'Let's Play Monogamy!'

‘Let’s play Monogamy!!’

No? I thought if I made it sound more like a Parker Brothers game popular in the 80’s more people would be inclined to practice it. As news reports and candid photos swooped in earlier this week of Twilight and Snow White and the Huntsman star Kristen Stewart locked in various embraces and smooches with first time Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders, fans of the vampire saga are asking (and crying in YouTube videos) “How could you Kristen?!” The question is a plead for understanding as to how she could break her Twilight co-star and real-life boyfriend of four years, Robert Pattinson’s, heart. I’m sure Liberty Ross is asking that of her husband, Sanders, just not as publically.

What stands out to me is that Rupert Sanders is not receiving an equal measure of backlash as Stewart when he is the older of the two who cheated on his family. Yeah, those photos and the taunting jeers of child bullies, and nosy adults will soon affect them too. True, the English director was fairly unknown mainly doing commercials before the successful Snow White reimagining hit the screen, but he is a 41 year old married father of two who allowed his urges to rule him. His wife, Ross even played Stewart’s mother in the film. Both of their actions may have shattered a family and though it’s a scandalous news sensation, this type of betrayal is all too common in relationships for celebrities and non-celebrities alike. Ironically, though Stewart is receiving more backlash, what’s more disturbing to me is that I’ve read articles and user comments claiming that ‘it’s not cheating if you’re not married.’ Whoa. What is it then? Just messing around for kicks and giggles? With that mindset it's no wonder some people treat exclusive relationships like drawn out speed dating sessions, and relationships lack the maturity and morality to blossom into something even more serious as marriage. Cheaters and adulterers are selfish and lack character and moral standing whether they’re married or in a serious, exclusive relationship. It’s my opinion that after the betrayal has occurred in a non-marriage relationship the excuse of, “oh I didn’t realize we were that serious” is what cheaters tell themselves to try and sleep through the night and to deflect guilt like a soccer ball. An adulterers affair can have damaging results that ripple through numerous lives and alter a true union. Relationships are hard work in and of themselves as you open yourself up to someone else and place your heart into someone else's hand. Let's do ourselves a favor and stick to monogamy, or find the guts to allow that person to find someone who wants to solely be with them without all the lies and betrayal.