Are You The Same As You Were Before Marriage?

I only caught Part 2 of the Oprah “Why Men Cheat” controversy, but it’s sparking yet another blog. But instead of discussing why men cheat or how to affair-proof marriage, this time I’m going to talk about something else that was brought up as part of all this: behaving differently once married versus how you behaved prior to marriage. Behaviors During the show, Oprah defended M. Gary Neuman’s assessment that it made sense the husbands strayed because they weren’t getting something from their wives. Not that she was wagging her finger and saying, “Shame on you, you neglectful wives.” Quite … Continue reading

Is It Possible to Affair-Proof a Marriage?

On Oprah’s “Why Men Cheat Part 2” show, M. Gary Neuman offered three ways to affair-proof a marriage: 1. Appreciate your spouse more. In fact, make sure to appreciate your spouse as much as you possibly can. 2. Have sex. Make time for sex. Enjoy sex. (He suggested women are bad about receiving pleasure. Men are better at that. By nature they’re takers and we’re givers. We’re not comfortable receiving. Be it sexual pleasure or tokens of affection. Mr. Neuman said instead of saying “You shouldn’t have” when your husband gives you something, you should say, “Yes you should have … Continue reading

Men: The Weaker Sex?

Before I begin, I just want to say that, even though the title might suggest otherwise, this article isn’t intended to be a slam against men. Rather, it’s just some reflections on things I’ve seen regarding boyfiends and husbands over the past 10 years during my stint as a stay-at-home wife. Not that I’ve had all sorts of relationships with other men. But I’ve had lots and lots of talks with my women friends. It was when I was living in Jacksonville that I noticed a pattern forming where our husbands were concerned. And ever since I noticed it, I … Continue reading

Christie Brinkley’s Ex-Husband’s Infidelity Confession

The Barbara Walters interview with Peter Cook, Christie Brinkley’s ex-husband, has stirred up all sorts of controversy between the couple (she filed an order with the court to make sure he doesn’t let their children see it when they’re in his custody), but it’s also riled the public. The controversy is similar to the one that brewed during Oprah’s “Why Men Cheat” series. Cook’s Confession Cook claims Brinkley’s lack of attention drove him into the arms of his 17-year-old lover. I can understand why he strayed. I believe lack of attention is a factor in why men stray. But I … Continue reading

Musings on Singles, Labels, and a “Big” Wedding

As I noted in a comment response to Jade on my “Single Side of Things” article the other day, I finally had a chance to watch Sex and the City: The Movie. In “The ‘Biggest’ Wedding of the Season?”, I’d mused about what the movie would deliver. A lot of happily-ever-after endings for Carrie and her BFFs? Meaning a wedding to Big for Carrie, and Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha having nothing but joy and contentment in their relationships. In the end that’s what the movie delivered, but not before some major heartache was endured. Life Imitating Art The weird thing … Continue reading

The Positive and the Negative

Two things struck me recently from a novel I read. Randall,the male character says ’we’re each of us given certain gifts and certain faults.’ I agree, although sometimes those faults can also be a gift. I’m inclined to think many, if not all, negative characteristics have a positive side to them as well. However it was this comment that intrigued me. ‘Sometimes it seems the more extreme person’s goodness is, the more extreme her weaknesses.’ What do others think about this/? The comment came from a novel Custody by Nancy Thayer LINK to write and read blog but it’s often … Continue reading