Ten Things I Wish I'd Known--Before I Went Out Into the Real ... by Maria Shriver

You said the proper response in such circumstances is, 'May I tell her who is calling?' I read the letter from the woman whose husband would hang up on callers who did not identify themselves. I told them I didn't know any ministers 'who weren't very religious,' and to go to city hall. They said they 'weren't very religious,' and any kind of minister would be okay with them. They asked if I could help them find a minister who would do the service. Very few men or women of the cloth will officiate at weddings that are 'spectator events.' A couple of sky-divers wrote to me a while back, and said they wanted to be married in a plane, and then, parachute out together, holding hands. When people regain their sanity and put religion back into marriage, it will be a better day for all of us.

Of course, it is commendable that couples who have children out of wedlock wish to get married, but why don't they go to the courthouse to legalize their union? Now, they are nothing more than high-visibility social events.

The bride was carrying their child down the aisle.Ĭhurch weddings used to be religious ceremonies. In last Sunday's bridal section of the Cumberland, Md., Times-News, there was an action photo in a church of a bride and groom wearing full wedding regalia. I was pleased when I read in a recent column of yours that it is in poor taste to have a huge church wedding for a third or fourth marriage. The next letter may be of interest to you: I'm just happy when a pregnant bride gets married. What is wrong with these people? I would appreciate your views. The bride looked as if she might deliver any minute. No attempt was made to hide her condition. Recently, a socially prominent woman in our city put on a huge wedding for her daughter, who was in her eighth month of pregnancy. Here is another topic I wish you would address: Pregnant Brides. Thank you for saying in your column that having a large, fancy wedding for a third or fourth marriage is in poor taste. P.S.: Better hurry and get your copy, because this book is going to sell like hot cakes. The title of the book is 'Ten Things I Wish I'd Known-Before I Went Out into the Real World.' The publisher is Warner Books. You will be startled by Maria's candor, boggled by her energy, and charmed by her humility. It is also a fascinating overview of her own career in television and what life is like being married to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian-born bodybuilder, actor, mega-successful businessman and father of their four children.

Maria Shriver is the author, and her book is loaded with wisdom and wit. I have just read an excellent book that will be especially valuable to the current crop of college graduates now embarking on careers, or struggling with what career path to follow.

Ten Things I Wish I'd Known--Before I Went Out Into the Real ... by Maria Shriver