Conclusions, Predictions, and Prognostications 235
this problem really is. It is not a question conducive to simple (or
simplistic) answers. Ms. Hall writes:
We have to be able to blend the growth of women and the women’s
movement into a new family movement rather than moving back-
ward in time. We believe parents need options, not ideology. There
is no dominant family model so how can one monolithic answer
restore the family unit. The traditional family—homemaker, husband
as bread winner and children—now makes up only ten percent of
families. The multiple option family comes in all shapes and sizes.
Married couples with children, stepfamilies, single parent, lesbian
couples, adopted kids, househusbands, you name it. There is no
moral or politically correct way for the women in each family to jug-
gle home and family responsibilities. Some are giving up successful
careers to care for children. Others start home-based businesses. Most
schedule childcare and work full time. Yet, examples like these do not
even begin to describe the diverse courses families take.Ms. Hall’s comments kind of remind me of one of my favorite
quotes from one of my favorite comedians, Lily Tomlin. As she
said, “If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?”
Well, there is no question in my own mind that there are numer-
ous factors at work in our rapidly emerging twenty-first century
society which are going to provide all of us as members of that
society a multiplicity of options to explore our own personas. We
will be living longer and enjoying more leisure time. As a result,
we will have more time to take in-depth looks at ourselves and
our relationships, and to consider just where we want to be at
various junctures of our lives.
Correctional changes. To put it in navigational terms, correc-
tional changes in the course and direction of our lives may well
be required as we go. Unquestionably, a divorce constitutes one
of the ultimate correctional course changes available to an indi-
vidual—one that if handled correctly can present an incredible
opportunity for personal growth.
Most divorcing parties when interviewed after the divorce say
that for them it was well worth it, that the divorce was necessary,
and that they are happier and more successful human beings as a
result of it. Many of those who are back in love or have remarried