Mawwiage

You know the line.

You KNOW the line.

“Mawwwwwwiage…is what bwings us….togedddder…..today.”

My man hasn’t seen that movie yet, and I’m SO pumped to show him because I can quote just about every line from memory.

Anyway.

For many years, I just hyper-observed every marriage around me. How does one DO this thing?

Divorce was largely unheard of in my tradCath community growing up.

My siblings all have great marriages, except for when they don’t.

What particularly drives me crazy is the endless nitpicking about each other’s choices.

Oh my gosh, why does she always have to get pregnant right after me?

They only stopped at two, that’s not impressive…

She’s such a princess, she doesn’t do enough for him…

They kill me.

They should really just all shut up and pray for each other more.

I remember a particular day last year when my mom descended on my head (was that after a hard workday, when I hadn’t decompressed yet?) in a panic about a particular brother’s marriage.

Genevieve, he’s coming out for Christmas by himself. Genevieve, is this what young people do these days? Why isn’t she coming with him? Why is he flying out?

HOW THE FLIP WOULD I KNOW?

In retrospect, I realize that my parents just never travel anywhere separately.

Also, I see my brother and sister-in-law in the same room about five days out of the year soooooooooo…

I have NO idea.

Really.

There is SO MUCH to a relationship that goes on behind closed doors.

And with that particular one, it all started with a ton of drama. I flat-out refused to go to the wedding. I was an idiot sixteen-year-old. Maybe my parents should have made me. I don’t know…

But more to the point…

WHY THE FLIP IS EVERYTHING MY PROBLEM ALL OF THE TIME???

These days, I try to observe the Mike Pence rule: Don’t have meals with a person of the opposite sex that one is neither married to, nor interested in.

To honor one’s own relationship, and the relationship of the other person.

A good Christian, Mike Pence.

I suspect my mom’s panic comes from like YEARS of misunderstanding my brother’s relationship and also…no babies. Nowhere to be seen.

But.

All good things come to those who wait.

And pray.

Especially when you encourage your spouse and/or children.

Children…

Grandchildren…

I have many friends that I pray for and leave behind because frankly, it’s just best that way.