Marriage Moats-Who Matters More?

Published: Wed, 04/13/11

Marriage Moats

Caring for Marriage

There are people who trot through my life that I will never see again. There are others who have hung their hat to stay.

Why is it that I can put more stock in what the sojourners think than what the permanent ones do?

I have caught myself taking more care to dress for a party with near strangers, and thrown on any wrinkled thing when I am at home with my beloved. I know, I know, it means I can be my real self in my own home. But still.

I knew my priorities were a tad askew when my son saw me making a salad with raspberries and mandarin oranges for dinner and asked who was coming. Do I really save my best efforts for everyone else and give my own the leftovers?

Benjamin has other ideas. I own two goblets, which were pricey, and two bowls that are hand thrown and painted with calligraphy. He will get a stool and reach to the higher shelf just to fetch them when he is serving himself juice and cereal. Why wait for a special occasion? Being alive is reason enough to feel festive for him. Probably the food even tastes better.

I think he is onto something. It is only mid afternoon but I could get a fresh tablecloth, and some flowers. I can serve the pasta in a bowl instead of the pot. Hey I bet the twins would even make place cards.

My favorite people are coming for dinner.

Photo by Joe Stein