In his experience, he says, the only thing that hurts a husband or wife more than extramarital sex is the lies and coverup efforts, which are the greater betrayal. Sexual freedom comes with a price, notes Dr. Pittman. We give up our right to throw stones. He seems to partially excuse philanderers like the president, saying they've never been told the truth. But that's too easy.
Truth is available to any person.
The president can find it in a book he carries to church on Sundays. Based on his clients' patterns of denial, Dr. Pittman predicts President Clinton will continue to deny any sexual misadventures and will be supported, though not believed. In the process, we lose respect for the presidency until it is again filled with someone worthy of our respect. And the whole thing will continue to be a national joke. Gary Hart cites great presidents who allegedly had affairs, saying we wouldn't have them if today's standards applied.