Is it worth putting all your chips down on red?

Is the key to surviving relationships denial?
No, it isn't a river in Egypt, contrary to popular belief.
We deny that we don't notice the subtle (and sometimes not so much) changes in our spouse. We deny that we might not truly have faith in their loyalty. We deny that there is anything wrong. Most importantly, we deny that we are in denial.
We only hear what we want to hear, see what we want to see. We believe what we want to, and give praise when it isn't due. We tell ourselves that this is how it is supposed to be, and that we are truly happy.
It helps us sleep at night.
After a while, we start to believe that he's working late. That he's only having a few beers out with the guys. That he never takes off his wedding band. That he would never stray.
The lies have been told to us by ourselves for so long- have compiled over weeks, even years, for so long- that they now are our only truth.
This makes the truth blind to us even when it's staring us square in the eyes.


That is what the guys I talked to previously are counting on. They're betting on that their girlfriend or wife does one of two things; doesn't know or knows yet turns a blind eye. They put all their chips on how sly and crafty they are. The fact that they can lie straight-faced while looking her in the eyes. The fact that their buddies are loyal to them. The fact that these girls they pick are "sluts" and have no tie to them outside of a night or two. The fact that no matter how much is between this "bonus", she will never settle for being "the mistress". Even if she was all right with it, they're banking on her never wanting anything more than sex and gifts from him.
Isn't this a game with worse odds than any Las Vegas casino? Remember... you might win a little here and there, but the house ALWAYS wins.
Speaking of mistress... what makes a "good one"? Should any female be insulted by being told they would make a "good one"? Regardless of her age, relationship status, happiness level? Since when is being "number two" good enough for anyone?
This is what happens when certain people put all of their eggs into one basket... and choose the wrong one.
However, when children are involved this isn't just about one person changing two lives forever without their consent. This becomes about one selfish and righteous individual destroying and shaping impressionable children for the rest of their lives.
Isn't it about time that they stood up, collected their chips, and walked away from the roulette table?

Maybe they should take their money and get their wife some flowers just because... and then take her out for dinner to a real restaurant. (Drive-thru establishments don't count!)