Unfaithful at large - 40 percent of Irish people have had an affair

That radical rabbi from Bethlehem/Nazareth improved on the Old [Hebrew] Testament by introducing virtual adultery, i.e. looking at another man's woman covetuously. If Ireland is supposed to be Catholic, and Catholicism is Christian, does that not make the 40% cafeteria Catholics.

I tuned in to the game show because I assumed - naively, as it turns out - that it was some sort of quiz show on history, culture, etc. As it turns out, it's a sort of knock-off of the American "Family Feud" game show, where the contestants guess at the results of a public opinion poll. Needless to say, this kind of programming seeks to appeal to the lowest common denominator, and I won't be tuning in again. That 40% of those polled claim to have been unfaithful to their spouse shows just how "wannabe American" Ireland has become.

Only 40%, I'm surprised.

Im sure the percentage of unfaithful clergy would be high up there in the ranks.

As a never married guy, I would try my very best to remain faithful to whatever girl I may someday marry. There are so many mitigating circumstances though, which may cause the man or woman to see someone else, as time progresses: 1) Long term illness of a spouse. The well partner acts as a caregiver, but sees someone else, on the side. 2) Frequent separation, due to travel. Company may be desired, by both partners. 3)Separation, prior to divorce. Both partners may seek new relationships, then abandon them, if the marriage heals. 4) Honest love/care for someone else, while still in a good marriage. The idea of "open marriage" is interesting. It requires strong understanding & tolerance, by both partners. A realistic outlook is also recommended for the boyfriend/girlfriend. Say, I accepted the charms of a woman, who had an open marriege. It would serve me well to realize that the sharing of our affection, though genuine, will not cause her to leave her husband, for me. That way, the husband & I will remain on good terms. Indeed, I should consider him a friend, for accepting me as his partner's lover. These mitigating factors are beyond the Church's comprehension. The 6th & 9th Commandments are taken literally, with no gray areas accepted, or even tolerated. That approach may have worked, at the time the Israelites were wandering 40 years in the desert. They are hardly practical today, though. All should do their best to maintain honest, loving relationships with their wives/husbands. There may be times though, when some deviation to the norm may take place. It would be best to maintain that honesty with the spouse, during those times. If she/he accepts the "open relationship", fine. Otherwise, a parting may be best for both.