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I Do Not Swap My Spouse
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 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.
Posted: March 3rd, 2009 under Partnership.
Comments: 6 |
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Comment from Darryle
Time: 3/3/2009, 5:09 pm
Appropos for the day after the latest Bachelor who switched–maybe they should ask him to go on Wife Swap instead of you.
As for what you wrote, I know plenty of wives would wish their husband had written this.
Comment from Joel
Time: 3/3/2009, 5:40 pm
I’d have to get interested in it again.
Comment from loris
Time: 3/4/2009, 3:48 am
your post is a truly declaration of love to Lynn and this is amazingly beautiful!
I can’t understand this reality show idea – it’s really a shock!
Pingback from Noli Irritare Leones » Blog Archive » Links
Time: 3/4/2009, 10:00 am
[...] by the Wife Swap reality show; he has a post up about why he won’t do it which I found really sweet. What amused me, when he showed me the email, is that they really downplayed the money (something [...]
Comment from Krista
Time: 3/4/2009, 6:47 pm
Good for you. I was once in an episode of 20/20 and felt completly misrepresented. I can’t imagine how bad a reality show would be. The only reality show I would consider is Extreme Makeover, Home Edition.
That post was such an eloquent statement of love for your wife 
Time: 3/3/2009, 5:08 pm
You are the 1st person I know to EVER be approached about a reality show. Wow!
Hey, have you ever checked out Sunnyslope Cemetary in Corona? If you haven’t & do some day, let me know beforehand. 1/2 of it has old headstones, rather interesting.