RELATIONSHIPS

So we’ve all heard of Sandra Bullock’s motor-head husband Jesse James having some sexy times with a girl nicknamed “Bombshell,” while Ms. Bullock was off filming The Blind Side. I guess with this guy, “when the cat’s away, the mouse will play.” And what about Sam Mendez, husband to the beautiful Kate Winslet? He’s rumored to have also cheated. And we all know about the famous, Mr. Tiger Woods. I’m glad to see you’ve put your Buddhist bracelet back on… maybe it will remind you to keep your pecker in your pants!

I learned early on in life what survival meant, and have been doing just that since the tender age of 5. It’s from that point that I remember the very first beating I had from my father. I was physically abused as a child, to the age of 22, and had spent my adolescent life lying about the welts and bruises I had on a weekly basis right up until I got engaged to be married, but still living at home.

Perhaps you are on the fence about what to do with that toxic friend. Whether you’ve been friends for many years and you’re done taking their crap, or they are a new friend that just sucks you dry, here are the six types of toxic friends that exist according to author Dr. Jan Yager, author of When Friendship Hurts, and what you can do about them.

In case you haven’t yet heard the expression, a ‘Cougar’ is a term for an older woman who seeks out and enjoys the company of a younger man, while still enjoying her independence. Think Demi Moore, Madonna, Mariah Carey. The intentions of a “cougar” can range anywhere from chasing after a young boy-toy for fun outings and sexcapades, to someone looking for a loving and committed relationship.

Each year, the stories get better and better, and are exceptionally moving. This year was no different. I knew we were going to be hearing speaker Leslie Morgan Steiner, author of Mommy Wars and Crazy Love. I had not read her books, and only briefly read her story. I knew that she had graduated from two ivy league schools (Harvard and Wharton). A smart, beautiful woman with a career on the rise. Brought up in a financially comfortable and loving family. She had the world by the tail… that is, until she married a violently abusive man and entered into a life of hell for four years .

Unfortunately, even beautiful women like these get cheated on. The truth is, novelty wears off in any marriage. And after a while, this is still just same face you go to bed with, and wake up with every morning. So, when you feel invincible and untouchable like Tiger Woods, even this face can’t keep you from straying. It’s sad.

As a single dad who patronized his wife, loved her, cared for her and protected her from the daily insanity of life’s craziness, I thought the joys of divorce would be a great way to connect those women, who truly don’t accept, appreciate and recognize how blessed they are.