How sad..(Dr Phil)

[Patricia]

Did anyone see Dr Phil today? There was a story on there about a couple who had been happily married for a number of years when they found out that they were in fact half brother and sister. Apparently her father had been having an affair with his mother. What a terrible twist of fate....they are so unsure about what to do, understandably their relationship is falling apart and she is blaming him for the sins of his/her father for betraying her mother. What a mess, as if relationships aren't hard enough without finding out about this many years down the track!

[Naomi]

Oh wow! Was the father alive when they got married? Why wouldn't he say anything?? Are they allowed to stay married?

I can't even contemplate how that would destroy their lives.

[Patricia]

Dr Phil is getting them some help to work through their feelings and said that if they feel they can get passed this and want to stay married there are countries that allow this (I think he mentioned Sweden) but first they have to decide if it is still what they both really want.

Apparently they were showing an aunty their wedding photos and she recognised the father...and so the sordid story unravelled from there. I felt so so sorry for them both, what a terrible situation to be put in.

[mel35]

I didn't see the show but I think that is so sad. I'm assuming they don't have children ( together) as you haven't mentioned any. What made the aunty say something in the first place, I think if I was in that position I would keep it solely to myself. If they had just started dating or something that would be different, but because they were happily married for a while I'd let sleeping dogs lie.

[Patricia]

No kids involved thank goodness Mel, and of course now that they know the situation they are both adamant that children are never an option. I don't think the Aunty was being vindictive...said something like...'oh he looks like so and so's ex'...but it was enough to start the ball rolling.

I was just thinking that maybe this was one of those situations where what you didnt know wouldnt hurt you. They could have gone on being happy together oblivious to the time bomb ticking in the background.

[Tora]

I agree, very sad indeed. :( At least by speaking up though, the Aunt has guarenteed no children will come from the marriage. So sad for all concerned, and if the Father was at the wedding, you would "think" he would know this lass was his daughter????

Anne (Tora)

[sarz]

it almost sounds a little Jerry Springerish...but I guess they are just a regular couple in a horrible situation. I actually read an article in a magazine a few years ago talking about a few couples that had found themselves in a similar situation (though i don't think that any of them had actually married). But apparently the bond/connection is so huge (because they're related) that they meet they believe they've found their soulmate. One of the couples had decided to stay together, I think.

[Jewly]

I was actually home sick that day and I did see the show. I thought in America that you had to have blood tests before you got married, and I thought they tested for things like this, but obviously not. It is very sad, and I think it would be too big a thing for them to get past, plus by staying together, they know they can't ever have children.

I wonder how many times this has happened, and people never find out. Take my case for example. I was adopted and I met my half brother a few years back and I thought he was pretty cute. Who's to stay I wouldn't have met him at a nightclub and started going out with him. In the case of people not knowing their natural parents, it could happen and no one would be any the wiser.

[shelli]

Holy cow!! That story is amazing!! I was home, but opted to have the TV off at that time.....for once. I have also heard stories of that happening. I have also heard of a 'brother' and 'sister' who fell in love, but they are only related by marriage. They are not able to get married, either, coz, legally, they are regarded as brother and sister.

shelli