Runaway Bride

Throw 3/4's of the book at her. Now that the story is out, it seems like she had planned this pretty well, but she didn't realize the attention or reaction would get as crazy as it was. First of all, it was stupid. Secondly, everyone gets stressed due to an impending marriage. Thirdly, she broke the law in giving false reports. Sure everyone can relate so don't be extreme in punishing her, but make sure that the punishment also deters other idiots from doing the same thing.

I have some very traditional views on marriage. I don't believe in divorce except in the case of infidelity. I don't believe in remarriage, either, due to the vows that were made the first time. Even if your spouse does all the filing for divorce and you have no control over it, you must still do your best to keep your vow, even if in another city or state. I also don't agree with current "no-fault" divorce laws. It takes two to make the vows and should take two to have the contract broken according to law. In the old days divorce was taboo and that was a good thing.

Divorce is also a form of child abuse. How can both parents possibly raise the children if they live in different homes? How do decisions get made as to what is best for the children? It increases the likelihood that your kids will experience divorce. Who wants to wish that on their kids?

Marriage vows traditionally include the words "until death us do part". That used to mean something. Are we lying to the people we marry when we don't follow through on that? Doesn't it mean we are to do everything in our power to work things out with the person we love? That may include counseling. It may include forms of tough love.

Oh, and why do people think that love comes and goes? It isn't a feeling. Yes, feelings are experienced when you love someone. Love is a way of life. It is a way you choose to live and choose to treat other people. You may have mushy feelings one day and may be angry the next, but love is still the way you choose to live. When you are married, shouldn't you spend every day living a life of love with your spouse? That means you should be polite every day. You should listen every day. You may even have to agree to disagree on some days to keep the peace and show your spouse that you love them. How hard can this be if you truly work at living a life of love with the one you choose do live your life with?

There is also something I truly believe that I have read in the Bible and heard on Dr. Laura's show. Don't ever deny your spouse in "coming together" unless agreed upon and for only a short amount of time. You aren't in the mood? Do it anyway. You had a rough day and are too tired? Do it anyway. There is no excuse. Intimacy is important in a relationship and don't live the cliche that it disappears after marriage. Do it anyway.

I know that many times it is a one way street. I know that we all have made mistakes in choosing significant others. Just remember not to get caught up in the feelings. Don't let your heart lead you without consulting the brain. Marriage is, or at least should be, considered the ultimate in committment. Treat it that way. It is sacred. It is a lifestyle. Just live a life of love!