Posted by
Zorro on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 2:45:22 AM
Several people have suggested that it's wrong for adulterers' wives to stand by them as they publicly announce the betrayal. I have a problem with some of these complaints. First off, they all seem to think that such women would do best by divorcing their man rather than sticking by him. I think in many cases this is a mistake. For as terrible as betrayal is, it may cause less pain ultimately to remain together after adultery. It's not really a question of what the man deserves. Certainly he deserves to be dumped, every time. It's a question of what is the least painful way of dealing with it. It may be best, not just for kids, but for wives, to merely threaten divorce, but not follow through.
Now that doesn't mean a woman needs to stand by her man as he announces the betrayal. I wouldn't stand by my wife in such an announcement, and I share the sense of repulsion that many commentators have on this practice. That said, a woman in such a situation is sure to be awash in a sea of emotions, and I cannot blame them for making such a decision. Although I oppose it, it may be that standing there is really the best therapy.