What you can learn about Affairs from Prince Charles

Although the story of Prince Charles and Princess Diana is old news, there are still some insights you can gain from what happened. Their relationship captured the public’s attention.

My wife made it a point of staying up late in order to watch their marriage. Although we never met them, news of their relationship was a topic of conversation.

Rather than go into the sordid details of accused or discovered affairs, you can learn things from what they did and what they said. Take for instance, Prince Charles stating “Do you seriously expect me to be the first Prince of Wales in history not to have a mistress?”

His comment reveals a sense of entitlement. It’s as if he ‘deserved’ a mistress that came with his position. This is not confidence, it’s arrogance.

The situation gets even darker when you realize that his father, Prince Phillip, encouraged him to have an affair. When the extended family encourages cheating, you know that the problem runs deep.

It leaves me wondering how many of you are married to successful spouses who feel that they ‘deserve’ an affair. It amounts to saying that respecting the boundaries of marriage and others marriages don’t apply to them.

Mel Brooks captured this kind of arrogance from his History of the World movie. The phrase, “It’s good to be king!” was repeated several times as he believed his position entitled him to whatever relationship he wanted.

I know that in the worlds of business and government, the phrase “rank has its privilege!” is used repeatedly and abused as well. When rank and position are used in having affairs, it’s gone too far.

I mention Prince Charles statement since it reveals an attitude. That entitled attitude is a precursor to an affair. First comes the attitude then comes encroachment in terms of making advances if not having the affair.

With that kind of attitude, there will be no remorse. An entitled attitude makes any problems associated with the affair is your fault. The entitled believe they’ve done nothing wrong.

Entitlement is not confidence. Entitlement is not having ability. Entitlement is about arrogance and selfishness.

If your spouse has such an attitude, there’s a high risk for an affair. It’s not a matter of if, but more about when.

If you’re facing such a situation, you’ll want to consider joining the Restored Lifestyle site. There you can share and learn ways of making changes in your marriage and life.

Keeping It Real,

Jeff