[Indiana]

This post has obviously resonated with a lot of guys here on TDPRI. I'm surprised that more ladies haven't chimed in, because there are several female TDPRI members who are serious professional guitar players.

Even though I deeply sympathize with the inherent bias that all people feel toward their own gender when a couple breaks up, I'm not too insensitive to realize that the emotional scars of divorce are not righteous in any way. Divorce is ugly and it sucks. Period. Material possesion will never be as enjoyable after a divorce. However, there is no sense in needlessly giving up your stuff if separation is going to happen no matter what.

I echo the thoughts about counseling and arbitration, even if separation is inevitable.

I taught my wife to play a little and got her infected with the guitar bug. Then I bought her a arctic white Les Paul Goddess. I'm a very domestically happy man. That being said, I love my wife and plan to stay together through anything. Lately I've seen so many Hurricane Katrina families who have lost everything and it reminds me of what is really important. In a way, I wonder if those families won't have a more loving and meaningful Christmas than most of us spoiled asses with tons of presents under the tree.

Back to the original topic, God bless you and keep you and help you and your family through this difficult time. Keep playing your guitar