Cheater-Speak: “I didn’t tell you, because I thought you’d get angry.”

“I didn’t tell you, because I thought you’d get angry.” -Cheater Let’s start to unpack this “gem” of a cheater-speak: 1. The cheater is aware that what he or she did might be upsetting to the faithful spouse, yet still did it. This is another reason why I am in the camp that cheaters have full knowledge … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “I didn’t tell you, because I thought you’d get angry.””

No more of THOSE arguments, thankfully!

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.* -Proverbs 25:24, NIV One of the many gifts that came with my first marriage ending was the end of those arguments. I no longer had to argue over my reality with someone trying to deny it. Once I let go of … Continue reading “No more of THOSE arguments, thankfully!”

Mailbag: Can he change?

Marjie wrote, I have been married for 26 years. 22 years ago I found out my husband was going to prostitutes, massage parlors ect. At the time we had 2 children in diapers. I was completely destroyed, but because of our kids I agreed to work it out. My husband isn’t an easy person, he … Continue reading “Mailbag: Can he change?”

The Arrogant, Long-Married Christian

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. -I Corinthians 8:1b-2, NKJV Just because a Christian has been married for a long time does not mean said Christian is equipped to properly advise a faithful spouse dealing with a cheater. … Continue reading “The Arrogant, Long-Married Christian”

“Stuff happens.”

Me: “I got divorced. Then I had to go through a trial with my denomination to keep my license.” Friend: “Don’t they realize that stuff happens.” I do not recommend the “stuff happens” response to someone whose marriage has been blown up by adultery. While I appreciate this friend’s effort to be understanding, this is … Continue reading ““Stuff happens.””

Divorcing a Duggar?

Recent reports are suggesting that Anna Duggar has decided to divorce Josh Duggar. This is a couple who rose to fame through TLC’s reality TV program “19 Kids and Counting.” It was a show following Josh’s parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar plus their growing tribe. It is emblematic of a very conservative–some might say Fundamentalist–form … Continue reading “Divorcing a Duggar?”

On Being Dismembered

I work in hospice and have the opportunity to watch the poignant beauty of marriages that have lasted well past fifty years. I say, “poignant” because I feel both awed by the sheer beauty of a couple still caring for each other after many decades together as well as sad by my own loss. Recently, … Continue reading “On Being Dismembered”

What if pastors had skin in the “game,” too?

What if pastors had to pay a faithful spouse $10,000 or more if they were wrong about the cheating being over?! In my opinion, faithful spouses who stay in marriages for subsequent infidelity discoveries are loosing more than just $10,000. They are loosing precious time, emotional well-being, and physical well-being (e.g. risk of contracting life-altering … Continue reading “What if pastors had skin in the “game,” too?”