A tale of two halves

I have to share with you an experience I had at a party last week.

A small group of us were sitting under a sun umbrella sharing stories and getting to know each other. As is so often the case in Auckland, two of the girls had a mutual friend from way back. That got us on to comparing tales of our mis-spent youth and it transpired that one of the ladies got married at 19. Such a mistake that it affected her opinion of marriage to such an extent that she will not ever entertain getting married again. She has a couple of beautiful kids, a great partner and a huge diamond, but refuses to walk down the isle.

One other lady shared that her ex-husband was a serial cheater right from the start. And so, 10 years in, she had an affair with her gym instructor. Justified because she felt that she needed to ‘get back at him.’ They lasted 25 years! Twenty Five years of relentless arguing, sulking, scratching and money spending before they finally called it quits.

I mentioned that my split was amicable. It wasn’t a union that either of us wanted to maintain and so separated before we hated each other. And the fourth lady is still married but did chime in with, “yes but it’s bloody hard at times” as she downed her fourth G&T in one hour.

Just as we were laughing at some other tale – so much female bonding comes out of common experiences and wine, this 20 something man stood up from his seat in the corner and declared, “I’m getting married in 3 months!”

Oh how the tune changed…….

“Our wedding day was beautiful,” Oh I loved planning my wedding.” “My parents have been married for 52 years and are still I love.” “I’m sure it will work for you.” “Where are you having it….cooo, aaagh, lovely…..”

Poor guy slunk away, head bowed, phone in hand. It appeared he was not entirely convinced!