Twenty-six years ago, my parents got married and our family lived quite happily, with blissfully little money trouble. Fast forward to now: I have a boyfriend and, after six years of being together the kind of relationship that deserves a medal for endurance we decided it was time to tie the knot and make things official. Naturally, I couldnt wait to break the news to my parents. Mum was practically bouncing with excitement, counting the days until she could finally refer to Mark as her son-in-law. Dad, on the other hand, was about as enthusiastic as someone offered a cup of cold tea.
He kept insisting it was too soon, urging us, with all the wisdom of someone who once thought mullets were a good idea, to really think things through before saying I do. As time went on, I unravelled the real reason behind Dads hesitation. Mum, bless her, offered to hand over her flat, which she inherited from my grandmother clearly believing that young couples need a bit of a leg up. Dad, however, was less than thrilled at this idea. His fear? That if Mark and I ever split, he’d be legally entitled to half the flat. Id inherited two flats from my grandparents one meant for my little brother, one for me but this particular scheme was entirely Mums brainchild. Dad seemed to fancy keeping everything for himself, sparking a series of heated debates that would make the House of Commons look tame.
Mum firmly believed that parents should look after their children and wouldnt budge on the flat, despite Dad threatening to unleash a much bigger family drama. Things went from simmering to boiling, and Mum, in a fit of fury at Dads antics, threw him out and told him not to bother returning unless hed undergone a personality transplant.
Who knew a wedding could shake up the family so much? Now, two years into married life, I can honestly say Im happy. We live in the flat Mum gave me (thanks forever, Mum!), and despite the fireworks at home, Im genuinely enjoying married life. I treasure my mothers support, and, all in all, I must admit: for a bit of drama, its turned out pretty well.
