Hell Hath no Fury Like a Woman Scorned

You've heard that old adage before, right?  Well it seems to be the case with Tiger Woods and his soon-to-be-ex-wife Elin Nordegren.  I understand that he cheated, with not one but multiple  skanks women, but situations like this just remind me that no one stays married anymore.  I am not at all endorsing what he did, and if my husband was out philandering with a dozen broads I too would be pretty darn pissed.  But as much as I espouse (no pun intended) fidelity in any relationship, I also espouse the ideas of forgiving your mate, resolving the issues, and treating divorce as a last resort.  Every time a public figure cheats on his wife, the shrill cries of "Dump him!"  "Divorce him!" are deafening.  Everyone seems to have this "One strike, you're out!" rule.  But what about forgiveness?  I'm not speaking only about Ms. Nordegren, because hers is an extreme case and I can see why she would be less inclined to give him  twelve a free passes.  I can also see why she'd want to bleed him dry, taking a considerable amount of money with her to Sweden with his children. Nevertheless, that sense of betrayal is not unique to the Swedish beauty, and it makes me wonder why people have become less and less capable of compassion, and less apt to allow for someone to atone for their transgressions within marriage.  It also makes me very aware that we not only live in a culture that fosters bitterness and unforgiveness, but also one that encourages revenge and retaliation.  Back when Hillary Clinton stayed married to Bill in light of the Lewinsky scandal, she was criticized vehemently by many people for remaining in the marriage, with some even calling her stupid or weak for her decision to "stand by her man."  It's sad that so many people can so easily throw in the towel.

Let's make one thing perfectly clear: I am not saying that a woman (or a man, for that matter) has to be a doormat and simply allow things to happen over, and over, and over again. Or that a victim of domestic violence should stay (Leave--IMMEDIATELY.  Your life is at risk).  However, when people take marriage vows "For better/for worse/Till Death do us part", those are sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect and solemnity.  It's too easy to get a divorce nowadays.  Getting bored with him? Don't like her morning breath?  Sex life getting a little lackluster?  Got into a few arguments?  One of you guilty of infidelity?  No biggie.  Just check the "Irreconcilable Differences" box and for a small fee of half your assets, we can make this pesky little marriage problem go away for ya, mmkay?  Some people only stay married for a few months--Britney Spears's first marriage lasted a little over two days.  People take the easy way out, and call it quits (though Britney's marriage was a huge mistake to begin with, so that's another story)

I am not judging Elin, or anyone else who divorces a cheating husband. She has to do what she feels is best for her (and hopefully for their children).  But, I do believe that most marriages, and most people, deserve a second chance, even after such a grave indiscretion as the one committed by Tiger Woods.