The following is a letter proposing a story about separation and divorce. Since more weddings occur in June than in any other month, fax or mail this letter on your letterhead to your local reporter in May. Make one follow-up call to the reporter. Ask if they received your letter and would they consider the subject for a unique twist on a June Bride story. Offer your assistance on this and future stories.

May , 20XX

[your hometown paper]

Dear Medical/Health Reporter:

For every June bride, there will be a failed or failing marriage somewhere. Why do some marriages last? Others fail?

The American Psychological Association's (APA) Division of Independent Practice wants people to know that they are not alone and that they can get help. I am a licensed psychologist and would be happy to speak with you about this subject. You can reach me at my office at (___) ___ ____. I would be able to discuss not only ways to cope with the physical and emotion demands of divorce and separation but, on a happier note for this June wedding month, the psychological edge that helps keep a couple whole. A recent psychological study looked at psychological traits of a good marriage and recommends nine „tasks.‰ For instance, it recommends that a couple establish a rich and pleasurable sexual relationship and protect it from the incursions of the workplace and family obligations.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Nine psychological tasks' needed for a good marriage:

1. Separate emotionally from the family of one's childhood so as to invest fully in the marriage and, at the same time, to redefine the lines of connection with both families of origin.
2. Build togetherness based on mutual identification, shared intimacy and an expanded conscience that includes both partners, while at the same time setting boundaries to protect each partner's autonomy.
3. Establish a rich and pleasurable sexual relationship and to protect it from the incursions of the workplace and family obligations.
4. For couples with children, absorb the impact of a baby's entrance into the marriage. The couple must learn to continue the work of protecting their own privacy.
5. Confront and master the inevitable crises of life.
6. Maintain the strength of the marital bond in the face of adversity. The marriage should be a safe haven in which partners are able to express their differences, anger and conflict.
7. Use humor and laughter to keep things in perspective and to avoid boredom and isolation.
8. Nurture and comfort each other. Satisfy each partner's needs for dependency and offer continuing encouragement and support.
9. Keep alive the early romantic, idealized images of falling in love.

from the book

"The Good Marriage: How and Why Love Lasts"

If the reporter is interested, here are suggested talking points on this topic for your use. Try to work these points into your conversation with the reporter.

Separation and Divorce

• A psychologist can help you express or control your feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
• A psychologist can help you communicate with your children and help your children cope.
• A psychologist can help you adjust to your "new" single life and the issues you will face.
• A psychologist can help you make decisions regarding the future of your family.