Reflections on Marriage and Prenuptial Agreements
Dana Perino offers her views on marriage in light of the media buzz around Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s upcoming wedding. She emphasizes that true happiness in marriage stems from mutual trust rather than lavish expenditures or prenuptial agreements. Perino advises couples aiming for long-term relationships to prioritize commitment.
Laura Clery’s Memoir Highlights Personal Struggles
In her memoir, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Hotter,” actress and comedian Laura Clery opens up about her turbulent relationship with ex-husband Stephen Hilton. She describes discovering Hilton’s alleged infidelity through visits to questionable massage parlors. This revelation deeply affected her, as they had been intimate earlier the same day. Clery shared feelings of inadequacy, but mainly experienced hurt and empathy towards him.
“It wouldn’t be my lack that drove Stephen to a stranger,” Clery writes. “It would be his. We both struggled with a soul-deep void filled with drugs and alcohol.”
Confrontations and Realizations
Clery confronted Hilton, who initially offered apologies and pledged to contact his sponsor. This gave her hope they could address the issue together. However, a call from him later that night turned aggressive, placing blame on her. Checking his location revealed he was at another massage parlor, reinforcing her suspicions of ongoing infidelity.
“If I could say anything to my then-self, I’d tell her to buckle up,” Clery advises herself. “Change the locks. Call your mom, your lawyer, your best friend.”
Family Incident and Public Exposure
During a family outing, Hilton allegedly threatened to end his life, which resulted in Clery alerting the police. While authorities found him unthreatened, Hilton publicly shared the ordeal online, ignoring its impact on Clery.
Separation and Financial Struggles
Clery recounts how the separation involved lengthy legal battles and financial difficulties. The strain intensified as she attempted mediation, hoping to aid Hilton and share financial responsibilities. This decision proved costly, leading to financial depletion.
“I was living paycheck to paycheck,” she writes. “Paying both my mortgage and his, plus the mediation fees, left me broke.”
Gaining Control and Custody
Through perseverance, Clery was awarded full custody of their children, with Hilton limited to supervised visits. Despite false accusations of child abuse, she maintains hope for Hilton’s recovery and their ability to co-parent.
Clery’s narrative ends with cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges overcome and those possibly ahead. Her memoir offers a candid look at personal growth through adversity.