My name is Christine, I am 25 years old, I have a 3 year old son and I am divorced. I chose the wrong man to marry right away and I stuck with it because I didn't want to be like my parents. I didn't want to be that person that failed in marriage as they had done when I was only 10 or 11. The preview of marriage I got was clearly not the way it's supposed to be, but is widely accepted and tolerated daily by us as individuals and as an entire society. My parents fought like Hell. They argued over us, finances, jobs, and useless other topics that make no sense. I can tell you right now that I cannot ever remember one occasion where my parents ever showed any loving tendencies toward each other and I always thought that to be normal. No hugs, kisses or comforting embraces in front of my brother or me.
And so I married Thomas and many of the same things I saw in my home, I repeated because I had never been shown or taught better. While I was an adult and capable of making better decisions, I had no real basis to go by. No example, no coaching. So feeling this was normal and I would just have to live with it. I brought Aiden into the world and suddenly something happened. A spark of realization. This unhappiness is not fair. Why should my little innocent baby have to grow up and see the same horrible things I saw growing up? Why would I want him to be as unprepared as I was at the game of life? So I left. Yes there were other factors involved, but this was ultimately the reason that actually made me do it. Other wise I can say I would more than likely still be there fighting every day thinking it was normal.
Thomas was brought up in much of the same way I was. His parents did a lot of fighting. They even separated for a time. So he had the same amount of relationship coaching I had, to fight and be unhappy is normal. deal with it.
Not every family in America is like this, but with divorce rate up around 40-60%(depends on the state) it makes you wonder. Where are the family values? I know people that will say it's because there's not enough "God" in the family and that's the main source of values for family that sticks together, but because I have different views of the world I shall not use this as reason. I grew up in a home where "God" was very present, but a lot of good that did. But I certainly don't want to throw that out the window because families that are very close to religion tend to fight harder and they do appreciate their spouses.
Now to talk about the Obama's. Since the beginning of the new presidency we can all certainly say we have seen some kind of media about their "date nights" or them holding hands etc. And I don't know about you, but these media ventures always come off with a negative spin. As if a husband and wife should not be so thoughtful of each other. This, America, is where you have it all wrong. Our president is absolutely there to take care of his country, he is there to make decisions and he is there to guide us, but he was a man in love and a husband before that. In no way shape or form should he have to forget that.
I just watched a small clip of an interview with Michelle Obama who openly discussed date night and the effects it has on their children. Their girls have expressed to them how good it makes them feel to see their parents care for each other. It makes them feel safe. Isn't this what we want for our kids? To feel secure, to know their parents aren't going to flake out on them? If their children have confidence at home think about how they will be in the world now and as adults. The relationship decisions these children will be able to make. They will KNOW what a healthy relationship is. It will make them successful and mindful with their partners. Then guess what, they too have children who will see the same as they have. The cycle will start all over.
So I would say its HIGH time America stops giving this bad media coverage and stops acting like it's some kind of taboo. How about we stop plastering Angelia and Brad's BS all over everything and show some damn happiness and values. These two CLEARLY value each other and that's the true secrete to staying together, to avoid divorce and to help their children know what to really look for. It helps set the next generation up for success. Who doesn't want that?
Value your partner. Make sure your partner values you. Show each other how much value there really is. Don't stand back and assume they know. Voice it everyday if you have to. Tell your kids you love and cherish them. Let them see you showing your love and compassion to everyone in your house. If the First Family does it, it is our duty to support such a positive thing in todays world.