Dwayne, hearing such a painful secret from your wife for the first time, after you’ve been with her over 11 years, had to be shocking. How did you feel when the secret was revealed?
Dwayne Bowe: I immediately wanted to know who did it. I wanted to go see them. But when I realized that was what was making her uncomfortable with having my friends around I felt bad. If I knew it was something like that, everyone could go home. She doesn’t have to have anyone at the house if she doesn’t want to.
You have a nonprofit now and a book to help mothers and other victims deal with this. What advice would you give single mothers about dating and bringing people around their children?
TB: The first thing is just because you are dating someone doesn’t mean they need to be around your children. Date but keep that away from your children until you know that person is going to be a part of your life long term.
Don’t try to create this family picture by inserting a man you don’t know into the lives of your children. Many mothers do this because they want to create that family vibe but you need to observe how a person is around their own children or their own family before you bring them around your[s].
Most importantly, talk to your children. Have difficult conversations with your children so they feel safe talking to you about anything. They need to know that it’s not OK for anyone to touch them, period.
You can see more of Dwayne and Teresa Bowe on OWN’s “Love Goals” every Saturday at 9 p.m. EST.
