My old friend, George, was forty-two when he finally settled down with a wife. He used to say she was a wonderful housekeeper and quite a talented cook, and as for anything else, that hardly mattered to him.
Ive known George since we were both young lads. We grew up in the same little neighbourhood in Liverpool; naturally, we became mates. When we turned into teenagers, wed gather up our group and stroll into the city centre. There, wed wander about or lounge lazily on a bench. None of us took romances with girls very seriously then; we were more concerned about how our friends would respond. We didnt want to look like fools in front of each other.
Later, I joined up with the army, but George managed to get out of it somehow. After my time in service, I found myself a job and soon married. My wife and I had a good ten years together, and two lovely children. But after a time, we realised wed grown into complete strangers to each other. We started bickering more often, until it was clear we ought not carry on together. It wasnt long before we divorced.
A couple of years later, now a single man again, I ran into George by pure chance. Twelve years had gone by, and hed changed quite a bithed put on a fair amount of weight.
We sat down together in an old café and caught up. George, too, it turned out, was divorced and on the lookout for another woman. Another year passed. I eventually met a wonderful lady, and we married.
It wasnt much later that I chanced upon George again. This time, he too had married. But Ill confess, I wasnt too fond of his new wife. She was a rather large woman, if truth be told.
What was it about her you liked? I asked him, curiously.
George replied, Shes brilliant at keeping the house tidy, and a marvellous cook. And to top it off, she gives me peace! I can sit and enjoy my pint while watching the football, or pop round to the pub with my mates. Shes the ideal womannever nags, never tries to stop me.
I must say, I was rather taken aback. For me, a womans place in my life always meant something different. Of course, it matters if a woman can cook a fine meal or keep the home clean, but above all, its the love we share thats most important.
For some, its more about spotless rooms and hearty meals. But as for me, I want my beloved and I to be kindred spiritsworking as one, respecting and truly understanding each other. Theres a real joy when a couple shares interests, when they cook or clean side by side. My wife and I often do just that.
Its like riding a tandem bicyclewhen both keep pedalling in the same direction, the journey is ever so much smoother.
Would you not agree with me?
