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Dr. Phil: 'Divorce Is Not An Option'

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(Oct. 6) - For Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife Robin McGraw, divorce is not an option for them. The twosome claim communication and negotiation are key for keeping their marriage surviving and thriving. Ladies' Home Journal put the twosome to the test to dish about their 32 years of marriage and how they've dealt with common factors that threaten any relationship.
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Dr. Phil Snapshots

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 03: Dr. Phil McGraw visits the "Late Show with David Letterman" at the Ed Sullivan Theatre on September 3, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Soul Brother/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dr. Phil McGraw

    Getty Images

    Dunn are joined by Dr Phil McGraw (back row R) and his wife Robin McGraw (back row L) and other dignitaries as they unveil their star during ceremonies honoring the pair with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on August 4, 2008 in Hollywood, California. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

    AFP/Getty Images

    HOLLYWOOD - AUGUST 04: Recording artist Kix Brooks (L front) and Ronnie Dunn, television personality Robin McGraw and Dr. Phil McGraw pose for photographers during the installation ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 4, 2008 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kix Brooks;Ronnie Dunn;Robin McGraw;Phil McGraw

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    LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Dr. Phil and wife Robin McGraw onstage during the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Phil McGraw;Robin McGraw

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    LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Dr. Phil McGraw (R) and wife Robin McGraw arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Robin McGraw;Phil McGraw

    Getty Images

    LAS VEGAS - MAY 18: Dr. Phil McGraw (R) and wife Robin McGraw arrives at the 43rd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Robin McGraw;Phil McGraw

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    LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 02: Dr. Phil McGraw (L) and his wife Robin McGraw (Robin Jameson) speak during the 15th Annual Race to Erase MS at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel on May 2, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dr. Phil McGraw;Robin McGraw

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    (L to R) Alan Jackson, Ne-Yo, Heather Headley, Katharine McPhee, Dr. Phil McGraw, Robin McGraw, President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Andrea Bocelli, Vanessa Hudgens and Colbie Caillat on stage during TNT's "Christmas in Washington 2007" at the National Building Museum on December 9, 2007 in Washington, DC. "Christmas in Washington 2007" airs on TNT December 12. 15176_0465.JPG

    Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com

    (L to R) Ne-Yo, Heather Headley, Katharine McPhee, Dr. Phil McGraw, Robin McGraw, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush on stage during TNT's "Christmas in Washington 2007" at the National Building Museum on December 9, 2007 in Washington, DC. "Christmas in Washington 2007" airs on TNT December 12. 15176_0465.JPG

    Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com

    (L to R) Dr. Phil McGraw, Robin McGraw, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush on stage during TNT's "Christmas in Washington 2007" at the National Building Museum on December 9, 2007 in Washington, DC. "Christmas in Washington 2007" airs on TNT December 12. 15176_0482.JPG

