Jade Walker's comments

Are Secrets Okay?

05 Jul 2008 08:31 PM

I vote for an open, honest relationship -- no secrets. Other than keeping surprise parties quiet until the moment of revelation, and the occasional classified document (as required by the government), couples should share all.

Dating Multiple Partners

24 Jun 2008 09:13 AM

I know many polyamorous couples who live very happy and healthy lives. They've made a choice to date/romance/love/live with more than one partner and it works for them. Jealousy rarely comes into play because all feelings remain out in the open. Trust is key, just as it is in two-partner relationships.

San Francisco Names First Same Sex Couple to Marry

11 Jun 2008 08:00 PM

California is in crisis mode. There's a state-wide drought. One town just declared bankruptcy. Wildfires destroyed dozens of homes yesterday. And gays will be allowed to wed next week. Oh wait...that last part is actually good news for the state. California will finally stop discriminating against same-sex couples, and in response, the gay wedding industry will give the state a financial boost.

According to this article (http://tinyurl.com/6z5uur) in U.S. News and World Report, UCLA researchers predict that same-sex marriages will bring nearly $700 million to the California wedding industry, and pump almost $65 million in new revenue into the state budget over the next three years. How awesome! Romance and revenue. *smile*

Never Fess Up to an Affair?

11 Jun 2008 09:47 AM

I can't really judge a book I haven't read, but there are many problems with the concepts behind it. The biggest problem I see in not telling your mate that you've cheated on them is that you've now put their lives at risk. More and more married, middle-aged women are contracting HIV. These women thought they were in monogamous, long-term relationships and thus didn't use protection. But the fault doesn't lie with them; it lies firmly with the person who screwed around (and didn't use protection). If you thought you felt guilty before about an affair...just imagine how you'll feel when you give the person you married a disease that can destroy their immune system and possibly kill them.

Another huge problem I have with the author's theory (keeping quiet about the cheating so the relationship won't be tainted) is that she's basically encouraging the cheating bastard (or [CENSORED]) to continue the dishonesty. How strong can a relationship be when it's core is filled with lies, guilt and distrust? And what happens when the mate finds out the truth? Nothing positive, I imagine.

"Good people" do not have affairs. Weak, cruel, untrustworthy people do. And I sure as hell wouldn't want to be married to one of them.

Maternity Wedding Dresses

28 May 2008 11:52 AM

Another great website for finding wedding gowns for pregnant women is Maternitybride.com. Their 2008 collection is just gorgeous.

Marriage Types: Choosing Childfree

28 May 2008 05:40 AM

I understand your concern with the term "childfree," Tristi. Parenthood is not really a form of bondage, per se. However, you are certainly more settled and more restricted in certain areas. You can't just live anywhere you want; you have to consider the safety of the neighborhood, the quality of the schools, the access to parks and other kids. Childfree couples don't have such worries. Parents have to plan vacations around school breaks. Childfree couples may travel whenever they want. Parents have extra costs to pay for having children -- be it financial, emotional or physical -- and must work extra hard to stay competitive in the workplace. Childfree couples don't. There are, of course, many perks to having children. But limitations come with that choice too.

Marriage Types: Choosing Childfree

27 May 2008 10:40 AM

Just to clarify: The term childless applies to anyone who wants a child and cannot have one. The term childfree applies to anyone (straight, gay or bisexual) who plans not to raise or bear children for a variety of reasons.

My beau and I intend to remain "childfree." Neither of us is infertile. Parenthood simply doesn't suit us. And we believe that if you're going to bring a child into the world, you should a) want it and 2) be financially, emotionally and spiritually ready for it.

There are tons of perks to being childfree. Many marriages suffer from the arrival of children. Parents get so bogged down by raising a family that they forget to give care and time to their relationship. Childfree couples are also more likely to travel, obtain higher education degrees, make more money, work in careers they love and do community service.

Marriage Rating Scale - How Do You Score?

20 May 2008 10:45 AM

Guess I wouldn't have been the ideal wife and mother in 1939. I received a 2 -- 8 demerits and 10 merits. That said, I'm a pretty decent girlfriend. And in time, I hope to be a great MODERN wife. *smile*

Facing a Marriage Crisis

08 May 2008 09:03 AM

You're going through a rough time. Health issues, parental issues, loneliness. All of these things can make you feel overwhelmed. Which is why this "marriage crisis" may seem more dire than it is. Your support system is lacking, no doubt. And you two obviously need to find a time to talk at some point (calmly and rationally). Until then, however, I urge you to tap into your well of inner strength. It's there, Court. I know it is. Shore yourself up and do what you can. Deal with one (or two) problems at a time. The rest can wait.

Television in Your Bedroom: Yes or No?

08 May 2008 12:53 AM

We do not have a TV in our bedroom. Why? Because the time we spend there is devoted to sleeping and romance. If we want to watch the tube, we'll go sit on the couch.