Natalie Portman on Marraige

Like many things in her life, Natalie Portman doesn't take the idea of getting married lightly.

"I'm not convinced about marriage," the actress, 26, tells In Style in its December issue. "Divorce is so easy, and that fact that gay people are not allowed to marry takes much of the meaning out of it. ... Committing yourself to one person is sacred."

Not that she's opposed to the commitments and challenges of a relationship outside of marriage. The star of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, who has been linked this year with fashion entrepreneur Nathan Bogle, declines to discuss her romantic life in detail, but she says in general that her ideal partner is "someone who pulls me up to high standards, and who is aware of what's going on in themselves and in the world."

That awareness of the world, in particular, is a major theme for Portman, whose extensive travels, she says, have taught her to respect the Earth and its environment. "If we can find ways to love life and be joyful without being wasteful or destructive – that's what's important," she says.

One part of that, for Portman, involves being a vegetarian – from head to toe. "Every time I dress I know I'm not wearing leather, and that's a great feeling," she says.

For help in achieving her goals, personal and professional, she says she relies on mentors. "Yes, absolutely," she says. "My parents, of course, but there's guidance that can't come from them. Parents are protective. Other mentors say, 'Go do it, show 'em and see how you feel.' "
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