--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There was a time when the one singular…" description: "\"“There was a time when the one singular thing that held a marriage together was the threat of getting the kids.”\" — Erma Bombeck" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd0/erma-bombeck-780_humorous-quotes_there-was-a-time-when-the-one-singular-t_1946726.png" --- # There was a time when the one singular thing that held a… ![“There was a time when the one singular thing that held a marriage together was the threat of getting the kids.” quote by Erma Bombeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd0/erma-bombeck-780_humorous-quotes_there-was-a-time-when-the-one-singular-t_1946726.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd0/erma-bombeck-780_humorous-quotes_there-was-a-time-when-the-one-singular-t_1946726.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bd0/erma-bombeck-780_humorous-quotes_there-was-a-time-when-the-one-singular-t_1946726.png) > ““There was a time when the one singular thing that held a marriage together was the threat of getting the kids.”” [Erma Bombeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erma-bombeck/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Marriage often relied on fear of consequences, especially concerning children, to keep partners together. **In simple terms:** Fear of losing kids held couples together. Key Takeaway Recognize healthier foundations for relationships. Themes marriage family fear relationships Mood reflective thoughtful Type advice observational When to use this quote - parenting - marital counseling - relationship building Key Concepts social dynamics psychology commitment Questions to Reflect On - How can couples build trust without fear? - What alternatives replace fear in modern marriage? A Different Perspective Relying on fear can create resentment and instability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Getting Kids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/getting-kids-359861/) [Held Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/held-marriage-3135150/) [Humorous-quotes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humorous-quotes/) [Marriage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage/) [Marriage Threat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marriage-threat-3135149/) [Threat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/threat/) [Threat Getting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/threat-getting-3135151/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [Pro-family advocates are often asked these days, 'Why should you care? Why is same-sex marriage a threat?' 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