Nearly two years ago, my husband said something to me that Ill never forget. He announced, You live your life so predictably that Im bored of you. While David thought our life was dull, I was perfectly content with it. Id wake early, prepare breakfast, do my morning stretches, and get ready for work. The first thing Id do was get Davids things ready for his day, as he left the house before me, and only then would I prepare myself. We cooked all our meals at home; Id pack our lunches in containersone for me, one for him. Each evening on my way home, Id stop off at Sainsburys for shopping, then cook, tidy up, and do the washing. Before bed, we watched a film together and then turned in for the night.
I was certain I was doing everything right. Everything in my eyes was perfectDavid was well looked after, there was always good food on the table, and the house was tidy and cosy. What more could I desire? Every Saturday, Id give the house a proper clean, bake something nice, and spend the day cooking. In the evening, wed either have some friends round or pop out. Sundays were reserved for familyhalf the day at my parents, half with his. Wed muck in with the chores, have a natter, and enjoy being with our relatives.
Afterwards, wed come home and relax. We never rowed or raised our voices. There was harmony and calm in our home. But still, one day David announced he was bored of me. He spent hours telling me he was miserable and gave examples of his mates having a laugh all the time. They had exciting, lively lives. Not like us. We dont even argue! he complained. That day, he simply stormed out.
I thought our life was just fine and wanted nothing to change. Still, for the sake of the man I loved, I was willing to do anythingeven to change myself. First, I decided to change my image. I cleared out my wardrobe, took the savings we had set aside for a little cottage and went shopping, buying a slew of different clothes. I cut my hair short and changed its colour. I was determined not to look dull anymore. Next, I found a new jobnot just another office role, but one organising parties and events. Thanks to my new career, I discovered a world of unique entertainments and fun.
A week later, David came back and was stunned at the transformation. From that day, I promised him wed live in a completely different way. So, we did. Home became just somewhere we stopped by now and then. We were always out and about, meeting new and interesting friends. Every evening wed be at a club, a restaurant, a pub, a party, at someones houseanything but home. Sometimes wed go camping, cycling, even kayaking. Wed think nothing of spending the weekend in Brighton or Bristol.
After a few months of this whirlwind lifestyle, David began saying he suddenly craved quiet, calm evenings indoors. He missed hearty home-cooked meals and my baking. But now, I didnt have a moment spare to stand at the stove. Id changed so much that David hardly even missed my company anymore.
Then, just a week later, David told me he couldnt keep up with this hectic lifestyle. He wanted to go back to the good old days: peace, comfort, routine. He wished to spend evenings at home, visit his parents at the weekends, and eat proper meals made at home, not delivered reheated dishes.
But I found that I just wasnt interested in going back. Id worked so hard to break away from the routines of adulthood, and now I had no desire to return to who I was before. I actually enjoyed my new way of living. I didnt hate the old one eitherbut I wouldnt go back. When David announced he wanted things the old way again, all hell broke loose.
It was exactly as hed dreamed: crockery broke, the neighbours came round, the police were called. David packed up his things and went to stay with his mum. I suspect hes hoping to come back and find everything as it was. But thats simply asking too much. Were not characters in some film; we cant just swap back on a whim. David will come home to find the divorce papers on the table, and a note from me explaining that now Im boredand I cant go on living with him.
