In a candid interview with Vogue.com, talking with Rebecca Johnson, Jenny Sanford has this to say about her husband’s affair with Maria Belen Chapur:
“’Over the course of both pastoral and marriage counseling, it became clear to me that he was just obsessed with going to see this woman. I have learned that these affairs are almost like an addiction to alcohol or pornography. They just can’t break away from them.’”
She also has a theory about extramarital affairs and politicians. “’Politicians become disconnected from the way everyone else lives in the world. I saw that from the very beginning. They’ll say they need something, and ten people want to give it to them. It’s an ego boost, and it’s easy to drink your own Kool-Aid. As a wife, you do your best to keep them grounded, but it’s a real challenge.’”VOGUE/feature/2009/08/jenny-sanford/
Jenny Sanford reiterates her committment to forgiveness. And within the article she talks about feeling sorry for Maria Belen Chapur. It is sad for both women. It is sad for their children.
The secret to overcoming the sting of infidelity is forgiveness and a desire to reconcile. And that is what Jenny Sanford seems to have in apparent abundance. With respect for their marriage vows, and a commitment to their children, the Sanfords could well see this chapter in their lives come to a close as they embrace a new, strengthened relationship. And we should all be in the cheering section.
On repairing marriages, WebMD says, “Marriages do survive infidelity, but it takes courage to forgive someone who violates the marriage vows. Infidelity can shatter even the strongest relationship, leaving behind feelings of betrayal, guilt, and anger. For the one-quarter of married couples who have suffered this breach of loyalty, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, overcoming those feelings can be extremely difficult.” Overcoming Infidelity
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Copyright 2009 Rita Watson