Marriage

Part 1

Hey, John! Long time no see. What a coincidence to meet you here! How are you doing?

Oh! I' m fine, Alice. The last time I saw you was at your wedding! How is everything?

Un……We got divorced in March this year.

I am very sorry. But you guys were so happy at that time, so why a divorce?

Well, it appeared that after getting married, a lot of problems arose: problems between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, economic pressures, and so forth. Later on we decided to get a divorce.

Oh, I see. Now many people divorce because of family violence and love affairs. The population of divorcee is larger and larger. Merely two-fifths of the population is in marriage!

Even I myself got divorced, but I' ve gotten over it. I have a son, Tom, whose age is 10.  He is so cute! I love him very much! And…… now I think that marriage is something we need to put considerable attention to.  

Ha! I' m getting married to Mary in January of next year maybe I should reconsider my decision of getting married.

It is necessary to think about it carefully, but never be afraid of marriage. It is still wonderful. Before this, I have ever gone to look for a marriage counselor. Here’s his advice on marriage when I was at marriage therapy.

Getting married is one thing like making commitment to watching over with each other, looking after each other, entrust, and letting the spouse and children have the feeling that they belong to the family. Two people from different families organize a family altogether when they get married. It is unavoidable that there is conflict between them. So couples need to respect, forgive, and communicate well with each other. Then there will be happy marriage. The child could have a beautiful home, too. Divorce occurs because the couple is unable to stand or forgive his or her partner. At present, society's divorce rate is high. Married couples need more education on how to manage their family affairs peacefully and efficiently.  

You see he’s right in many aspects.

Yeah! What he said is useful to newly wed couples! Wedding is not based on impulse. On the contrary, it needs rational thought and sincerity. You’re not going to betray your spouse, aren’t you?  

That's right! It is also very important to educate children. Like my son, although he is without a father, I really care about him. Besides, he respects and loves me.

You must be a good mother ! It isn’t easy to be a single mother – work and raise children at the same time.  

I am perfectly willing to do it. You know……for my son……

Mmm…I see. Excuse me.  Mary has been waiting for me in the coffee shop. I’ll go first.  I’m very glad that I can run into my old classmate today. Mary and I welcome you to attend our wedding.

Thank you for your invitation. I am sure to be present. Bye!

Part 2

My parents will come to the parent-teacher meeting tomorrow.  My mother said that she wanted to know how I' m doing in school, so she will come in any case. How about yours?

Oh? My parents say that they would rather stay at home and watch TV, they will not spend so much time participating in these PTA meetings.

My mother can not come, either. She must work . But she said that she really wants to come very much.

Then will your father come?

Don' t you know ? My parents got divorced when I was little.

Oh my God! I didn' t know! This is the first time you' ve talked about it!

Oh?  My mother is really busy with work. She comes home late, and has to cook for us. But I will help my mother and share housework with her since I was a child.

You’re doing good job for your mom! You are really amazing. When they got divorced, you must felt very lonely!

A little! Because I seldom go to the amusement park to play ,and I regret not going often……

Then, it' s decided. Let's go to the amusement park together during summer vacation!

Wow! Really? I look forward to it!

Let's plan it . We have never been to the amusement park since we graduated from elementary school.

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By 王靜汝, 許博盛, 龔暉軒, 林柏宇