“So babe, should we do it?” Just
like that. My marriage proposal. No sky writing, no down on one knee, no
mumbled, gushing declarations of how wonderful I was. But after waiting
patiently for six years (yes, six!!), my “YES!!” was uttered (read: screamed) with no
hesitation. And so began my happily ever after. My fairytale wedding (pre-empted
by an epic hens night – complete with a classy stripper hired by my
mother-in-law), a move into our first home, and our first “child”, (Sarah the
epitome of a mixed breed New South African dog), arrived. And life was complete –
perfect in the way Good Housekeeping depicted it would be.
Then reality came thundering
down.
Believe me, I love my husband like nothing on earth, and I love being
married, but it is by no means the bed of roses all those single girls think it
is. Firstly, there’s the whole cooking thing – every single night! (No more eggs on toast if thats all I felt like!) And the actual housekeeping. I married a true
South African male – “Babe? (I asked) Have you seen the iron?” “What does it
look like”, he replied (in absolute seriousness). Then there’s sport. Every single
rugby match is THE match not to be missed. I like watching Patrick making
history on the field as much as the next girl, but EVERY match? And shopping –
where I thought I might have a lifelong shopping buddy with on tap credit, I
instead had a member of the censorship board watching (and commenting on) my every move.
Given the choice, though, I
wouldn’t change a thing. There is a unique bond that develops with that partner
you have chosen to spend your life with. Knowing exactly what you love, (and
how you love it!), building and sharing a history, a life. Yes, I wouldn’t change a thing. Being married
makes up for all the ups and downs. And to be honest, what I don’t get from him
I get religiously from, well, from my bookclub! I'm Just Saying..
