Readers React: Hillary and Bill Clinton’s marriage shows love can prevail

To the editor: Over the many years I have been a loyal reader of The Times, I have enjoyed numerous columns — but only after reading Meghan Daum’s piece on the marriage of Hillary and Bill Clinton have I been moved to write. (“The ‘stand by your man’ feminism of Hillary Clinton,” Opinion, March 3)

As a marriage and family therapist, I could not agree more with Daum that Hillary Clinton had perfectly valid reasons to save her marriage. I even forwarded Daum’s column to a client who is struggling with exactly that issue — whether to go or stay.

We therapists are trained to guide our clients through the myriad issues unique to their circumstances, but it is not our job to tell them what to do. Just as Daum aptly stated, none of us know what goes on in a marriage. That often includes the couple. Infidelity is often a symptom, not the root cause, of a married person’s indiscretions. Love can definitely prevail.

Thanks to Daum for shining a light on the “dark corner” of the complex issues surrounding infidelity.

Pat Bentley, Bakersfield

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To the editor: As a psychotherapist, I was very disappointed that Hillary Clinton stayed with Bill Clinton.

Though it is not my business (nor that of anyone else) how people choose to live their lives, I have this to offer: Hillary Clinton is running for president. If she wins, I would never be able to refer to Bill Clinton as the “first gentleman.”

Allow me to reverse the situation: If a man were running for the highest office in America and it was well known that his wife had been an adulterer, would we feel comfortable calling her the “first lady”?

Nancy Kezlarian, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Not all marriages can be saved. But in my opinion, if you don’t try, especially after 23 years invested, you don’t get to claim moral victory.

After the Monica Lewinski affair, Hillary Clinton decided to try to save her marriage. Her fortitude, tenacity and commitment show true depth of character.

Wow, maybe I will vote for her.

Susan Raymond, Montrose

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