Showing results for "Marital Privilege" in All Categories

The Ivanov family exudes wealth and power, so when its founder shows up on the surgical roster of a third-year resident, even with me not laying eyes on her previously, I’m thrust under their spotlight. Her son’s, to be precise. Maksim Ivanov is a walking red flag. He oozes confidence, and appears to have never been told no, but despite our differences, sparks ignite the moment we trade sultry glances. The tension is white hot. I’ve never experienced such an immediate mutual connection. But as quickly as his mother was placed under my care, she is removed.

I never imagined a dreaded gynaecology appointment would result in a fire-sparking connection hotter than the sun. Even in an office designed to torture women, the tension between the sinfully delicious stranger and me is so blistering that we spend the night together, twisted beneath silky sheets. Although disappointed to wake alone the following morning, I assume aching muscles will be the worst side effect of our night of sin. If only anything in my life was that simple.

Married Americans enjoy over 1,000 benefits and entitlements that are withheld from our nonmarital counterparts. Health insurance, immigration rights, tax privileges (such as the estate tax), and hiring policies favor the married. Despite this blatant and widespread prejudice, nonmarital Americans—nonmarital people—have not galvanized as a group to demand equality and inclusion. Why? Moving Past Marriage argues that it is because of our troubled relationship to history.