Our Fathers’ Affairs
What the children of philanderers know
My father, Lou Junod, and I met by accident. While driving south, a friend of mine had a flat tire and ended up in Atlanta. While living there, he called to invite me out for dinner with his aunt, Maura. Maura was around my age and new to town. I told her I had recently finished a book about my father, describing him as charismatic and reckless.
Maura also revealed that her father was a philanderer. She explained his affair with another woman, who had a second family with him. This revelation made me realize that there may be others in similar situations. Growing up, I knew my father was different from others, but it took time to find the right words to describe him. I believed he was unique, a traveling salesman who became a kind of bedroom celebrity.
However, meeting Maura's aunt changed my perspective. I realized I was not alone, and we were part of a larger group experiencing betrayal and shame. My father was not just unfaithful or promiscuous, but a typical male who was part of a group.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
