Simone de Beauvoir – 78, Writer

For many, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre’s relationship transcends marriage. Despite her countless contributions to the feminist movement and all the literary awards she had received during her lengthy career, De Beauvoir insists that her greatest life achievement would be her union with Sartre. Now, to some, this is certainly quite baffling considering the fact that the renowned philosopher and playwright had a history of complex relationships. Nonetheless, the two of them remained as partners for over five decades, up until Sartre’s passing in 1980. They were never married nor did they have children.

Since there had been nothing tying her down, De Beauvoir had plenty of time to pursue further education, teach, advocate for political causes, write various works, and even take lovers of her own. This is in line with her existentialist beliefs, which emphasized freedom. While it caused a degree of controversy, there’s no denying that what they had was as authentic as it gets.