Three important Nevers

Last week I received some marriage advice from a big, burly taxi driver, who also advised me to shop only at Walmart, and I found myself listening carefully, although when he asked if I was married I answered with an over-emphatic "NO!"

1. First, never argue about money
   
2. Never say "what if" - just go ahead and do it, or else don't think about it at all.
   
3. Never go to bed angry - after a fight, talk it out.

He seemed so proud of his wife and of their 30-year marriage. "She's the one with brains, and I'm the one with muscle," he said with reference to her PhD; he himself hadn't gone to college. Somehow they ended up together, and according to him, they've been living by these three guidelines for all 30 years, through ups and downs. He said a gypsy had told him, but I imagine that's a little far-fetched. However that makes it rather exciting and wonderful: an old, withered woman gives him this advice, which has helped him to hold onto a woman who he's sure is far above him.

I wrote down the advice as soon as I got back to my hotel, before I forgot anything. It seemed like one of those rare, great pieces of wisdom you find in unexpected places. And who would I be to ignore morsels of wisdom presented to me?

posted by Holly @ 8:48 PM