Author: Ellen B. Mullally

I’ve been happily married for nearly 33 years. We enjoy each other’s company, root for the same sports teams (Go Nats! Go Redskins! Go Terps!) and easily made the transition to full-time empty nesters nearly four years ago.

But, there’s one season when things can get a little rocky in our home. I’m talking presidential election season. You see, I’m a Democrat. My husband’s a Republican. Normally we spar a little and then agree to disagree. He goes his political way and I go mine. We discuss the elections briefly during dinner before moving on to other topics, like work or the kids.

But this year is different because of just one guy. I can’t even bring myself to type his name, so let’s just refer to him as you know who (YKW). The thought of him winning the nomination, let alone the general election, makes me crazy. I truly believe his presidency would cause a tailspin from which America might never recover.

Unfortunately, my husband seems to like him, although I’m not sure if he voted for him in the Maryland primary. I asked him when he got home from voting, but I cut him off before he could answer.

I don’t usually believe that ignorance is bliss, but I’m making an exception in this case. If I’d actually heard him say the dreaded words—I voted for YKW—I would have run screaming from the house.

I wasn’t thrilled when he voted for John McCain in 2008 or Mitt Romney in 2012. But I accepted it. I can’t accept him voting for YKW. So I’m going to pretend it’s not happening.

YKW may end up ruining America. But he’s not going to ruin my marriage.