Relationships Talk

RUSH: Senator John Kennedy from Louisiana was on CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront last night, and the question he got was, “What do you make of the first lady Melania Trump demanding that somebody be fired over there in the West Wing? Should the first lady have made such a statement, weighing in on a West Wing personnel issue via the media? I mean, this guy kind of felt blindsided by it. The president may have felt blindsided when his wife spoke up. What do you think about this, Senator Kennedy?”

KENNEDY: The president shouldn’t feel like he’s bossed around. If he does feel that way, you know, don’t worry about it, Mr. President. I feel bossed around sometimes. I love my wife to death, but in my marriage I can be right or I can be happy. I can’t be both. It doesn’t bother me. I’m happy to have my spouse weigh in when she sees me doing something wrong, and I suspect the president feels the same way about Mrs. Trump. But all she did here, in my opinion, she just did publicly what other first ladies have done privately.

RUSH: No big deal here, nothing to see. You know, when Nancy Reagan stood up for Ronald, when Nancy Reagan was demanding that all kinds of people be fired, she thought there were people undermining him. And people just tore into Nancy Reagan. She had no business, she’s overstepping her bounds.

To which I asked, “Wait a minute. I thought we’re supposed to have a culture featuring strong women who are not gonna be silenced because of conventional wisdom saying that they can’t talk about things that only men can talk about. What is this?”

Furthermore, what is wrong with a woman defending her husband? What in the hell is so threatening about that? I mean, the left engages in so much hypocrisy, they never get called on it and they very seldom are penalized for it. They’re all over the place. But this line from Senator Kennedy, “Look, I love my wife to death, but in my marriage I can be right or I can be happy. I can’t be both.”

I once interviewed Charlton “Chuck” Heston, Chuck to his friends, shortly after he had celebrated the 50th anniversary of his marriage to his wife, Lydia. And I said, “What’s the secret?” He said, “Four words: Honey, I was wrong.” So among men of a certain age there’s almost a stereotypical cliche that in your own home you’re never right if you want to be happy. (laughing)

“Look, I decided in my marriage it’s gonna be very simple. I’m either gonna be right or I’m gonna happy, so I’ve decided I’m gonna happy, which means I’m never right in my own house.” I wonder if his wife gave him any grief when he got home. Probably not. Great example of stereotypical humor that just skirts right over people’s heads.

Matthew Trent, the Dallas-based luxury jewelry designer, joined forces with bridal couture designer Nardos Imam to host The Art of Wedding & Design on Nov. 7 at Nardos Design in Preston Center. Guests gathered for the exclusive panel discussion covering all things wedding and design, alongside renowned event designer and floral guru Todd Fiscus of Todd Events.

The panel brought together three of Dallas’ most respected wedding and design experts for the first time as they discussed everything from wedding bands and veil lengths to guest list tips and marriage advice. Trent, Imam, and Fiscus shared their collective knowledge and experiences with the audience, as well as their predictions for the industry at large. Highly respected in the luxury bridal market, each are known as true authorities within their individual arenas, receiving countless accolades and awards for their talents.

Moderator Kiley Trent, who is the managing director of her family’s 30-year-brand, Matthew Trent, led the discussion. Highlights from the panel included the following takeaways: if you wouldn’t have them to dinner, don’t invite them to your wedding (Fiscus); the next hottest stone shape for engagement rings is oval (Trent), expect to see many more bridesmaids in jumpsuits (Imam).

Guests enjoyed Prosecco and small bites from Proper Catering, as well as geode cookies from Good Vibes Cookie Co. as they mingled through the salon and tried on one-of-a-kind Matthew Trent jewelry pieces. Models also showcased custom Nardos couture gowns throughout the evening, accessorized with jewelry by Matthew Trent and featuring makeup by fellow Preston Center neighbor Cosbar.

Attendees included Cindy Syler, Mariah Taylor, Lauren and Heather Murphy, Violet and Ashley Deatherage, Suzanne Droese, Dee and Rachel Ledbetter, Lori Trent, Liz Wilhite, Rexanna Sandlin, Meredith Hammer, Crystal Frasier, and Brittanie Oleniczak.

Meredith Hammer, Mack Kelly, Donna Kelly, Nardos Imam

Matthew Trent, Kiley Trent, Nardos Imam, Todd Fiscus

Matthew Trent, Violet Deatherage, Ashley Deatherage

Lauren Murphy Shepherd, Nardos Imam, Todd Fiscus, Heather Murphy

Liz Wilhite, Nardos Imam

Liz Wilhite, Rexanna Sandlin, Nardos Imam, Todd Fiscus

Mac Kelly, Kiley Trent, Matthew Trent, Lori Trent, Hudson Trent

Kiley Trent, Heather Murphy, Lori Trent, Lauren Murphy Shepherd

Heather Murphy, Ashley Deatherage admire florals by Todd Events

Crystal Frasier, Grecia Garza, Janna Hinebaugh

Dee Ledbetter and Rachel Ledbetter

Ashley Deatherage, Violet Deatherage, Matthew Trent Jewelry

Social media has influenced the way we portray our lives nowadays, and Kelly Clarkson just admitted that her marraige isn’t as picturesque as it may appear on Instagram. During her Facebook live on Nov. 13, the American Idol winner proved that she does more than just sing about relationships — she also gives advice about them.

