A writer is usually gifted at reading people in order to create characters. However, please help me everyone, for I am truly stumped by the general populous as of late.

I believe I mentioned to Covers readers that I am going through a divorce. But by the reaction of nearly everyone I talk to, one would think I had terminal cancer, clinical depression, or that the family dog had just died. People make these horrible faces full of sorrow, like the first time they see a tragic news story on a cable news program. I want so bad to shake them and say, "Get a grip. This isn't 9/11, it's just the end of my marriage."

And we all know that every end is really a new beginning. A new chapter in one's life. So instead, of sorrowful, sad-sack faces, just once I'd like someone to react by jubilantly exclaiming, "Touchdown!" or "Back, back, way back. It's a home run!" or even "Gggggooooaaaallll!" like one of those whacked out soccer announcers. I want people to smile and tell me everything is going to be fine. To support and reassure, not shed a tear on my shoes.

Maybe people have just watched too much reality television or soap operas, and so they expect that my wife and I are divorcing over some dalliance or dramatic event -- like the time on Cops a guy was hit over the head with a ceramic dog bowl in a fight with his spouse. Yet it's nothing like that at all. About two years ago, I came to the awful realization that I did not love my wife anymore. I lived with that awful truth for two years. Am I ashamed I didn't have the courage to open up? Of course. But there is no polite, gentle way to wake up one morning, and, amidst the sunrise pillow talk, say, "Honey, I don't love you anymore. Now how about some bacon and eggs."

Divorce is arguably the most difficult thing any man or woman will ever experience. But please, please, please, everyone, keep the Kleenex in your pocket or purse. It's not that my heart does not ache every day. It's just that it also beats strong with a longing for what's next.

And now for Monday's card:

Monday Night Football 7-Point Teaser
Redskins +10
Over 36.5

NHL Hockey
Devils/Penguins Under 5.5 (-130)

NBA Basketball
Suns -2

College Basketball 5-Point Teaser
Canisius -3
Kentucky -13.5
Citadel +18.5
Pacific +0.5
Cal Irvine 0

Merry Christmas, Covers crazies!