No, we would certainly not turn them down if they needed a place to stay. I should have been more over, but that’s what I meant with “we might encourage temporary separation, we will pray for your marriage and we will hold you and cry with you”.

I am in full agreement that it is the person’s decision. What I’m trying to avoid is surprise on the part of the adult child’s part when you let them know that you don’t think divorce is the right choice.

I like the idea you are putting forth — make the decision to break it off BEFORE the wedding, not after. But if I imagine having a child in a situation where they have made a bad decision, I’m not sure that it’s nearly as important what I think about the situation, as it is what the child thinks about it. Once the child is old enough to make the decision to get married, I would think I need to become hands-off.

What are you saying? That if a child called and said they need a place to stay because they are leaving hubby, you would say no? In theory, I think I love your idea — once you say “I do,” then you do. I don’t think it’s too harsh, but I just don’t think that an adult making the decision to divorce needs their parent’s permission or approval to divorce. And, from watching the same sibling get divorced 18 years after the unfortunate decision to marry the man, she made the decision without the blessing of her parents.

I love it that you will support your child through every situation. That is as it should be. Very interesting post. Thanks for posting.