divorce poll

Following Madonna’s example, what do you think a mother should have the right to control when her kids are with their father?

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:04:34 -0500

* What type of water they drink (tap vs. bottled) * Their diet (vegetarian, organic, etc) * How much TV they watch * What kind of clothing they wear * None of the above -- he's just as much a parent * Whatever she feels is best for her kids

Under what circumstances is it advisable to "stay together for the kids"?

Marshall — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:24:32 -0500

* If you simply can’t afford to raise them alone * If they’re almost about to go off to college * If they’re struggling with other emotional issues * Never. A broken marriage is more traumatic than divorce

Now that you're divorced, how do you acknowledge your wedding anniversary?

Marshall — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:56:38 -0400

* I take a moment alone to reflect * I go out with friends to celebrate my liberation * I look through my photo album and cry * It's just another day now * I look at my kids, and am grateful for them * Jose Cuervo and I sing “Holding Out for a Hero” all night long

What impact has the current economic climate had on your decision to divorce?

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:42:58 -0400

* I have to put off my divorce until I can make it on my own * We’re still divorcing, but with increasing trepidation * Times are so tough that I'm having regrets about divorcing * No regrets, but I may need to renegotiate my settlement * None… Liberation is priceless!

What are your secret regrets?

Marshall — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:12:48 -0400

* I regret leaving my Ex. I want my old life back * I regret I didn't say "no" to marriage and "yes" to career * I regret thinking that having kids could "fix" us * I regret I didn't leave sooner * I regret nothing! My past is part of who I am now

When your Ex has the kids, what do you do with your time?

Marshall — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:24:34 -0400

* Sit dumbfounded trying to figure out what to do * Eat bad food. Drink. Catch up on R-rated movies * Finally do some work and polish my jobs skills so I can shine * Have wild overnights with my boyfriend...or some girlfriends * Worry I'm a terrible mom because I enjoy the peace and quiet

As you're contemplating getting a divorce, what's the issue at the core of your decision?

Marshall — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:12:48 -0400

* It's always about money * Lack of appreciation. 'Nuff said * The act(s) of infidelity * Poor communication... or none at all

How is Your Ex still in the picture?

Marshall — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:48:54 -0400

* I tolerate my ex for the kids and try to act civil * Love my ex just not the way I used to * My ex is on speed dial: certain habits are hard to break * We still share some of the same friends * He's not: want him cropped out * I would recommend my ex for a date

Should A Husband Who Cheats Be Allowed Joint Custody?

Marshall — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:24:48 -0400

* Yes, he's still their father * No, he should be punished * Only if the other woman isn't with kids for at least six months * If he's apologetic and financially generous * If the other woman isn't as good looking as me

Study: 70% Find Divorce Acceptable

JulieSavard — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:16:41 -0400

I was shocked. I stared at the first sentence and thought, "What is wrong with this world?"

"Alarming." That word tripped my whole reaction. "An alarming 70 percent," the news report began.

Yes, it's true. 70% of the American population thinks that divorce is morally acceptable, according to Gallup's 2008 Values and Beliefs survey.

Oh, I'm not shocked at the statistic or large figures. I'm not upset that people think it's okay to get divorced. Divorce doesn't compromise my personal morals in any way.

I was shocked because some poor news reporter out there hadn't hailed the 21st century along with the rest of us.

Aaron Leichman claimed that the statistic of 70% was an alarming number. What's alarming about the majority of people believing that it's acceptable for two people to end a relationship? I get the feeling that Aaron was one of the 30% of the people polled that day.

Ask the people who suffer emotional, physical or financial abuse in a relationship whether they believe divorce is an acceptable moral choice. Ask the people who live hollow relationships or simply co-exist with a stranger in the same house whether they believe separating is immoral.

Immoral means a deliberate violation of the rules between right and wrong. Is it a violation to say, "Oops, I made a huge mistake. Help, please?" Is it a terrible moral conflict to say, "I'm sorry. I fell out of love. I don't want to cheat you or me at a chance to be happy."

Of the other 16 ethical issues covered in the Gallup pole, divorce breezed right on through. No issues, really.

The 30% that believe divorce to be an immoral act are those who identified themselves as conservative, religious or over 65. In short, the opinion that divorce is wrong is an outdated one.