Topic : 12/02 Dr. Phil and Robin's First Wives Club, Part 3

I totally support these women in their goal of becoming free and independant. 

My frustration lies in the constant portrayal (here in other shows) of topics that seem purely black and white.  Who could possibly have any doubt that these women's husbands were cads. 

What about the reality if marital breakups where the wife decides to leave.  The man isn't a louse, alcoholic, or wife beater.  Merely a person who maybe closed emotionlally, not engaged in the sharing and give and take of a real partnership.  I myself left such a marriage three years ago, and am still plagued with the guilt of breaking up my family.  I do not hate my husband, ( I don't think he hates me either), he was an okay guy, but after 30 years of lonliness, I finally had the courage to say, I deserve to have a real partner in my life.  My grown children totally understand, I have lots of meaningful relationships with my female friends.  I 've been thru a lot of couseling, and I feel I did the right thing to save myself from the diminished existence I was living.  This more grey area of marital breaksup is never really portrayed.  I wish Dr. Phil would explore this a little, as I would like insight on how to TRULY move on, when you are the one who did the leaving.  The fantasy of the perfect happy family together, haunts me.  although, the reality was, it wasn't there. 

It is interesting that you make this point as I was thinking along similar lines. At some point, the new women must realize that he will potentially hurt her if he could be so vile to the woman he vowed to honor and raise a family with. Change must happen period for him in order to have healthy relationships in the future anyway. I wonder why men are not as vocal about helping each other be accountable and do the right thing in their marriage. I wish you must success with your journey to healing and change. You have made the first step of realizing your flaws. Continue to do the "next right thing" Keep us posted on the progress so you too can be celebrated! 

I haven't watched the show yet( recorded it though) so thanks everyone for warning me to have the kleenex handy :)  

BTW, I'm a first time poster here... I really am so glad that Oprah hooked Dr. Phil up and presented him to us. He certainly has risen to the challenge of taking it a step further. Robin is a blessed woman indeed! 

I think this show hit home to alot of women, funny really,, at the time you think you're the only one this has happened to....when this happened to me roughly about 10 years ago, I was humiliated and ashamed, ashamed that my parents would think me as a failure, my friends would frown upon me,,,and think there was something wrong with me...but tonights show taught me that being heart broken and devastated is a normal human emotion... but misery, and defeat was sthe option  I chose ,,, it took me a while, a bankruptcy, a foreclosure on my home, several moves.. but now as I sit typing this,, I feel like I am ok... I didnt know this back then.....as the uncertainty of my future sent me into a nervous wreck and panic attacks,,, I wish I would've had Dr. Phil & Robin back in 1996 ~ but better late than never,,, I wish those ladies alot of luck as they move on to bigger and better things,,, here's to old friends, new beginnings & Dr. Phil :) 

No......none of these women are remarried.......none are in relationships at all. 

I believe if you go back and read all the information on this topic and these shows involving the First Wives Club.....part 1....part 2.....and part 3..............you will find much information there in those pages  

Also, I do believe that the women were offered on going therapy in their area. 

Does any of this help?  

It was wonderful what Dr. Phil did for the First Wives Club. Thank you so much for helping those deserving women. 

I could so be a first wife.  I am currently going through a divorce with 2 small children.  We never really got along so I left with the kids and I found out a week after I left that he had cheated on me 8 months previous to me leaving and it was with a co-worker of mine.   

I think those women are very deserving of everything that they received and I wish them the best.  The road to recovery is long, but this has showed me that it can be done.   

I too, think that Robin should be on more shows.  She is such an inspiration!!  Lots of Love 

Sally , I read with interest that you are in an abusive marriage.......I'm sorry that you're going thru this difficult time as a result. 

If you would like to vent, need information regarding abuse.....or would like some support......you are welcome to come on over to the ABUSE message board here on Dr. Phil's site........just go to the category of RELATIONSHIPS/SEX.................under that category......you will find ABUSE listed. 

There's no excuse for abuse. 

I, like you am thankful that you have your Mary Kay business........and be sure to keep it , too.  Don't allow his influence to change any of that. 

Take care. 

Maybe we'll see you on the Abuse message board......a place of information and support. 

All are welcome