Is It Worth It?

As I sit here, I am seriously wondering if a romantic relationship or even marriage is really worth all of the heartache and trouble it could lead too. Headlines today are filled with individuals who are unfaithful to their significant other. Politicians, actors, athletes all reveal their infidelities for the world to see.

"We are soul mates."

"I made a mistake."

"We are trying to rebuild our marriage."

"I didn't cheat!"

On top of these flashy headlines that sell the newspapers and tabloid glossies, I am personally faced with this scenario once again in my life. A new found friend is being challenged to not become "the other woman" and she is struggling very much with this decision even though in her heart of hearts she knows what the right choice is. Why is this? Why is she even considering taking this next step that only leads to destruction? And why is this married man pursuing her?

I question what the married man seeks from this young girl, but I also question what she seeks in his company. Her heart aches for what every young girl and woman longs for – even me. Acceptance. Love. Security. She may find this in his arms. She may not. And then what? Onto yet another man who will only temporarily fill the emptiness she feels.

My heart clenches at the thought of another marriage falling to the wayside at the whim of fantasy and instant of pleasure. This fleeting and often unsatisfied moment leads down a filthy path full of shame, guilt, self-pity and loathing. This fleeting moment leaves in its wake hearts forever broken and lives shattered. This fleeting moment is just that – fleeting, short lived and empty. And all for what? Passion? Excitement? Adventure? So after the passion has faded (and it does) and after the adventure has ended (and it will), then what? What is left? A relationship that is based on trust and love. I don't think so. Brokenness for all parties involved.

I don’t have the answers. I wish I did. As I spoke to my friend today, I laid it all out there for her to hear. You cannot do this. You must break all contact with him now and forever. No text massages. No phone calls. You cannot see him again. This is where your character and integrity are being called into play. We already know what he is capable of doing. What are you capable of doing? Great and wonderful things that are not down this path. You will get hurt no matter how you want to spin this situation to your benefit. You will get hurt and you will hurt others. Is that really what you want as apart of your life?