The following story, Why Not? We Used To Be Married, was taken from the TruLOVE collection book, Bedroom Roulette. You can purchase Bedroom Roulette Here
Many stories in True Love and True Romance from the early 1970s are about young women going through wild times, getting into trouble, and resolving to straighten our their lives at the end of the story. Here’s a story about what might happen after that. Angie’s got a safe, stable marriage now, but then her first husband—the one she married straight out of high school, and divorced less than a year later, when she got tired of living on the wrong side of the tracks—is back in town, and he promises he’s ready to clean up his act, too.
The morning I found out that Keith Ryan was back began just like any other morning—or rather, like most of the mornings I’d known since I’d married Jim Kessler. I woke up, opened my eyes, and knew it must be nearly seven, because I could smell coffee perking. Jim was an early riser; he didn’t get up until eight on weekends, and he seemed to think getting up at that hour was kind of naughty.
My husband—my “new husband,” my mother called him—was thirty-three, ten years older than myself. Jim wasn’t really too old for me because at this point in my life, I needed an older, mature man . . . at least that’s what I told myself. Jim was organized, cautious, kind—a good, solid man who worked hard, paid his taxes and was faithful to his wife.
I put my hands over my head and stretched. I’d turned out to be what I used to laugh at, what Keith and I used to laugh at—a housewife, living in the suburbs, a churchgoer. Yes, I was now a member of a group of married people, all older than myself, who played cards at each other’s houses on Saturday night.
Keith, my first husband, and I hadn’t referred to that kind of life, that kind of person as being square, because we thought the word “square” was too square. Earth People, we called them.
We used to lie in bed, there in our shabby apartment over on Rohan Street, and we’d watch the Earth People going to the Church Of Holiness, there across the street. Sometimes, we would have a hangover from too much beer-drinking at Sam’s Attic, the place where we liked to go with our equally kookie friends, and sometimes, I would have a headache from joint-smoking.
Marijuana was a big part of our life together. Both Keith and I had begun smoking it as seniors in high school, and when we eloped, the summer after graduation, our life really didn’t change much. We had been lovers before; we had been users of grass and once in a while, acid. We had loved to speed around on Keith’s motorcycle, me on the sissy seat in back, and we had loved camping out, sleeping under the stars, cooking over an open fire. We did those things before we got married—my mother knew I was involved in a sexual affair but she really didn’t care. And we continued to do them after we were married.
Only something went wrong. We began drinking a little too much and we got kicked out of our kookie pad because the local sheriff raided us and we were both put on probation because they had found a whole group of us kids sitting around high on grass. All of a sudden, the whole scene—the motorcycle, the dirty, crummy apartment with the cushions on the floor, the dusty stack of records, the way-out magazines Keith subscribed to because he liked to feel he was a rebel felt wrong.
More and more, I began to feel less and less satisfied. I began going over to my mom’s to wash my hair, because the sink in our bathroom always had roaches crawling up and down the drainpipe. My mother, remarried after years of being divorced and alone, began to worry a little. She and her new husband didn’t really want me around all the time.
When I was going with Keith, when I was married to him, I was no problem to my mother. Now, all of a sudden I tried to burden her with my new thoughts and feelings about Keith, about my marriage to him, and about being a hippie. Maybe Keith and I didn’t have shoulder-length hair or anything, but all the same, we were a couple of hippies at heart.
People in town resented the area where we lived, and after having been married to Keith for less than a year. I began to resent it too. We began to fight—I stayed off pot and acid and stopped drinking beer because I hated the way I felt physically when I used those things.
Keith didn’t understand what was happening, and when he finally realized I wanted to divorce him, he stayed drunk for nearly a month, shut up in that filthy apartment, the rent due, no job, until finally, they took away his motorcycle. He left town right after the divorce, and I went to live my my mother and stepfather. When I met Jim. I’d married him as quickly as he was willing.
Jim was an Earth Person: he had a good job and he drove a new car, not a cycle. He also shaved and bathed each morning, and he didn’t drink or smoke. He’d been married once before, very briefly. The girl had been killed on their honeymoon.
Now, smelling the coffee, I got out of bed and smoothed down my short hair. I was supposed to go over to Richmond today, to shop for drapery material. I’d been married to Jim for two years by now, and during that time I’d learned to sew. In fact, I’d made curtains for most of our little house and for my mother’s house too. Now, my mom seemed like a kind of middle-aged kook to me, with her efforts to keep looking young, the hard-drinking crowd she and her husband ran around with, and their interest in things like skydiving and boating. But then, maybe I was just getting to be Ultra Earth People, like Jim was.
He was eating his breakfast, reading the paper, sitting there in “his” chair at our dinette table, and the sun slanted in the window in precisely the same pattern it did every morning.
“Hi,” he said, and he went back to his paper. “Don’t forget to water the grass while I’m gone, Angie.”
