Interesting little thought: "Starter marriages" can only be deemed as such when they’re finished.

I’ve had a front row seat to quite a few divorces.  And none of them would I call a "starter marriage".  I think that’s a demeaning term.  I think it’s like calling an unplanned child "a mistake".  Same thought.

I saw the article on "Starter Marriages" in the Sunday paper and laughed about it, because I distinctly remember hitting Humphrey’s for champagne the night that Delle’s papers finally came in.  I remember Bryan calling me to chat about them when his came in.  I remember how, in each occurence, there was such hope and optimism in their voice.. with a tinge of sadness.  A celebration is in order, because a new chapter is starting, but it’s not 100% happy.  No one strolls into marriage, hoping that they’ll be wiser after the divorce.  No one, and I mean NO ONE, takes their vows while thinking, "Eh.. for now, anyway."  That’s silly.

And me?  I’m looking down the aisle as we speak.  I’m newly 25, and have had a few offers, a few rings, and have always politely declined.  And what’s funny is that some of the people who condemn "starter marriages" would also condemn me for remaining single as long as I have, for "shopping" as long as I have.  Sometimes, we just can’t win.

We’re all allowed our own opinion, God bless America.  And what works for me may not work for someone else.  I have immense respect for couples who CAN work through their differences, because that takes a lot of patience and hard work.  But sometimes, even after counseling, talking, and trying.. it just doesn’t happen.  And don’t we all know someone who’s divorced?

My mother is my father’s second wife.  I don’t fault him for that.  I don’t take issue with it.

Maybe, sometimes, it just hits a little too close to home, huh?