Governor Mark Sanford - Another Failed Marriage Due to Infidelity

Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina has returned from his escape to Argentina and confessed to being unfaithful to his wife and family. First, I have to make it clear that I'm not writing about this because I want to gossip or judge Governor Sanford. I don't know what caused this episode in his marriage.

I do know the pain that comes with a sense of that kind of betrayal. I feel for Sanford's wife and children. It's hard to imagine living through that shame and rejection in front of the whole nation. This is a sad, tragic circumstance.

What really made me react to this wasn't the politician part or even the philandering. My motivation was simple. I'm tired of seeing marriages fall apart.

Time and again, I have seen a recurring problems with marriages - selfishness and unrealistic expectations. People don't enter into marriage with an understanding that it cannot be about what you can get out of someone else or what someone else can do for you. While I believe that life with the right partner and best friend should be enjoyable, the reality is that life is not always "fun." Crap happens. Couples have to face pain together.

Despite the chaos I see all around, I still believe it's possible to have a loving, satisfying, committed, monogamous, lifelong marriage.

God help us all. It has to be possible.