Governor Mark Sanford's announcement that he had an extramarital affair with a woman from Argentina may be making the front pages of newspapers and websites throughout the world, but experts say that this is a something facing many families. The only difference being that Governor Sanford has had to do it in front of millions.
At the same time Sanford's announcement was making the headlines on national news sites, the phone lines were lighting up on local talk radio at WORD-AM in Greenville.
"Hey, welcome, WORD, you're on the Bob McLain show," McLain tells a caller. "That's none of the public's business," the caller, who among many has an opinion on Governor Sanford's secret, states.
"That was the thunderbolt of the whole thing," McLain said. "No one really expect what came down today."
Maybe no one expected it, but licensed clinical social worker Greg Smith says the story is all too familiar, At least once a week, Smith cousels a new couple dealing with infidelity.
"Unfortunately, it's probably not near as unique as everyone wished it was," Smith said.
In fact, some reports say that more than 30-percent of marriages where affairs are involved end in divorce. And in the Governor's case saving his relationship could be tough.
"From a trust building point after the fact, it makes the person in his wife shoes, a little bit tougher for them to know exactly what the individual's motives are," said Smith. "It may make it difficult for the Governor, but it's even more difficult for his family because there's no way to escape it. It's one of those things that will be in their face."
Because the spotlight Sanford has welcomed in politics is now even brighter, his family is now the focus of even more attention. But Smith says that putting your spouse and children first is the most important advice he's given many men.
"Whatever the situation is, it's not hopeless," Smith said.
But now Sanford is learning the tough lessons, firsthand.
Read more viewer comments hundreds of them in Amy Wood's Live Blog Replay
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