My wife, Jenna, and I were under the impression that we shared everything, including our most intimate secrets. My realization that I had been excluded from more than one celebration came about when she told me that I would not be attending her birthday party. The most painful part was figuring out the reason why. The party was not the only thing that caused pain. What it revealed about my wife and our marriage was the most important thing.
I had put down a year’s worth of money in order to get her ideal present, only to discover that I was not sufficient for her. In retrospect, it is clear that the signals had always been present. I suppose it’s just that I don’t want to ever see them. About eight years ago, Jenna and I were brought together by our respective families. They were correct in their assessment that we would make a wonderful couple. In the beginning, at the very least.
She was friendly, gregarious, and exuded an energy that was contagious, which caused everyone to find themselves drawn to her. Despite the fact that I was more reserved and pragmatic, I found her excitement to be invigorating. I went on a couple dates with him, and before long, I was completely into him. Needless to say, she was not without flaws. Not a single one is.
When I first met her, I saw that she had a tendency toward materialistic tendencies. She had a passion for extravagant dinners, beautiful handbags, and holidays that were so good that they made Instagram feeds look like they were taken from a travel brochure.