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I have long been a proponent of forgiveness after infidelity and have numerous articles reminding couples that there is life after infidelity.
When Gibson's wife Robyn came forward and offered to support her ex-husband in court it proved two things:
- The power of forgiveness
- The dignity of truth
The couple has had continued contact despite infidelity
If the new gossip regarding reuniting is true, then it will be a relief to his family and friends. Mel Gibson's kids are on his side in case against Oksana Grigorieva
It is widely reported that the couple remained in contact and continued working together to raise their children. As such, Robyn coming forward to protect Gibson's name was in many ways also protecting family: Is Mel Gibson Ready to Flee US With Ex-Wife Robyn?
Marriages can be saved after infidelity
In the complicated world of love and relationships, it is sad that marriage is becoming so entwined with infidelity -- but only in the press. Despite the media hype of Internet infidelity experts, too many to count, infidelity is not an epidemic. And there are professional voices that stand out: Michele Weiner-Davis and the experts reporting from MayoClinic and WebMD.
If you find yourself in a marriage mess, please rise above the "catch that cheater" instinct, and read what the professionals have to say.
Infidelity: 3 reasons to forgive and save your marriage
Choose happiness, save your marriage after infidelity, and fight fairly
Infidelity Fast Facts, Love: cheating figures you can trust
Infidelity: Mending your marriage after an affair – MayoClinic.com ;
Divorce Busting® – How to Save Your Marriage
Gibson's former wife defended him in court
It is clear that Robyn defended her ex-husband out of a sense of family loyalty, forgiveness, and love.
Despite being the victim of her husband's philandering and then learning of a love child with his now ex-mistress, it was reported in People magazine that "Mel Gibson's estranged wife is defending him against allegations he hit former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva while she held their 9-month-old baby.
Mel never engaged in any physical abuse of any kind toward me before, during or after our marriage," Robyn Gibson said in a declaration to a Los Angeles judge overseeing the custody battle between Gibson and Grigorieva. "Mel was a wonderful and loving father." Ex-Wife Supports Mel Gibson in Battle with Oksana - Crime & Courts ...
The judge was moved because he has expertise in domestic violence. Here are my earlier stories:
- Why 'domestic violence' judge believed Robyn Gibson, Mel's ex-wife
- Mel Gibson's ex-wife stands by her man and not Oksana
- Mel Gibson descends from marriage meltdown to domestic violence
Excerpts posted last night on Health News: Infidelity and depression: for Mel Gibson judge doubts domestic abuse thanks to ex-wife
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Copyright 2010 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved
Comments
Excellent article, and I totally agree 100 percent: forgiveness is possible and marriages can be restored. I don't know if Mel and Robyn will 'reunite' but at least they aren't fighting each other. I'm glad she is defending his character, as I believe he is being wrongly accused by his mistress/girlfriend.
I agree that couples can and often do recover from affairs. Recovering from infidelity requires that the person who cheated show genuine remorse and a determination to do whatever is necessary to gain their partner's trust. The betrayed partner must also be willing to stand up for themselves and what they deserve and not simply settle for whatever they can get from their partner.
I also want to note that although Mel's ex-wife is reporting that he was never violent in their relationship, this doesn't mean he was not violent in his current relationship. His actions everywhere appear to be out of the norm for him so past history, in this case, may not predict the present. He may be spinning out in several areas of his life and this is just one of them.
Excellent, forgiveness is hard at times like this but worth it completely.
Great update...thanks for sharing the reunite end of the story.
Great post! The difficulty with forgiving someone is so hard, but there seems to be peace. I really enjoy your insight on this. I’d love to read more on this topic.
I recently stumbled upon another blog like I stumbled upon yours and I really appreciated their insight. I thought you might enjoy it: http://burisonthecouch.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/forgiveness/
I’d love to see more like it. Thanks!
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