The Midlife Crisis In The Kugelmass Episode

While reading “The Kugelmass Episode,” I realized the emotional distress that someone can be put through after being a part of an affair. I also came to the realization Sidney’s affair might have been caused by a midlife crisis. A midlife crisis can cause several different changes in people’s normal life style, an affair being one of them. An affair is a relationship between two people without the other spouse knowing. Usually complications with the marriage will be the first thing considered when an affair is occurring. Not only does this create problems with the marriage as a whole, but also with each spouse individually. Although affairs do happen often, they could be avoided with noticing the signs of a midlife crisis early on. Married

It is important to understand that marriages can have many different complications that lead to an affair. A few reasons can be the feeling of unimportance, unhappiness, and maybe just craving something new. For example, Sidney, from “The Kuglemass Episode” said, “I need to have an affair. I may not look the part, but I’m a man who needs romance. I need softness, I need flirtation….” (Allen). He mentions in the beginning of the story that his wife had let herself go and he didn’t realize this is how their marriage would turn out. This provides an example that Sidney was getting tired of his relationship and he wanted something new. After a partner has an affair it can actually cause even more problems in the relationship. Once the affair happens the marriage can continue going down hill by the other spouse becoming sneaky and having a guilty conscience. By the marriage getting worse, it makes them want to be with their mistress/mister even more. In the story “The Kugelmass Episode” Sidney cannot wait to

One of the smartest things a couple can do is to recognize that their relationship could end at any time. With this in mind, everyone should always remember to appreciate his or her partner. “To help change your perspective, try asking yourself each morning: "Why do I value my spouse, and what one thing can I do today to show him?"”(“10 Ways to Prevent an Affair."). This can help show your spouse your still interested and that you care how they feel. Another way to prevent an affair from happening could be good communication, most people will go through a midlife crisis in their mid 30s and late 40s. If people communicate the warning signs of a midlife crisis with their spouse it could very easily prevent an affair from happening. A major sign of a midlife crisis would be wanting something new and exciting in their love life, if people communicate that, they could change their regular routine together and start doing new exciting things. Regardless, a midlife crisis is no excuse to have an affair. Studies show if a person makes their marriage their number one priority, they will be able to prevent an affair from