What are the ideals of marriage and how have they come to be so illusive, while the reality of disillusionment is so pervasive. There are few other institutions that can transform two individuals who have proclaimed eternal love and affection to each other into blood thirsty enemies.

From the public infidelities of former president, Bill Clinton to presidential contender John Edwards, and former New York Governor, Elliot Spitzer and now, the current spectacle involving the South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, and countless others show clearly that the institution of marriage is not sacrosanct.

It is the individuals involved that create what is proclaimed as the sanctity of marriage. A viable marriage really depends upon what personal history, baggage and expectations we bring to the union. Using longevity as opposed to quality of the relationship as the metric for success has contributed to the current marriage mythology. Meaningful, satisfying, self-affirming marriage can and does exist, but this is dynamic process created by two healthy individuals committed to individual and collective growth. The current marriage landscape suggests that something is amiss.

Join The FLOW and guest panelists as we explore this important topic as part of the 2009 Harlem Book Fair on July 18th, 3PM, at the Countee Cullen Library in Harlem.