I can’t help it. I am addicted. I was glued to Sister Wives (a polygamous reality show) last Sunday, and I can hardly wait for the next episode.

The show fascinates me. You know the people that slow down and rubber-neck when they see a car wreck? Well, that is me with Sister Wives.

My interest in polygamy isn’t new. When Tim and I were dating, I begged him to drive me to Colorado City, so we could sneak into their church services. We got so far as the parking lot, where we were politely asked to leave. Darn it! Didn’t they want a new recruit? I was offended. I guess I should have braided my hair that day. Or perhaps my make-up turned them off. Frick!

Later, I talked Tim into taking me to another fundamentalist church service. This time, we got in! Wahoo! I could hardly wait to people watch. I was sorely disappointed to find that these men and women looked and acted just like us. Other than a poor sound system and a different way of passing the Sacrament, the meeting was a lot like the LDS services I attend.

Why am I so interested in polygamy?

Perhaps, because I grew up with stories of the Mormon Polygamy Colonies in Mexico. Although the Church stopped actively promoting Polygamy in the United States in 1890, many Mormon Polygamists were instructed by LDS Church leaders to take their families and continue plurality in Mexico through the early 1900s.

My adopted Grandma, Rinda, grew up in the Colonies and was full of really amazing tales. I heard about her mother, a fiery red-head, that took in boarders to support the family. Later, I thought about these stories more. Who WERE these women? How did they live that way? Weren’t there jealousies, frustrations, feelings of abandonment, nights filled with tears? Who were these men? How can they divide their love between multiple women?

I don’t understand it. Last Sunday on Sister Wives, a wife shared her feelings about knowing her husband is participating in certain indoor activities with the other wives. Her response:  “Well gosh darn it, they better!”

Really? Really?! They BETTER?!

I love my husband. Do these women love their husband the same way? The idea of sharing Tim is unthinkable. How do they get past their jealousy? Why would they purposely choose a lifestyle that is certain to bring them pain? Do they really think they won’t be exalted without a sister wife, or is it just a preferred lifestyle? It just doesn’t make sense. I can’t believe that God would favor men and curse women this way.

Also- the LDS Church stopped practicing polygamy because they were worried about Governmental consequences. What happens when polygamy becomes legal? With all of the Governmental and Liberal support of Gay Marriage, how can polygamists continue to be ostracized? If gay marriage is legal, why not plural marriage? At some point, will I be part of a Church that embraces and promotes polygamy, again?

What do you think? Could you be a sister wife? I’ll admit, having a free live-in nanny would have its benefits. But seriously, could you do it?