    Jamie McCarthy/WireImage.com

Dr. Phil & Robin McGraw's Interview with Ladies' Home Journal
Dr. Phil on tabloid reports that he and Robin are splitting up: It's absolutely and unequivocally not true. Celebrity plus scandals equals sales. If there is no scandal, then they try and manufacture one.
Robin on divorce: It works to say we're going to be happily married for the rest of our lives. Divorce is not an option for us. It never has been. We had the divorce conversation early on. We needed to make it clear: We're never divorcing. And Phillip has said, you need to look me in the eye because I'm telling you I will never leave you. And I believed him. We were married maybe six months at the time. And I remember thinking, "I have been living our relationship up to this point with, well, what's going to run him off ? Is what I did today going to make him mad enough to leave?" Even if it was just spending too much money or whatever. And then I remember thinking, "oh, I don't ever have to worry if what I did was going to run him off because I know he is never leaving." That's off the table. What's on the table is being happily married. That takes a lot of pressure off.
Robin on sulking about problems: I tried that earlier in our marriage because it worked with my father growing up -- pouting. I was the youngest girl. Very spoiled. So with my father pouting worked and he'd say, "What's wrong?" I tried that with Phillip. He didn't understand pouting. He was like, "What? Something's wrong, obviously." And I'm like, "Well, I don't want to talk about it." Finally, he said, "That's not who I am. If you'll just tell me what's bothering you then I will never do it again." And he said, "If I'm bothering you with something I want you to tell yourself, 'He's not doing that on purpose, he just didn't know that would upset me.'"
Dr. Phil on the need for direct communication between spouses: Not much bothers me... but the pouting stuff. If you'll just tell me what's bothering you then I will never do it again. I want you to tell yourself, 'He's not doing that on purpose, he just didn't know that would upset me.'"
Robin on how they divided the housework: I personally loved the role of taking care of the children. And I sometimes said no, no, no, you just go in there and do your work, make your phone calls. I'll feed the kids and give them their baths. Because I wanted to. But if it wasn't working for me, I'd certainly work a deal. There are certain needs a man has and I'm not just talking about that one [laughing]. A lot of men go, "Oh, I love to be able to come home and for the first hour I'm there, watch TV." Well, give him that, if that second hour he's getting up and helping you.
Dr. Phil on the evolution of parenting: Sometimes parents feel less relevant. Like, "Well, that was a great ride and it's over." But the truth is, and we can attest to this because our boys are 28 and 21, you never stop being a mom and dad. You just evolve to another phase of parenting. I used to coach my boys in basketball when they were in grade school. Then it went to another phase and I was counseling them on dating. Then that evolved and I was counseling them on career choices. Then that evolved and one of them got married and I talked to him about being a husband. I'm sure soon I'll be talking to him about being a father. So don't feel like it's over. Take your rest while you can get it, because the second wave is coming.
Robin on keeping sex and intimacy in the relationship, even after having children: One thing that has worked for us is, when I found out I was pregnant with Jay, we both agreed that we'd still be husband and wife before we were parents. We've really focused on that. We've learned what's fun, and I know what makes him laugh. I know what he thinks is cute. We flirt with each other. Now we're back to where it's just the two of us, and it's really paid off to always remember we come first.
Check out the entire Ladies' Home Journal interview and additional commentary.
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2008-10-06 10:58:23

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mugiwara1337

06:10 PMOct 20 2008

He's been condemned for practicing psycology because he does not have the legal qualifications to do so: http://www.nypost.com/seven/01102008/news/nationalnews/betrayal_580869.h tmHe should stay out of peoples lives. It's the same with his dieting counceling. He isn't licensed for that either,

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BAMS1124

07:43 PMOct 07 2008

Though I don't watch daily (when free time permits). Many people have problems and he (Dr. Phil) counsels them (with solutions) and his wife (Robin) is lovely. May God continue to increasingly bless your marriage. As for anyone posting critically, ' where there's jealousy (envy) and evil speaking, there's every evil work'! Is satan your spiritual daddy' ! It's obvious, according to what you post, you appear to NEED help! Perhaps you should allow Dr. Phil to counsel you!!! Just some 'food for thought' ! Selah :-D

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NancyMcPherson

08:41 AMOct 07 2008

I am so happy to read this. I did not believe the rumors but they bothered me. They are a very Blessed couple. I wish the media would leave them alone.

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Starmom21

11:08 PMOct 07 2008

He has a PHD thats what makes him a Dt just like Bill Cosby

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Patsbest1

10:57 PMOct 07 2008

HOW CAN HE PUT DR INHIS NAME HES NOT A DR I CALL THAT FRAUD AND WHY ISNT HE ARRESTED OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARESTED he is a phoney if we tried we wind up in jail

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Patsbest1

10:56 PMOct 07 2008

HOW CAN HE PUT DR INHIS NAME HES NOT A DR I CALL THAT FRAUD AND WHY ISNT HE ARRESTED OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARESTED he is a phoney if we tried we wind up in jail

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(2)

Otter3211

10:41 PMOct 07 2008

If some of you think this article is a waste of time with all the problems we have in this country, then WHY ARE YOU READING IT? Dr. Phil and Robin married way before there was money involved, so comments about her being in it for the money are way off track.. Jealous that their marriage has lasted so long? And yes, he is a DR. A doctor of psychology. He has never claimed to be a medical doctor. And so what if he doesn't currently have a license? He's not in private practice any more.

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MasHappy Heart

10:16 PMOct 07 2008

Wonderful advice from a Happy Couple so rarely seen these days. I am proud of both of them, they are loving their career and at the same time helping millions of people. Unlike Oprah who wants everyone to believe she is their savior. much like barack obama. Only he is even worse.I am glad that we do have people who are celebrities who are great examples for us and for our children. Thanks Dr. Phil and Robin.

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PARI869

09:15 PMOct 07 2008

'Doctor' Phil is a waste of skin...........

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(2)

Dissuper

09:11 PMOct 07 2008

He got his Dr. certificate at the #1.00 store. He is no more a DR. than I am a DR. He is a big fake, and they even admited that on AOL recently. People get a life.

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