cree enjoys healthy eating too!
#4: Having Fun Means Trying New Things
"I’m really, really into yoga," Tia reveals of her favorite workout plan but she and Cory don't hold back on hitting the trail together to get some much needed exercise!
#5: Don't Be Afraid To Get Down And Dirty Together
“We don’t put gender roles on our marriage and our relationship. If I’m working a lot and Cory’s home, he will put Cree to bed, and if dishes need to be washed, he will wash them. So it’s not like, ‘Oh, I’m going to wait until my wife gets home and she’s going to be doing all that. I had to take on those responsibilities that a father would do,” she said of doing things with Cree while Cory was away filming. “I was out in the backyard teaching my son how to kick a ball. We don’t put labels on each other...It’s a team effort, and at the end of the day it’s winning and however we get there, that’s what we do.”
#6: Don't Be Afraid To Go Against The Norm
Just this year, Tia and Cory celebrated 17 years together and they're still smiling about it!
#7: No Matter How Long It's Been, Always Make Each Other Smile
Cory and Tia are all about taking care of business but they also aren't afraid to have fun. Even in ugly Christmas sweaters!
#8: Being Silly And Serious Together Makes The Perfect Marriage
Whether they hit the town or stay at home, the Hardricts are all aboout date nights to keep the spark in their 9-year union alive!
#9: Date Nights Are Always A Major Key