Despite having a trusting and loving one herself, Kelly admitted that it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. “If I sat here and told you that everything was perfect, that’d be a damn lie in anybody’s relationship,” the “Since U Been Gone” singer insisted. “But you have to work at it.”

When a fan asked how she manages to not keep a score in her marriage with hubby Brandon Blackstock, Kelly had a quick answer. “I don’t think it’s a score. I think it’s keeping a tally of how many discussions you’ve had,” the 36-year-old said. “I think it’s that. Honestly, it goes both ways. Like my husband feels like he constantly needs to talk about the same thing; I feel like the same thing with him. There’s always things you’re working on.”

Kelly believes that she and Brandon, 41, are able to work past their issues because of their level of maturity. In fact, the mom-of-two thanks timing for her successful marriage. “You’re already an evolved human,” Kelly said of the couple that began dating when she was 30 years old. “You already got, kind of a good grasp of who you are [in your thirties].”

She also says that meeting Brandon at the time that she did allowed her to enjoy her twenties to the fullest — something she stressed the importance of very much during her live stream Q&A. When a fan asked if 22 is too young to get married, Kelly did not hesitate to share her feelings towards the question. “Yes! Your twenties are such an instrumental part of building your character,” she explained.

Getty Images

The “Piece by Piece” singer then shared some dating advice that was given to her. “Somebody said this to me a long time ago — family, friends, finance, and faith… If you do not have at least two of those in common, walk away ’cause it ain’t gonna work,” she warned. “Maybe if you’re 22 and have at least two of those, then OK.”

It looks like Kelly just shared her secret for a long-lasting marriage. Hey, if it’s working well for Kelly, there’s no trouble in following in her footsteps!

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has rallied governments, campaigners and communities to help boost the response to the “medieval practices” of forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Hundreds of activists have convened at the International Conference on Ending FGM and Forced Marriage for a 2-day gathering, organised by the Home Office, aimed to strengthen the response to these barbaric crimes.

This afternoon (Thursday 15 November) the Home Secretary opened the conference and launched a public consultation into whether there should be a mandatory reporting duty for forced marriage and updating the existing statutory guidance on forced marriage.

He also unveiled posters and a video that will be used in an upcoming forced marriage awareness campaign. The materials highlight that forced marriage is a crime and direct victims and concerned parties to contact the Forced Marriage Helpline for help and support.

During his speech, Home Secretary Sajid Javid, said:

Governments worldwide have a crucial role to play in bringing an end to what can only be described as medieval practices.

These are crimes which in my view are despicable, inhumane and uncivilised.

I’m clear that by working together, we can end these appalling crimes and build a safer world for our children – and more specifically – for our daughters.

The conference, held in London, brings together international FGM and forced marriage experts, law enforcement, politicians, activists and survivors. It acts as a forum to discuss the response to the crimes and to share best practice, strengthen links and consider further action that can be taken internationally.

The public consultation on forced marriage will consider whether a mandatory duty to report should be introduced. If it is introduced it will identify which professionals the duty would apply to, the specific circumstances where a case would have to be reported and potential sanctions for failure to comply with the duty. It will also explore how the existing statutory guidance for professionals on forced marriage could be strengthened.

The awareness campaign, to be rolled out in due course, has been developed in partnership with campaigners. It aims to educate the public and potential victims on what constitutes a forced marriage and raise awareness of the emotional and psychological pressures that are faced by victims.

Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability Minister Victoria Atkins, who speaks at the conference tomorrow, added:

FGM and forced marriage are devastating crimes which can cause severe and lifelong physical, psychological and emotional harm.

Everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of their potential, without fear that they may be hurt by those closest to them.

I continue to be deeply impressed by the extraordinary level of energy and commitment from everyone working towards eradicating these crimes.

According to a City University and Equality Now study, part funded by the Home Office, it is estimated that 137,000 women and girls who have migrated to England and Wales are living with the consequences of FGM. Approximately 60,000 girls aged 0 to 14 were born in England and Wales to mothers who had undergone FGM.

In 2017, the Forced Marriage Unit provided support in 1,196 cases and, to date, more than 1,600 Forced Marriage Protection Orders and 248 FGM Protection Orders have been made to protect victims and those at risk and to assist in repatriating victims.

The UK government has taken the lead in tackling these barbaric crimes. Measures taken by the government include:

FGM

• strengthening the law through the Serious Crime Act 2015 to improve protection for victims and those at risk, including introducing lifelong anonymity for victims of FGM, bringing in civil FGM Protection Orders and introducing a mandatory reporting duty for known cases in under 18s
• developing an FGM communications campaign to educate communities about the long-term health consequences of FGM
• providing resources for frontline professionals, including a resource pack, free e-learning, statutory multi-agency guidance and a range of communication materials

Forced marriage

• we have introduced a specific criminal offence of forced marriage, lifelong anonymity for victims, and criminalised breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order
• to date, almost 1,500 Forced Marriage Protection Orders have been made to prevent people from being forced into a marriage
• the joint Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provides support and advice for victims, those at risk, and professionals, through its public helpline – in the last year the FMU’s outreach work has improved the capability of thousands of frontline professionals to ensure victims and those at risk are safeguarded