With the help of my high school boyfriend, Elise and Ryan were set up on a double date five years ago. They made it through graduation; through a long-distance relationship in college; through drunken nights and disapproval from friends; through the break-ups of friends and broken friendships; through buying the first house, graduating from college and starting in the terrifying “real world.” And last year, when they showed up at my house for a party, Elise fluttered a shiny diamond in my face.
For the next year I occasionally glanced at her finger and went “whoa” before I realized that I knew why that diamond was there.
Then we moved into the wedding planning stages: shopping for dresses, talking about appropriate undergarments and honeymoon locations, who should be invited to the wedding, and on and on.
With less than six months on the clock until she changes her last name, I’ve realized that Elise and Ryan are an enigma.
Not many couples can make it through life changes without trepidation. (I, for one, have difficulty sustaining a relationship when I get a new haircut.) And I think that’s exactly why John Mellancamp, Billy Joel, Bryan Adams and a handful of other rockers sing about those memorable high school couples (like Jack and Diane) that make it. In some way or another, we envy them.
Elise and Ryan have had life’s share of complications, trials and tribulations, but in their first serious attempt, they found love. And it hasn’t gone stale. Ryan still laughs at Elise’s jokes. They still have new stories to tell each other. They haven’t lost their individual personalities or quirks and merged into one person. In a way, I’ve always looked at them as a couple I would like to emulate. On the most basic of levels, Ryan gets Elise and Elise gets Ryan. No complication. No fuss. They understand each other.
While I sometimes question whether or not people in these situations should take a break to date other people so they can make sure that they are making the right decision (especially with the outrageously high divorce rate), for these two, I don’t see why that would be necessary or helpful. These two are going to last. I can say that with certainty. And I don’t need to knock on wood.
While they have babies and grow together, I will play the role of their flirtatious friend who has wild stories of my single adventures. I am sure I will occasionally stop by and Elise will tell me about how frustrated she is with Ryan for not picking up his socks, but they have entered a realm where I cannot properly distribute advice. They have a more real and deep relationship than I have had, and my advice comes from a lack of experience.
In June, I will walk down an aisle and be the proud witness to their marriage, and with a champagne toast, I will wish them the best of luck.
• "A Single Serving" appears the 1st and 15th of every month, exclusively in Lumino Magazine.
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wooo!!
Written by Guest on 2007-01-21 09:34:38
i liked this one...it makes me think that me and my boyfriend can make it too. *crosses fingers* thanks!  |
