In real life, affairs don't always end with an apology

Posted at 5:20 PM on June 30, 2009 by Sanden Totten

Infidelity has been a part of human relationships for about as long as humans have had relationships. But when it happens to a public couple, it's still news.

Governor Sanford looked genuinely sorry.
(Photo by Davis Turner/ Getty Images)

The disappearing Governor, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, is the latest in a string of politicians who have been caught wandering from their wives. There's Senator John Ensign, Elliot Spitzer, John Edwards ... the list goes on.

There is a familiar pattern. The politician is cornered with incriminating evidence. He holds a press conference. The wife stands by as he admits his failings. The couple agree to work hard to patch things up.

Can relationships survive infidelity?
(Photo by fmarq via Creative Commons)

But that's politics. How do affairs play out in real life? We're going to look into this for our next podcast, but here is a taste of what we found. One listener, who wished to remain anonymous to protect the identity of her child, told us that when she sees these politicians make teary eyed apologies to their wives, she isn't cynical. She is a little jealous.

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