Comments on: An Oral History of Love in Contemporary America: Selections from Us #1

By: John Robinson

John Robinson — Sat, 08 May 2010 11:51:36 +0000

You have my sympathies, something similar happened to me.

By: malavika

malavika — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:18:14 +0000

I cannot imagine the honesty and depth a person like Brigitte must have to write something like this. Brigitte, is there any way I could express my support? I hope you are well. The tragedies in our everyday lives that we have to deal with are not those we will ever get medals for, or even get noticed for. I cannot begin expressing my appreciation for your ability to articulate all this you’ve been through. I am sad that people take advantage of the best sides of our selves, which we make an exception to reveal to them completely. But this is the human psyche – one that can produce Hitler and Mother Teresa, and perhaps we have it in each of us to be either in parts.

By: Jeremy Hatch

Jeremy Hatch — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:34:28 +0000

There are good marriages too, David — not without conflict or struggle, but worth being in. To me this one sounds like it was basically a case of mutual disrespect, which is no foundation for a successful long term relationship.

And that line about not wanting to discard shared history — yes! That is so true, and I’ve never seen it adequately described before. That’s something you never want to give up, after ten or more years with somebody, no matter how bad it gets — it becomes part of who you are.

By: David Lipa

David Lipa — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:45:13 +0000

Jesus Christ. I hope I am never married.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:36:46 +0000

Thank you for this, it’s honest, clear and strong. These parts were highlights for me:

“I think it’s also an aspect beyond love: You’ve shared this history with them that they alone know. You don’t want to just get rid of it, if that makes sense.”

“There’s all this space in your brain that’s filled with information about this other person. You know, like what they like to eat, and just their little habits. And then all that information is totally useless.

I remember the first time I went to the drugstore and didn’t have to pick up his products. I’m in the Rite Aid, crying because I’m not picking up Tucks Medicated Pads for Andrew’s hemorrhoids. And I’m like, “I’m crying over this?””