Ive known Adam since I was a boy. We grew up in the same neighbourhood in Manchester and naturally became mates. As teenagers, wed gather with our group of friends and wander into the city centresometimes just strolling through the streets, sometimes loafing about on a park bench. Back then, we didnt give girls much serious thought. What mattered was how our friends would react; none of us wanted to lose face in front of the others.
Eventually, I signed up for the army, while Adam managed to wriggle out of it. After my service, I got myself a job, then married. My wife and I stayed together for ten years and had two children. But after a while, we became like strangers, arguing over the smallest things and realising wed grown apart. It was clear we shouldnt live under the same roof anymore, so we divorced.
Two years down the line, now a free man again, I bumped into Adam purely by chance. I barely recognised himhed put on a fair bit of weight in those twelve years.
We sat down in a little café and started catching up. Turns out, hed also split with his wife and was looking for someone new. A year went by. I met a wonderful English woman, and before long, we were married. Then, by coincidence, I ran into Adam yet again. This time, hed also found himself a partner. But I couldnt get along with his wifeshe was a rather large woman.
So, what do you like about her? I asked him, trying to hide my surprise.
Adam just smiled and said, Shes brilliant around the house. Really top-notch cleaner, and can whip up a Sunday roast like no one else.
He chuckled, adding, But best of all, she lets me just be. I can have a quiet pint and watch the footie, go down the pub with the lads when I want. She never has a go at me or says no. She really is the perfect woman for me.
I was taken aback by how different his version of happiness was from mine. For me, a woman means something much more. Of course its nice to come home to a tidy house and a good meal, but above that, I want to feel that we truly love each other.
I suppose, for some, a spotless house and a roast dinner on the table come before everything else. As for me, I want my wife and I to be in step, to feel as one. Mutual respect and understanding are the most important things. Its such a joy when a couple shares the same interests. My wife and I often cook together, clean togetherjust like a team.
When two people ride a tandem bike, pedalling in sync and heading the same way, theyve got a much better chance of reaching their destination together.
Dont you agree?
