A recent article on CNN’s website poses the question, “Is it realistic to expect people to be monogamous?”  If you look at so many public figures, from movie stars to politicians, it would be hard to make a case for monogamy.  It seems like everyone gets caught cheating.

Maybe I’m a traditionalist, but there is something to be said for monogamy.  I like the idea of being committed to one person, but with people living to an average age of 78, maybe it’s just too many years to devote to one person.  Serial monogamy might be a good option.  Rather than being monogamous with one person for 50 years, how about two 25-year relationships instead?  Or five 10-year relationships?

Or is monogamy simply a dated concept?  Many couples have begun to explore other, non-traditional ways to keep their relationships going.  Open marriages and polyamory allow each partner to “dabble” in other relationships, while at the same time staying committed to one another. 

Check out this link and tell us what you think: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/10/28/monogamy.realistic.today/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Has something like this ever happened to you?  One day last week, I bent down to pick up a stack of newspapers for the recycling bin and the next thing I knew, I was writhing on the floor in pain.  I laid there crying for several minutes before I could get myself up and make my way to the couch.  For the next eight days, all I did was move myself from the couch to the floor, and to the bed, trying to find a comfortable position.  

As I was staring up at the ceiling,  I kept thinking about that episode of “Sex and the City” where Miranda, who lives alone, almost chokes.  She basically performs the Heimlich Maneuver on herself and then she calls Carrie, freaking out, thinking she could have died alone in her apartment.  That’s how I was feeling, totally helpless and all alone.  I had visions of being found, laying prostrate on the living room floor having starved to death because I couldn’t get to the kitchen.  But then I realized I was just feeling sorry for myself.  Several friends had called while I was laid up and when I told them what had happened, they all offered help.  I hate to impose, so I declined.  But then everyone called again to check up and  several insisted on coming by—with food, heating pads, and just to keep me company.

Having friends stop by and take care of me made a huge difference.  It made the days go by faster and completely uplifted my mood.  And I realized—my situation really was just like Miranda’s.  Like her, I don’t currently have a significant other and I live alone.  But I’m not alone.  Like Miranda, I have my own Carrie, Samantha, and Charlotte and many more good friends.  Maybe soon there’ll be a Mr. Big.