Most people only speak of Martin Luther King, Jr. in terms of a Saint, as if he could do no wrong. However, he had flaws like most people. He has succumb to temptation of the flesh having extramarital affairs, but Coretta opted to stand by her husband rather than leave. Why?

We thought it would be interesting to discuss the 8 reasons we believe Coretta Scott King decided to stay with her husband Martin Luther King, Jr instead of separating and divorcing him.

The Children

People not in this situation of being cheated on in a marriage are quick to say they would leave because infidelity is something they will never tolerate. However, that is people that have never had to make the decision. It isn’t an easy one and a main factor in that are the children.

It isn’t easy to tear your home apart and get a divorce when their are children involved. We believe one of the key factors in Coretta’s decision to stay despite the activities of Martin was because of the children. And who would blame her?

The Dream

Coretta was a very insightful woman. She knew the work Dr. King was doing was an important one for people all over the world. She didn’t want to do anything that might work against the Dream and advancement of the black population, so she swallowed her pride and hung in the marriage.

Let’s not be foolish to think Martin did all of this on his own. Coretta must have been very instrumental in helping King do his work if nothing more than moral support, taking care of the children, listening to his speeches and much more i’m sure. She was very well invested in the Dream and obviously believed the black community needed and deserved more.

The World Image

Dr. King rapidly became a world figure. His image, marriage, and family became a symbol of pride for black people around the country. Despite having her heart broken, Coretta mustered up the courage to stand by her man to keep the symbol of their relationships strong for black people around the world and especially here in the black community.

Hope A Change Will Come

I don’t want to make it seem like the only reason Coretta decided to stay with Martin was because of the struggle and freedom marches. No. Clearly, she imagined things would be different at some point in the relationship. She hoped Martin would see the folly in his ways, then recommit himself to her and the family.

Hope A Change Will Come

I don’t want to make it seem like the only reason Coretta decided to stay with Martin was because of the struggle and freedom marches. No. Clearly, she imagined things would be different at some point in the relationship. She hoped Martin would see the folly in his ways, then recommit himself to her and the family.

Most spouses who have been cheated on that decide to stay have to believe this is going to eventually be the outcome of their marriage. The other partner will reverse their behavior and dedicate themselves to the marriage. Correta was no different.

The Times

You have to keep in mind this was the 1950s and the 1960s. Things were different then. People didn’t just get up and run to the court house to get a divorce because the spouse yelled at them, chew too loud or even had an affair. People during this era believed you had to stick it out and work it out in a marriage. They took the vow of until death do us part seriously.

Fear Of A Life Without Martin

The thought of living your life without the father of your children and your life partner has to be a scary one. One that most men and women don’t want to have to experience. We believe Coretta was the same way in this manner. The thought of living life without Martin must have been a frightening one for her. No one likes uncertainty, so often times the wronged spouse tend to stay in order to have more control in their lives.

The Relationships History

Coretta and Martin had a deep, long relationship and history together. They have stories, a bond, children, memories, and more together. It is difficult to just give all that up because the partner made some silly decisions. To throw all of their past out the window over something that one can get past in time is hard to do. Coretta, like so many others, opted to stick the relationship out and find a way to make it work.

Love

At the end of the day, I believe the main reason Coretta decided to stay with Martin after his infidelity was because she loved him. She loved him honestly and entirely. Not the Martin we knew for the strong speeches and leadership quality, but the Martin we don’t know. The one that only she knows and fell in love with over their years of dating an marriage, her Martin. She loved that man to no end.

Marriage is tough and infidelity can destroy the relationship, but sometimes there are just situations and circumstances greater than what is seen from the outside that will lead a spouse to stay.