I do...

You take for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, all the days of your life 
            Because you are deeply in love with your perfect soul-mate, in union for all eternity.

            Or because you’ve been going out together for seven years and, though the passion is long since dead, you couldn’t contemplate splitting because then it would all seem like such a waste. Anyway, it’s too late to back out, not without making a massive scene. It would absolutely kill your mother. His mother too, for that matter. Like everyone else, they think you make such a cute couple. They think you’re perfect for each other. And in a way they’re right. This past year, living together, has proved that: though not great lovers, you two are perfect flatmates.

            Or because your bride has missed three periods already and she didn’t want a bump to spoil the photos. Jesus’ sake, my boy! In less than six months you’re going to be a daddy. And whose fault is that? Hers, for not being on the pill? Or yours, for not wanting to spoil the moment by getting back out of bed, finding a condom in the sock drawer, tearing the foil, putting it in place and rolling it down while carefully squeezing out any pockets of air?

            Or because the harvest was poor, the pig died, the tax is due, the local priest laid a curse and the hens are staying in their shed, looking decidedly unwell? Or your parents have sold you in exchange for some goats?

            Because.

                      Because.

                                   Because.

Whatever the reason for marrying, though, even starting with the best of love, the time will come when something is wrong in the marriage. 

            Which can no longer be ignored and simply must be fixed ...

            When the other person needs to do something or say something differently ...

            But they don’t do and they don’t say. Well, maybe once or twice, they make a half-hearted attempt to shape up, but it doesn’t last long. And then you just have to face it: the other person will never really be fixed.

            You may accept this and focus instead on all the good things. Or you may not. Either way, the thought must sometimes flicker through your mind that you were once asked a question, and that you could have taken the other option and said ...

I don’t