Gone. I’d forgotten. This was the morning Jim was leaving for Camp Malcomb, down near Anderson, for his annual two weeks tour of duty in the Army Reserves. I hadn’t actually forgotten, because I’d spent all week getting his shirts and things ready, it was just that I’d forgotten this morning, because I was sleepy, probably.
“I feel guilty.” I said, kissing him lightly on the top of his head, where his hair thinned a little. “I should have gotten up to cook for you.”
“I like to cook.” he said. He’d finished his coffee. “I’ll miss fixing your breakfast for you on Sundays.”
That was a little ritual of ours, Jim’s bringing me a tray on Sunday’s. It had been his idea, and it had been such a switch from the hung-over Sunday mornings I’d spent with Keith, that I’d gladly gone along with it.
Jim left for camp at nine and I quickly straightened up the house and got dressed to go to town and get the curtain material. I had plenty to keep me busy during the next two weeks. My new draperies, lunches with some of my neighbors, my work at church in the Young Adults’ Sunday School class. We were planning a big picnic in two months, up at the town’s park, and I was on the food committee. My mother made fun of that—the fact that I was so active in church work while she was trying so hard to be a kind of aging swinger. But I didn’t really care. I was happy with Jim.
Still, for some reason, I was kind of glad to see him leave for camp.
To read the rest of the story, check out the complete novel here!
Lace and sheer fabrics have been popular since the weeding of Kate and William and the trend continues. This year layering of these fabrics have added details to simple, elegant styles, which has been widely used to create bohemian style dresses. There has also been a rise in backless dresses along with those using sheer fabrics across the back to create a backless effect.
The English country garden has certainly influenced many bouquets and flower arrangements this year. Using mixed bunches of softly colored blooms creates a look that the flowers have just been freshly picked on route to the venue. A different trend for summer weddings is creating a tropical feel and as a result, there have been a rise in the number of succulents that are making their way into wedding bouquets and arrangements.
In keeping with the more relaxed approach to weddings, street food buffets and banquet style dining are being favored over set menus. Clear labelling and allowing guests to pick from a wide selection of food also helps with managing various dietary requirements and keeping everyone happy and well fed.
Of course a vintage classic car is always going to be a popular choice, no matter what the trend, but this is one area where the groom might get to influence the decision! An open topped retro vehicle might look the part, but even with a tropical inspired wedding, there’s no guaranteeing that it won’t be pouring with rain on the big day.
Your photographs will help to retain precious memories of the day, so they too should reflect the feel of the event. If you are having a more relaxed celebration, the last thing you want is a photographer lining everyone up in formal groups for the photographs. A photographer that can mingle unseen in the crowd and capture the spirit of the day is ideal, but no matter what you want, make sure you communicate it clearly, so you have something to look back on and share for years to come.
Okay, as human beings we can all be a little selfish, stubborn and set in our ways sometimes. This is natural, and the transition from ‘I’ to ‘us’ can be a difficult one. However, it is important that you put your relationship first. A lot of married couples still consider their own families and siblings to be more important than their new “family.” And while you love and treasure your own family, it is critical to a successful relationship to make sure your partner doesn’t feel less important.
Having rituals within your relationship and secret communications allows you to share something private, and it gives you a special connection. Be sure not to confuse rituals and habits with routine. That would become predictable and boring. Something as simple as having your morning tea together, or going for a walk on a Sunday no matter what the weather is, can be enough to ensure that you spend that special time together. The secrets and the moments that you share will bond you together in a time of need. A ‘code word’ can be used to be in place of ‘love you.‘
Be sure to talk to your partner every day. It’s an essential part of a healthy relationship. A lot of couples do struggle when communication breaks down, so having a chat about your day will ensure that you connect. Simply asking,” How was your day,” shows that you care – of course, you do need to be a good listener when he/she tells you about their day. Share your day, too, but try not to be negative and whine too much. You can also remember to compliment him/her, give her/him encouragement, and make plans to do something fun together. Obviously, it doesn’t need to be a long conversation, but even little touches can make a big difference.
After work, try to “turn off” the office. Our smart phones are not so smart when it comes to relationships. If we never switch off our phones, tablets and laptops, it means we are always distracted. Focus on your partner and give them your full attention. Also, work stresses should try to be left at the office. If you read an email with a new deadline, this is only going to make you more stressed, it doesn’t make you a fun person to be around. So, whenever possible, step away from the phone/computer/video game/etc.!
Traveling can work wonders for any couple. Experiencing new sights, sounds, smells and sensations awakens your soul and creates a sense of peace and calmness. Anytime you get to experience an adventure with your significant other, it allows you to create new memories and adventures that you both can look back on for years.
It’s official! BroadLit has formed a lovely relationship with Card.com to create some cool vintage Debit MasterCards® featuring some of our favorite magazine cover images from the early 20th century.
