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‘We had counselling over it’: Abby Coleman reveals what sent her and husband to couples therapy

Radio presenter Abby Coleman reveals the issue that she and husband Scott Burdon keep arguing over, landing them in counselling.

Brisbane radio identity Abby Coleman. Picture: David Kelly
Brisbane radio identity Abby Coleman. Picture: David Kelly

Brisbane radio identity Abby Coleman has revealed the issue that she and husband Scott Burdon keep arguing over, landing them in counselling, in the latest edition of Couple Goals.

Abby Coleman, radio presenter, and Scott “Scotty” Burdon, builder

Married: December 2010

Children: Three sons Finlay, 12, Jagger, 9, and Koa, 5

Abby Coleman and husband Scott Burdon at home. Picture: David Kelly
Abby Coleman and husband Scott Burdon at home. Picture: David Kelly

Abby Coleman

How did you meet?

It was my eldest brother’s birthday party. Scott was a friend of his I had heard about but never met. I had just returned to Adelaide from living in Sydney for many years and Scott had returned from residing in the Gold Coast.

What was the first thing you noticed about him?

Scotty has this energy that changes the room when he enters it. He walked in and he was the life of the party! There was a pretty brunette who walked in with him, and I remember feeling a pang of jealousy. Turns out it was his sister, and she has never let me live that down!

When did you first know it was love?

Pretty early on. In past relationships, no matter how much I thought I liked them, I always wanted to leave and have alone time but with Scott, everything was so easy and I had no desire to ever leave his side.

What was your most standout date?

A week after meeting, he invited me to his friend’s birthday party and when I rocked up, he was nowhere to be found. Someone at the party said he was walking someone home, so I left. It turns out, he was walking the birthday boy’s grandmother to a taxi!

What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you?

Scotty surprised me with a beautiful black diamond ring for my birthday.

What is the secret to a happy marriage?

Whenever life gets too crazy or a curve ball comes our way, I always say, “I’m not sure how we will work this out”. Scott always responds, “We always work it out together babe, we always do and we will.” I know we are a team. I still get butterflies when I see Scotty. My Nana told me marriage is long so marry someone you find attractive to make it pleasant!

Abby Coleman, husband Scott Burdon and sons Finlay, Jagger and Koa. Picture: David Kelly
Abby Coleman, husband Scott Burdon and sons Finlay, Jagger and Koa. Picture: David Kelly

Who puts the bins out?

Mainly Scotty.

What is the thing you argue the most about?

The mental load. Scott isn’t wired for life admin, he would be happy living on the land or in a caravan and I’m constantly juggling our three children’s commitments. We had counselling once over this and I remember the psychologist said: “He is a builder, he is never going to know what you want him to help with unless you present it like a construction plan.” A game changer!

What do you find the most annoying about him?

He never answers his phone! He hates phones and it drives me mad.

Who does the most cooking?

I do.

What is the trait you like most about him?

I have never ever, like ever, heard him say a bad word about anyone. Unless it’s calling someone a “peanut” for bad driving.

How has having children affected your relationship?

I’m struggling to remember us before kids now! Honestly, our boys are our world but we never forget to show up for each other and put each other first.

Abby Coleman and Scott Burdon at a movie premiere in Adelaide in 1999.
Abby Coleman and Scott Burdon at a movie premiere in Adelaide in 1999.

Scotty Burdon

How did you meet?

At my friend’s (Abby’s older brother Benny’s) 30th birthday party.

What was the first thing you noticed about her?

Well at first glance there was this beautiful blonde bombshell of a woman as I walked into the kitchen!

When did you first know it was love?

Well it’s a bit cliche, but love at first sight. I think it only took two dates and I knew.

What was your most standout date?

Probably our first date. We went and watched a movie and sat in the back row. I can’t remember what movie it was and we didn’t watch any of it because our faces were passionately locked together.

What is the most romantic thing she has ever done for you?

Booking special retreats away with each other when we need just that little break from the kids.

Abby Coleman and fiance Scott Burdon mucking around for a photo shoot before their wedding.
Abby Coleman and fiance Scott Burdon mucking around for a photo shoot before their wedding.

What is the secret to a happy marriage?

Happy wife, happy life! Definitely communication, talking and listening.

Who puts the bins out?

I normally put the bins out but Abby does it occasionally.

What is the thing you argue the most about?

Probably the kids, we both have different views on ways to raise and teach them or what sporting activities they do but we always make it work.

What do you find the most annoying about her?

Abby has this special technique of a small, subtle picking in a harmless way. It gets a bit under my skin at times.

Abby Coleman and husband Scott Burdon when they announced they were expecting their first child.
Abby Coleman and husband Scott Burdon when they announced they were expecting their first child.

Who does the most cooking?

I think about 50-50, but when I cook, I clean up. When Abby cooks, I clean up.

What is the trait you like most about her?

Abby will go out of her way to help you if you need something. Abby has a lovely, caring nature. She is just an all-round awesome person and someone you want to be around all the time.

How has having children affected your relationship?

It has made our relationship stronger. We get to share these amazing little humans and watch them grow before our eyes together. It’s very special.

Originally published as ‘We had counselling over it’: Abby Coleman reveals what sent her and husband to couples therapy

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/we-had-counselling-over-it-abby-coleman-reveals-what-sent-her-and-husband-to-couples-therapy/news-story/e69398f348a24e69797d19c786428087