Recent research suggests that having kids make you happier with your lot in life - but not if you are an unmarried couple. You have to be married to enjoy this benefit.

This may seem a little surprising, but it does make sense. Married people have made a commitment to each other, and have already surrendered their autonomy. But people who have not married - even if they are in a long term relationship - are still probably thinking of themselves first. Kids are a huge responsibility and very demanding time-wise, so people who are still thinking of their own needs first would resent their presence.
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It's interesting that David Letterman's wife Regina Lasko demanded his recent public apology for having sexual affairs with staffers. One would have thought that she would have filed for divorce. His behavior certainly warranted it, and it would have been hugely lucrative for her! I think it's highly likely that she considered it, but decided that if he demonstrated loyalty and obedience - thereby showing respect and giving her some dignity - then she would not end the marriage.

This is a lot like the goings on between randy Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his wife Veronica Lario. Back in 2007, she forced him to make a public apology over his flirting. He did so. More recently, he has demanded that she apologize to him for publicly complaining about his dalliances with young women.

Both these cases reveal that marriages are as much - if not more - about power as they are about love.
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The highly publicized marriage between Australian golf legend Greg Norman and tennis champ Chris Evert-Lloyd has suddenly ended.

Norman's ex-wife has cattily observed that they were both narcissists, and too alike for the relationship to work. While her comments were probably motivated by still simmering anger towards them, I think they're still pretty accurate.

Relationships are never completely equal. There always seems to be one "star" who is dominant, and one "stage manager" who takes a more subordinate, supportive role. You can't have two stars. It just becomes a battle of egos!
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Considering all the public dramas they've gone through over the last few years, it's surprising that Shane Warne and ex-wife Simone Callahan have gotten back together. Not only that, they're moving into a  luxury house together in the swish Melbourne suburb of Sandringham.

The true romantic would say it illustrates just how enduring love can be. What's that famous Shakespeare quote? "The course of true love never did run smooth."

It would be nice if this were the main reason behind this latest, surprising development. But I'd say that Warne's substantial wealth and fame had a lot more to do with it. (Warne paid for the Sandringham house, worth over 3 million dollars.) I can't imagine many blokes of much lesser means being so completely forgiven for the kind of behaviour Warne has been guilty of in the past.
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Cliche confirmed 07/06/2009
 

One criticism of marriage that you've probably heard many times is that when you get married you tend to "let yourself go". That cliche actually seems to have some truth to it, because a recent study shows that married people have a higher incidence of obesity than those who are dating but not cohabiting.

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Dating by genes 06/24/2009
 

Research has revealed the powerful influence of genetics on the nature of sexual attraction. With this in mind, a couple of new dating servces are offering genetically tailored matchmaking.

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A British woman called off her wedding when she discovered that the groom had starred in an x-rated movie only weeks before the big day.

People get discovered even when they are trying to conceal their sexual past. But this guy was being public about it. Yet he still thought he wouldn't be found out. Or maybe he thought it wouldn't be an issue for his wife-to-be?

Either way it doesn't reflect very well on his character!

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Being an elite sportsman has many great rewards. But it must be a very stressful existence as well. There's the constant pressure to perform, as well as all that time spent away from loved ones.

That's why Cricket Australia's decision to offer relationship workshops to its top players seems like a wise one.

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I posted earlier about how women are often attracted to dangerous men. Here's another example:

Charlotte Lindstrom is a gorgeous young Swedish socialite who moved to Australia and became involved with an alleged drug dealer. She was convicted on conspiracy to murder charges and is now testifying against him.

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Proponents of better "work-life balance" have long argued that when husbands work long hours they put a strain on their marriages, and this can increase the incidence of divorce. However, a Melbourne economist has conducted a study that refutes this argument.

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