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by Dr. Jack Singer
Professional Sport Psychologist
Here we go again. South Florida hero, Dan Marino, now joins the ranks of the Arnold Schwarzenegger’s and John Edwards of the world… celebrities who cheated on their wives, and fathered children out of wedlock. In each case, their wives seem to be wonderfully supportive sweet and kind. In fact, exactly the traits any man would look for in a life mate.
Not many people know who Claire Marino is because she has stayed out of the limelight, preferring to mother her wonderful family of 4 natural and 2 adopted children. I don’t know Claire personally, but I did reside in the same Florida town as the Marino family during Dan’s glory years with the Miami Dolphins and always heard people speak very highly of her. Claire is known as a down-to-earth, unpretentious lady, frequently seen chit chatting with strangers in the local Publix supermarket, for example. She and Dan co-chaired several charities in South Florida and she always stood side-by-side with Dan.
So, what is the story with some famous people?
Why are they no longer content with their chosen partners? Why do they stray from religious tenets in which they were raised?
As a Professional Sports Psychologist, I have seen many of these sad stories play out and have counseled many athletes and their wives.
The answer, from this psychologist’s perspective, is that some celebrities (certainly not all) possess a narcissistic personality disorder, plain and simple. In each of the cases I describe above, these men strayed once the spotlight on their careers had dimmed and they then got involved with younger women.
I view this as a struggle to recover the perceived power and adoration that they view as lost once their public careers ended. For John Edwards, he was on the downside of his career. For Arnold Schwarzenegger, his film career was in the rear-view mirror, and for Dan Marino, his sports broadcasting career is miniscule compared to his fabulous sports career with the Dolphins.
So, what message is there for women who consider marrying a future star? Short of having your man analyzed by a professional before marrying him, I would suggest carefully listening to your gut when it comes to the attention and adoration he seeks. Where such an overweening need for attention predominates his personality, pay attention as that is a huge red flag. Don’t delude yourself into thinking he will change. Personality disorders do not change! Take charge of your life and change your choice in a life partner.
About the Author:
Dr. Jack Singer is a professional speaker, trainer and psychologist. He has been speaking for and training Fortune 1000 companies, associations, CEO’s and elite athletes for 34 years. Among the association conventions which Dr. Jack has keynoted are those which serve financial planners.
Dr. Jack is a frequent guest on CNN, MSNBC, FOX SPORTS and countless radio talk shows across the U.S. and Canada. He is the author of “The Teacher’s Ultimate Stress Mastery Guide,” and several series of hypnotic audio programs, some specifically for athletes and some for anyone wanting to raise their self-confidence and esteem. To learn more about Dr. Singer’s speaking and consulting services, please visit DrJackSinger.com and FunSpeaker.com or call him in the U.S. at (800) 497-9880.