I Do Not Swap My Spouse

Posted on March 3, 2009 in Partnership

Today I received an email from an associate producer of the ABC “reality” program Wife Swap inviting me to take part in the show. They thought that my now marginal interest in cemeteries might bring a few hoots from their television audience. I told said producer to go fuck herself — in so many words.

I take my marriage very seriously. At our wedding [[Quaker_wedding|under the care of Palo Alto Friends Meeting]], we promised to be loving and faithful partners to one another until death did us part. I took that declaration as more than mere words but as the mandate for my life with Lynn.

Taking part in a [[reality television]] show founded on the premise of exchanging spouses is not consistent with that promise. I love Lynn, respect her for her intelligence and her beauty to me. Through some very hard times in my life, she stuck by me, honoring me in my turn. Our marriage is not open season for ridicule or figurative prostitution.

Likewise, I cannot in good conscience put another couple in the position of dishonoring their vows to one another. I do not want the least association wiith people who would sell the dignity of their marriage for primetime coverage. I believe in marriage as the partnership of friends, as the choosing of family. I do my choosing for myself and I will not be a whore. I have spent my life battling for self-respect. It is not a cheap commodity. Nor is the love I share with Lynn.

The best answer to this request is plain speaking. Again, Amanda Gershkowitz, you and your whole meretricious organization can go fuck yourselves.