Marriage

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Scenarios


To the outward eye, she appeared to be the perfect wife. She was always well groomed, regardless of the hour, day or night, not a hair out of place and make up carefully applied. She always made sure that wholesome, nutritious meals were served. She was active in the PTA and on several church committees. Despite her busy schedule, her doors and ears were always open. Her house was picture perfect. Picture perfect, like the homes displayed on the cover pages of the magazines, always immaculate, spotless; nothing ever in disarray or out of place. Indeed, it was the aspiration of many associates, friends and neighbors. To say that she was a marvel was simply an understatement.

He was the envy of many to be so fortunate as to have such a wife. He was also lonely, sad and depressed. The idealistic outward appearance was just that; an appearance; a facade. He found no warmth or affection at home. Her favorite words to him were “go away”. At one time, he would walk pass her and slap her affectionately on her bottom, nuzzle her neck when she washed the dishes, or sit on the toilet and attempt to visit while she bathed. Her response was always the same. “Go away” Even their lovemaking no longer existed. She was tired, didn’t want her makeup smudged, her hair messed up, she had too much to do. The list was endless. Then there were those hurtful times, when she just gritted her teeth and told him that if he must, just to hurry and get it over with. Countless times, he needed physical closeness, he needed the comfort and closeness, yet he was denied.

He was not comfortable in his own home. He dared not to “mess up” anything or leave anything out of place. Even to enter, he had to shed his shoes, as not to dirty up the floors. Beautiful and well kept as it was, he yearned for more. He ached for a home and not a showcase. A place where he could unwind and relax. A place where he could play and wrestle with his children. Where he could take them out and let them get dirty without fear of being reprimanded. Go fishing, play ball, anything. A place less perfect, where maybe sometimes the dishes were left in the sink or housework undone with the focus on time together. He desired a wife, not an icon.

One day he calmly and simply left and she, along with the world wondered why.


In another home, she was considered fortunate. Her husband made a good living and provided well for her. She had no material lack. Her friends and family bragged on her good luck for such a fine catch.

Yet, she was lonely. He spent more time working for a “better living” than he did at home. And when home, he was often demanding, berating and discontented. She could do nothing right to please him. He often criticized her, tore her down. If she dare disagree with him she was called crazy or stupid. Many times he accused her of being unappreciative and would threaten to leave. She felt no security with him, for she never knew if he would. She couldn’t make love with him, because there was no love making there. How could he mentally tear her down and then expect her to warmly open her arms to him?

Over time, her laughter died. She became resentful. She no longer cared if he stayed or left. She became spiteful, doing things just to irritate him, threatening that if he did leave, she would take the children and every thing he had worked for. Their home became a battlefield.

One day he looked at his angry, resentful wife and wondered why she changed.



Kathleen Ann Shelton

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