by Susan L. Hornik

The sexy star of Desperate Housewives reveals his secret to a steamy makeout session—and the key to making a relationship last for the long haul.

Q: You and co-star Teri Hatcher certainly seem to have a lot of sexy chemistry during those kissing scenes. Is it all an act?

A: Chemistry is a hard thing to manufacture; you can’t really fake it. So I am glad that she is as cool as she is, and giving as an actress. We just really hit it off together. It is not necessary as actors, but it certainly makes things a lot more fun and easier.

Q: While you play a single guy on screen, you’ve actually been married for six years to Erin O’Brien and have two kids. What made the two of you click?

A: My wife is amazing. She never gets mad at me. I love that! She’s also taught me how to grow up lovingly. I learned how to parent from her. That is possibly the most useful lesson I will ever have in my life.

Q: Anything about your wife that drives you nuts?

A: My wife leaves things out. She doesn’t close cereal boxes or drawers or cabinets. It drives me crazy—and she knows it! It’s not a big deal but some people have pet peeves: I hate stale cereal.

Q: What’s the best date you two have ever had?

A: We’re campers. Not long after we started dating, we spent a weekend down in Borrego out in the desert with our dog. It was incredible—the best date and the best weekend.

Q: And what about your worst date?

A: You know, we actually haven’t had any bad dates. Though my wife may say something different!

Q: What’s the key to making romance last for the long haul?

A: Try your best to compromise. For example, I like to eat out. I would never ever eat at home if I didn’t have to. My wife hates going to restaurants. She always wants to cook and eat in. That’s probably our biggest difference. But we always end up compromising so that’s how our marriage works really well.

Susan L. Hornik is an entertainment journalist in Los Angeles—and a major-league Desperate Housewives fan.