126. Helpful Classmates

A married couple are talking at home. The husband is attending the Family Management course at his wife’s insistence. They are talking about today’s class on Compromises.

Husband: There were so many arguments that the class went on till 8.45. And the same topic is supposed to be continued next day.

Wife: Arguments or discussions?

Husband: Both. One leading to the other.

Wife: Everybody is scared to make compromises, I guess…

Husband: There are all types. There is this girl who is so scared of making compromises that she had been pushing off her wedding for the last four years.

Wife: Four years? That’s a long time. Is there a fixed guy?

Husband: Yes, she has a fixed boyfriend and that guy has been waiting for four years it seems. Problem is, they are both very outgoing and adventurous. Goes for trekking, snorkeling and stuff. Now she thinks marriage will stop all that.

Wife: For her or for both?

Husband: Now, that is the real problem. She used to think it would stop for both as they might have to settle down and have kids. But now she thinks that he will go about doing what he wants while she will have to sit at home.

Wife: Why the change of heart?

Husband: Because of another participant in the class. This one is a married woman and she thinks family life sucks. She has to make most of the compromises and look after her husband’s family while the husband hardly comes home before late evening and does nothing for the household.

Wife: So this married woman has made the trekker girl nervous?

Husband: Nervous is an understatement. The girl is completely convinced that marriage will be a horrible idea for her and she thanked that woman openly in class for saving her life. She also said that it was this course that finally convinced her that she was right about not marrying.

Wife: There goes a wedding down the drain.

Husband: Absolutely. Now the teacher got nervous because the girl was openly announcing that the course has inspired her to break off her marriage.

Wife: What nonsense!

Husband: Wait till you hear the last part. The teacher insisted that the girl should give it in writing that any decision she is going to make about her family life is her own and not influenced directly by any NILS faculty.

Wife: Really?

Husband: Yes, Madam. And that discussion went on till 8.45 and to be continued next day.