“Many years ago, my first wife’s father died suddenly. My wife totally changed and this led to a divorce.
In my marriages that followed (and there were several), something unexpected arose, unraveling the relationships. I ask myself, “Was it just bad luck or poor judgment?”
I have been married to a wonderful woman for the last 32 years (no more surprises!). I have been a great husband and she is happy.
Yet in discussions about relationships within her family, people actually have had the nerve to say, “And how many times have you been married?” Although most of my marriages were at an early age, I am still held accountable for those failures.
How do I rid myself of the stigma I carry? — Tired of Taking It”
Dear Tired:
You gotta own it bro. That’s the only way you can move on, which you have since you’ve been married for 32 years. Be self-deprecating when it’s brought up. If done right, it can be funny and add levity to the whole situation and will help you move on. It will also show others that you’re not your past marriages and could lead to them not bringing it up again.
John Kidde Writes 