Arthur Gourounlian says past split from Brian Dowling changed them for the better

Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian split in 2006

The dad-of-two and Brian Dowling broke up in 2006 but got back together after five years apart.

Brian and Arthur rekindled their relationship in 2011 and then went on to marry in the summer of 2015.

And as shocking as their split was, Arthur believes it was one of the best things that ever happened to them.

In an interview with Life Magazine, Arthur said they needed the time apart.

He said their relationship wasn't what he deserved at the time.

"We were together for four years, on and off, and I don’t believe that he gave me the relationship I deserved. I think he took it for granted. I told him that 'I deserve better. We are both still young."

"I tend to commit fully when I’m in a relationship.’ He needed that time apart to realise we were meant to be together," Arthur explained.

Brian agreed and said the time apart gave them both time to grow.

He shared, "I’m kind of glad it ended the way it did because we had that five-year time-out, and we came back more evolved. We came back the people we wanted to be."

Arthur added, "When we got back together in 2011. I think it changed us for the better, and it was the best thing that ever happened to us."

The dads are now parents to two daughters, Blake and Blu.