A Love Story?

| More

A Love Story?

By: Carrie Feron
June 03, 2010

With so many harsh realities in the news today, why is my primary concern the impending divorce of Al and Tipper Gore. I am going to miss them as a couple – they seemed very genuine. Think of all the years of Halloween Costumes. Believe me, it’s going to be hard for Tipper to find someone who will dress like Underdog to her Polly Purebred, or the Beast to her Beauty. I’m sure even Rielle Hunter recoils at the idea of dressing like a Plushie.

And is this why they bought real estate in Montecito – so Tipper would have a lovely ocean view in her fabulous new single girl house? I can’t even consider this beautiful house being Al’s new bachelor pad – the carbon footprint is way too large.

For reassurance I have gone to the mattresses, or in this case my favorite romance books where everything always ends well. Barring something unforgiveable on either of their parts (sadly my first thought), romance writers must have the solution to Al and Tipper’s problems. If only I could get some of these books into their hands.

First, I thought about Susan Phillips’ book NOBODY’S BABY BUT MINE. Yes, the young couple are fabulous and fun (and possibly open to creative dress up games), but it’s the older couple whose romance is more poignant. Susan’s advice from this book: “Learn to love each other in new ways–as the people they’d grown to be–without replaying the old tapes of their relationship.” Note to Al: You were not the inspiration for LOVE STORY. Please, stop talking about it.

Then, I sought advice from Sarah MacLean. Her romance, reconciliation book suggestions were fabulous: Perhaps we should take a lesson from Jemma and Elijah, the couple in Eloisa James’ This Duchess of Mine.

And, in this particular case, I don’t think it’s coincidence that he’s an honest politician set on saving the world. Although …Sarah and I resist the idea that Al & Tipper are as hot as those two. ;)

What about the classic book by Jude Deveraux, The Black Lyon? There, the hero is off at war (which today would be like Al tackling a modern day climate disaster caused by a mammoth oil company). The heroine’s and she’s sure he’s cheating and no longer in love with her…but once it’s all worked out, they’re obviously still crazy about each other. Most importantly for Tipper, (according to Miss MacLean) there’s no dirty talk.

All this reminds me of what we love about romance novels. No matter what, everything works out. Even when two headstrong personalities are passionately in love and then a devastating break up–like what happens when Al says NC17 words about the BP Oil Spill and Tipper just. can’t. take it. anymore.–that just makes the reconciliation two years later ever so much more satisfying.

So, I remain hopeful. Maybe this is just a break, not a break up. And as Eloisa James said, “They might reconcile because there’s a bone-deep weariness that comes from not being with a person you’ve known and loved a long time. And a similar kind of simple, powerful joy from being around that person. So while you might well get sick of your spouse, grow apart, or what have you, that time alone could be the trigger that reminds you what you have in common. “ That and a beautiful California sunset at a beach house in Montecito.

What do you think?