When a woman cheats...

I just read this cheesy article in InStyle magazine about Meg Ryan. In it she says that someone once said (about her affair with Russell Crowe and (...no surprise here...) the multiple affairs Dennis Quaid had during their marriage) the following:

"When a woman cheats, it's the woman's fault...
...When a man cheats, it's the woman's fault".

At first I snickered, because how crazy stereotypical is that quote? Men not taking responsibility, the cold woman pushing her husband away...why shouldn't he cheat? She forced him to! Then, ever so slowly, this rage creeped over me as I thought about all the situations where that quote ever so subtly applied to my life (and even the lives of some of my friends).

Now, I'm not just talking about cheating in a relationship. I'm referring to even the smallest mistakes that a couple makes with one another ("You forgot to pick up my favorite cereal at the store!") or the white lies that we tell. I'm referring to all other things in a relationship (besides being unfaithful) for which the woman somehow bears the burden of fault, or is convinced that she is partially responsible.

Example 1. Everyone has been lied to. Think back to that. Did the liar try to tell you that you had something to do with his lie? Does this sound familiar, "I knew it would make you mad if I told you"?

Example 2. You forgot to pick up / drop off / buy something for your significant other. It's your fault. Now what if he forgot? What was his initial response? Did it start with "You didn't....

So I guess I am rageful because I don't want any stereotype to apply to me, but moreover, I am rageful because even in the smallest way, that stupid old- ladies- who-lunch quote, COULD apply to me. I am also rageful because maybe I am the only one who feels this way?

My conclusion is this: there is NO happy ending to this Blog Entry. I have no words of wisdom, no advice, nor even a peppy mantra to put forth. I have only this...

It's not my fault; of that I am certain.

Oh and...hey, Meg Ryan! It's not your fault either.