An infidelity is a betrayal, a loss of trust. It is lying or disloyalty to one’s partner or lover. Infidelity may be sexual or emotional in nature and typically involves a third person. Infidelity does not necessarily involve physical separation, but can be characterized by emotional detachment as well. Emotional detachment can happen when you lose your partner’s trust, or if you lie to your partner or tell them half-truths. Betraying your partner may inflict a deep pain that is difficult to repair and sometimes causes irrevocable damage to the relationship that hastens its end. There are many things that can occur in the wake of an infidelity. If you are married, an infidelity could lead to divorce. If you are in a committed relationship, it could lead to a break up.
They decide that a continued commitment to their relationship is important and with time, eventually forgiveness and trust can be achieved.
If, on the other hand, your partner is not open to discussing these things with you, and he is not demonstrating any of the possible reconciliation signs listed above, it may be time to cut your losses and get out.
After nearly 40 years of being together, Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog announced over Facebook that they are ending their relationship. “After careful thought, thoughtful consideration and considerable squabbling, Miss Piggy made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship,” the two said on their respective Facebook pages.
On August 3, 2015, Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) and Gavin Rossdale (Bush) announce that they “will no longer be partners in marriage.” And while it has been no easy ride, their 13-year-long marriage seemed like one of the most resilient in the music industry.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s 10-year marriage won’t get a Hollywood ending. The Academy Award® winner and his wife are getting divorced, with the news breaking on the day after the couple’s milestone anniversary.
Gwyneth Paltrow has distanced herself from the phrase “conscious uncoupling” – saying she did not write the now-infamous headline announcing her separation from former husband Chris Martin. Ms Paltrow blamed Elise Loehnen, the editor of her lifestyle website Goop, for using the term in a headline without warning her in advance. Whatever you want to call it, Paltrow said she and the Coldplay rocker, 37, remain close pals. “We’ve worked really f—ing hard to get to [this] point,” the Goop (a weekly lifestyle publication) founder noted. “But we’re very, very close, and it’s so nice. I feel like it’s, in a way, the relationship we were meant to have.”
It’s not a punchline, Malaak Compton-Rock is seeking a huge chunk of Chris Rock’s $70 million fortune following their divorce. The stay-at-home mom married the ex-Saturday Night Live star in 1996 after they met at the Essence Awards while she was working in public relations.
By Katherine Sharma
Yes, there was an underlying, anxious sense of disconnection, but it hardly seemed a symptom of a deeper disorder. In fact, per Wikipedia, Internet Addiction Disorder is a term coined in a satirical essay by Dr. Ivan Goldberg in 1995 and then taken seriously by researchers and, of course, the media, who have since produced new terms like problematic Internet use, compulsive Internet use, Internet overuse, pathological computer use and even iDisorder. All refer to Internet use that interferes with normal life–such as excessive computer game play, online gambling, porn viewing, shopping, constant social networking or workaholic behavior–to the extent that folks experience anxiety, depression and withdrawal symptoms similar to drug users if they go offline. It is not an official mental disorder in the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders yet, but that doesn’t stop the media from headlining various studies documenting “Facebook addiction,” “Internet withdrawal” and its cousin “mobile phone withdrawal.”
Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.
*Warning. This page is definitely NOT SAFE FOR WORK (NSFW).
Catch more hilarious Amy Schumer action in her first feature film, Trainwreck. Now playing!
We want to take a look at some movies coming out in this week that we are really excited to see! From quirky indie romance, to big budget spy thrillers, we have you covered on your next date night!
Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars”), PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears–leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship–and true love. 
The story of tragedy, loss and the painful road to redemption… Billy “The Great” Hope (Gyllenhaal) is the reigning Junior Middleweight Champion whose unorthodox stance, the so-called “Southpaw,” consists of an ineloquent, though brutal, display of offensive fighting…one fueled by his own feelings of inadequacy and a desperate need for love, money and fame. With a beautiful family, home and financial security, Billy is on top both in and out of the ring until a tragic accident leaves his wife dead and sends him into a downward spiral. His days now an endless haze of alcohol and prescription drugs, his daughter taken by Child Services and his home repossessed by the bank, Billy’s fate is all but sealed until a washed up former boxer named Tick agrees to take the bereaved pugilist under his wing so long as he agrees to his strict ethos. Relentless and utterly committed to a fighter that thinks as much as he throws punches, Tick rebuilds Billy into a new man: one that is agile, fearsome and uncompromising in the ring while thoughtful, loving and disciplined outside of it. Now, as he works to regain custody of his daughter and mounts a professional comeback, Billy must face his demons head-on as he learns that, sometimes, your greatest opponent can be yourself. 
Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF. Ethan Hunt’s highly effective but destructive Impossible Mission Force (IMF) has been disbanded by vengeful Washington bureaucrats such as the CIA chief (played by Alec Baldwin). But Hunt pulls his team together (Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and newcomer Rebecca Ferguson) to battle the shadowy force known as “The Syndicate” and its elusive leader (Sean Harris). 