I always thought my marriage was going well, until a friend asked me that question.
I married very young, swept up in love. Wed been together four years before tying the knot, and wed been through a lot. Now, weve lived together for over six years. I trust my husband completelyand myself, too. Hes sweet, caring, and thoughtful, always helping with chores around the house. He isnt the bravest or strongest of men, nor would I call him handsome, but he has a rare kindness about him. His optimism and faith in goodness are like a well of strength, pulling us through even the hardest times.
But hes indecisive. He cant make choices, refuses to step out of his comfort zone, and never pushes forward. Hes painfully shy, too. In six years of marriage, he hasnt changed a bit. He wont take care of himself, his healthanything. Change terrifies him. Hes nearly ten years older than me, and at twenty-six, I love life. Ive got a brilliant job, bought my own car, and were paying off the mortgage on our house in Manchester. Then, just the other day, my friend asked me, What do you even need him for?
That was the end of my contentment. Now I sit here, wonderingwhat *do* I need him for?
Perhaps the hardest lesson isnt about love, but about why we cling to things long after theyve stopped making us happy.
