Sex & Marriage
Since God died, marriage has come into the cultural possession of those that swear by the promise of proof and trade in the virtues of evidence.
Clever souls, and not without a sense of good taste. They, for the most part, like the way old marriage looked on the outside while carefully filleting out all the bits that got in the way.
I do not subscribe to the new plan but have some sympathy with the atheist.
If this is all there is and only the abyss of darkness awaits then stuff like love and spending a life with someone needs careful and calculated navigation.
The social contract, it must be negotiated one step at a time.
My turn, your turn. You do, then I do. Proof. Evidence. That you love me.
It’s only fair.
“We’re in love, of course, yes! But… you could do better in bed, and tidy it occasionally. And are you going to put on weight? No. But what if you do?
You spend a lot. More than you appreciated. In fact I think we should split it all down the middle. And visit my family this Christmas, yours is annoying. If your mother mentions marriage... We haven’t even got a house, which I think should be in my name.
Three bedrooms means only two kids, right?
We’ll get married when you’ve had kids (but I’ve still got options).
Anyway… poor atheists. It’s not easy.
They’ve always got divorce in case anyone is fooled into believing vows should be taken seriously.
Being good for your word. Fool’s game!
Love is practical.
Love is compromise.
It does not jump without looking.
Love keeps a record of wrongs,
but can amend it with a right.
Love looks out for itself.
Love can buy into the idea of itself.
And buy again.
For someone younger.
I advocate the old way.
Much less complicated. More chemistry. More poetry.
It begins in a similar way.
A man, of free mind sees a lovely lady.
So taken is he that he summons the courage to ask her in person to spend some time with him.
The woman is moved by this bravery and accepts the courteous offer.
They are both of the understanding that there is no sex before marriage, no moving in together. It’s how they were raised.
Unburdened but nervous they come to enjoy each others company above all others. Many remark on it.
The man in gratitude of the nice lady’s parents makes a quiet appearance at their home. Asks the father if he might have a word.
They marry.
Forsaking all others, till death do us part, in sickness & in health…
They could not be happier.
Society’s bricks.
Anyway…
You only live once, then you die and you’re judged on it.
