Please, Tatyana...do not describe to me the high moral character of anyone whose morality changes contingent on their specific need; who does not believe in absolute right and wrong; who disparages loyalty and fidelity; who vilifies marriage; who mocks the principles of those who actually do have some ethics; who bitterly attacks those who espouse any virtue whatsoever; who harasses those who believe in something higher than themselves, while claiming everyone else is intolerant. I can only guess that perhaps you do not understand the meaning of the term “moral character”.

Many years ago, after my young wife began an affair with a co-worker, deserted our home and 18-month old child to move in with her boyfriend, I received a call from the boyfriend who wished to apologize for the grief he had caused. I listened and was not unkind. He did not want me to think badly of my wife because she was really a “good girl”…I had to repeat the question back to him in a different way so he could understand the ridiculous nature of his request:

“So what you are asking me is not think badly of my wife for sleeping with you behind my back, while living a lie at home, for deserting our child, for deserting our home and her husband, for orchestrating immense untruths simply because she wished to sleep with other men? I should not think badly of her because she is a good girl!?” There was a moment of silence and then he responded, “I guess you’re right…”

Sometimes we forget what the standard for goodness is, and that it does not include all kinds of behavior.