Ive known Adam since we were children. We grew up sharing the same street, naturally becoming great friends. When we reached our teenage years, wed gather together and head into the town centre, either wandering about or simply passing time on a bench. None of us took relationships with girls too seriouslyit was more about what our mates would think. We didnt want to lose face in front of them.
Later on, I enlisted in the army, while Adam managed to wriggle out of it by some means. After I left the service, I found a job, got married, and my wife and I spent ten years together, during which we had two kids. Over time, though, we realised wed grown apartalmost strangers under the same roof. The arguments began, and before long, we realised we were better off living apart. The divorce followed soon enough.
Two years later, as a single man again, I bumped into Adam quite by accident. Hed changed a fair bit in those twelve yearsput on a lot of weight, for one thing.
We sat down in a café, caught up, and it turned out Adam was divorced too, and on the lookout for someone new. A year went by, and I met a wonderful woman. We married, and not long after, fate had me cross paths with Adam again. Turned out, hed also remarried. I have to admit, his new wife didnt strike me as my cup of teashe was quite on the large side.
So what do you like about her? I asked Adam.
He told me she kept the house spotless and was a cracking good cook.
She gives me peace of mind, he said. I can sit down with a pint and watch the footie, or nip out to the pub with the ladsshe never nags or stops me from doing anything. To me, shes the perfect woman. She never puts any restrictions on me.
I must say, his answer surprised me. To my mind, a life partner is so much more than just someone who can cook and keep the place tidy, although those things do matter. What matters most, though, is lovethe connection between us.
Some people put a tidy home and tasty food above all else, and thats fair enough. But for me, I want to be in sync with the woman I loveto feel as one and truly understand and respect each other. Its a wonderful thing when a couple shares common interests. My wife and I love to cook and clean together, making the chores a joy rather than a burden.
When two people are riding the same tandem, pedalling in the same direction, theres a much greater chance they’ll make it to the end successfully.
Wouldnt you agree that true harmony in a relationship means working together, side by side? Thats what really lasts.
