What doPatrick DempseyandRob Lowehave in common?

However, the trek to the aisle wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.

The star talked toHaute Livingabout how his first monogamous relationship pulled him through that dark time.

Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff smiling

“It made me examine how I was living my life,” he recalled.

Lowe credits his wife for his 25 years of sobriety.

He also encourages his fans to not settle for anything less than the love he’s found.

Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff posing

“‘Cause the rest of it comes and goes, and I was very lucky there.”