Hank Williams sang about tears falling down like rain and Carrie Underwood belts out lines about retribution with a Louisville Slugger, but they’re both talking about the same thing: cheating.
From John Edwards to Tiger Woods, we seem to be bludgeoned with a stream of news about alleged infidelity in celebrity marriages.
Woods will play in the Masters golf tournament, held April 5-11 in Augusta, Ga., to mixed public opinion. Which raises the question: Should what a person does in his or her private life influence an ability to advance professionally?
“It depends upon what you do for a living,” said Seth Baxter, 34, a married father of two. “If you play golf, then you should be able to come back to the golf course. If you’re a politician or a minister or in a position where your morals play a big part into what to do and you guide morals or state of others, then, yeah, I believe it should hurt you in that area.”
Shawn Roberts, a 26-year-old IT professional in a relationship, said he finds the public interest in celebrities’ private affairs to be “petty.”
“Marriage is not related to golf,” he said. “(A person’s) private life shouldn’t hold over in his professional life.”
The ability to redeem and rebuild a relationship that has been damaged by infidelity is often dependent on circumstance, according to various Chattanoogans.
Mr. Baxter said he finds a one-night stand to be a more offensive transgression than developing an emotional, albeit nonsexual, emotional intimacy with another person.
“That happens with people who have to spend time together,” he said, “like office mates. But if you’ve got a partner at home and you pick someone up in a bar, it’s a slap in the face.”
Could you forgive infidelity?
Jackie Burnett, in a relationship
“There’s no excuse. You should be faithful to your partner.”
Kim Forester, married
“I’m a Christian. Forgiveness is the basis of my life. Whether it is easy to live with the residual effects, that would take some time, but I think it’s forgivable and survivable.”
Chad Tyler, single
“Everybody has faults. If you’re really in love with someone and believe they won’t do it again, how can you not forgive? It’s different if it’s a one-time thing than if it’s an affair.
Austin Kuhlman, single
“Forgiving is one thing. Trusting them again is something else.”
Taylor Martin, single
“I’d probably forgive over time, since time basically heals everything, I suppose.
Dillon Hopper, in a relationship
“People are human; they make mistakes. It depends on the circumstances and what would happen after. I think it’s possible.”
Kaley Yarborough, in a relationship
“The only circumstance I couldn’t forgive under is if my partner wasn’t willing to work it out, especially in marriage, because I don’t believe in divorce.
Eric Hayes, in a relationship
“I think I was called to forgive. With someone cheating, it would be very hard, but all things are possible through God.”
Ronnie Denham, divorced
“I think everything’s forgivable in the eyes of the Lord. If you ask for forgiveness, why should we judge when our Lord, Jesus Christ, didn’t?”
Claire Henley, in a relationship
“I think infidelity is probably one of the most hurtful things for both parties, but I’ve never been in that situation. I’d like to say I would forgive it. As Nelson Mandela said: “Forgiveness is our greatest weapon. It liberates the soul.’ “
Brittney Bull, married
“I couldn’t forgive someone. Everyone has the potential to screw up. It’s about not putting yourself in that situation.”