Riveting vignettes show the inner and outer lives of women engaged in extramarital affairs. In spotlighting the many influences that spur women to cheat—from marital discord, childhood histories and sociopolitical history to pop and postmodern culture—Dr. Praver neither condemns nor condones such affairs. Instead, she aims to help wives and husbands question their own desires and actions, recognize their own roles in marital problems, and become inspired to find creative solutions. This work is an intimate and comprehensive examination of wives' desires for extramarital affairs. It includes vignettes from younger and older wives, as well as working, stay-at-home and remarried wives, from those with and without children, and from those who turn to same-sex affairs. The authoritative and scholary underpinnings are presented in a reader-friendly style that will appeal to all women, as well as to clinicians and academics.
Readers who are involved in or considering extramarital affairs will feel supported, validated, and inspired to enter into a dialogue for change. This book and its vivid case studies, filled with dialogue that allows readers a front-row seat in the therapy room, inspire one to listen and learn without harsh perjorative judgments. While the issues here are profound, the book is always evocative and enjoyable.
Introduction
Out of the Closet: The Fair Sex and Infidelity
Drastic Double Standards and Daring Wives
What a Difference a Century Makes: Female Infidelity and the Double Standard
Not So Sweet Home: Stay in the Abode Wives
Wanderlust while They Work: Working Wives and Outside Romance
Young and Restless: The World's Their Oyster
Older and Bolder: Under Cover with a Younger Lover
Remarriages and Regrets: Out of Step with Stepfamilies
Same Sex Affairs: Wives with Women Lovers
Sex Goes Awry
Conclusion: Implications for Marriage and American Society
Overview
Riveting vignettes show the inner and outer lives of women engaged in extramarital affairs. In spotlighting the many influences that spur women to cheat—from marital discord, childhood histories and sociopolitical history to pop and postmodern culture—Dr. Praver neither condemns nor condones such affairs. Instead, she aims to help wives and husbands question their own desires and actions, recognize their own roles in marital problems, and become inspired to find creative solutions. This work is an intimate and ...