Humans Should Not Mate for Life

Not too long ago I asked my husband:
“Do you think humans were meant to mate for life?”
He answered me immediately without missing a beat:
“Nope.”
“Well, shit,” I said. “What are we doing then?”
“The best we can.”
Hmph. Well, Goddamn it. What do you think about that?

I could have had hurt feelings. I could have gotten angry, but I didn’t. I actually agree with him, and ironically, this made me appreciate him even more. Honestly, what if he had instead, launched into a diatribe about how we are soul-mates? What if he had said we were destined to be together, that I am the only woman on the planet he could ever love?

Excuse me while I vomit.

My husband and I are well past the point of naive romanticism. We’re very practical and by the looks of things, we’re well-suited to one another. Does that mean it’s easy?

NO.

But I suppose being easy has nothing to do with being worthwhile.

Whatever we were thinking at the time, we decided to mate for life. For life. Forever. Forever? Did we really promise FOREVER? What were we thinking? That’s not the way humans work. (Even my husband says so.) So… what do we do now?

The best we can.

Comments

Anonymous said…
"The best we can" God that is ever perfect. Isn't that what we all are doing? It doesn't mean it's ideal, it doesn't mean we give up, it's just the very best we can... right now, as we are, flaws, strengths and all. Thanks, it hit the spot.
Unknown said…
you have no idea how much I can appreciate this right now. no idea. but it helped. thanks.
Dipu said…
I disagree vehemently. Humans were meant to mate for life. There's no other way to do it. This was ingrained thousands upon thousands of years ago. Humans were meant to mate for life. Period.

Of course back then the life expectancy was under 30...

Popular Posts