Ohmegosh! The ball is rolling.... (Marriage - Is it outdated?)

Member Name: Critchyboy

Product:	Marriage - Is it outdated?
Date:	23/10/01 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: On the way-hay!!

Disadvantages: NONE!

Tonight I had the one of the most frightening experiences of my life. Hang on, let me think about it for a moment. Being in a Mini that hit a BMW, that was bad...being on a plane when the cabin depressurised...that was worse. Actually, come to think of it...this wasn't all that bad.

Tonight I was given a golden chance that I could not pass on. My girlfriend is having an interview tomorrow and her Dad (the prospective Dad-in-law) is staying in my flat. In fact in the very next room to where I am writing this. We've, my girlfriend and I that is, have talked long and hard about the subject of marriage and it is something that we both really believe in. In conversation with her it became clear that there was an expectation on her father's part that I would 'ask for her hand'. Why I can't have all of her is a mystery, but there you go...

Cunningly thinking that I could get away with doing this over the telephone and thus avoiding eye-to-eye contact I felt slightly ashamed that I had even considered that as an eventuality. This is, after all, the only child in their family and I have a duty to respect that and to involve the whole family in the process.

So tonight a golden opportunity fell in my lap as I sat down and asked dad-in-law to be, ever so nicely, if I could possibly marry his daughter. What started as an incredibly stuttering sentence in a moment of awkwardness turned into a long and very helpful discussion about the future and future plans. I think I just agreed with everything he said! But I could be wrong...

He said I could, by the way, which was a huge relief. I've been building up to this for a long time, plucking up the courage all night to ask for his permission. And it was granted, both excitedly and with thoughts for the future.

I've now got to ask the one I'm to marry if she'll put up with me for life. And I'm not as scared as popping that question as I was about g
etting tonight over and done with...

I can't wait to get married now, but it's not something that can be rushed into and there's alot to be done and a lot to be considered. But I believe it is right. Firmly and strongly to make our vows in front of God - who incidentally, I believe, had something to do with bringing us together...

Here's to the future and all that it brings...I'll let you know the outcome.

*********************************************

The Aftermath!

Well - as you have just read all went well with the Dad-in-law to be and the next step was to ask Jo if she would, mind awfully, being my wife.

I wanted to do this part right as well but am not the most organised person and thought I could just go and buy a ring of the right size - and if not of the right size have one FedEx'd over for the next day. Boy was I just about to have a rude awakening...

I went into a local branch of Beaverbrooks. We had been there previously to get her ring finger measured and to give me an idea of the styles that she liked. "Not the sticky up kind" I was told and I'd agree with that as they can form dangerous weapons when some force is put behind them. The jewellery lady seemed to remember me, although whether she did or not was another matter it made me feel slightly less out of place. But then I guess that's what they are good at! We had a look at some of the styles before I chose one to give to Jo.

I picked the ring, gave the measurements, handed over the credit card and was told that the ring would be here in four weeks. FOUR WEEKS?!? I'm going to Kenya shortly I need it before then... My initial plan was to ask Jo on the railway station as the train came in and then leg it, but thinking that was probably not the best way of doing things - she'll testify that I am not particularly romantic and when I try it all goes a bit Frank Spencer - I changed my
mind. Anyway, back to the ring...I was on my way to Birmingham for a weekend away with work and my mobile phone went as I was paying for a bacon double cheesebuger at Burker King in Tamworth services. Lo and behold it was the jewellers telling me the ring had arrived in only ONE week.

I took a mate along with me who is going to be an usher at the wedding, for moral support as I paid of the remaining debts and gingerly walked round Meadowhall feeling very self-conscious of the fact there was a rather pricey lump of carbon in my pocket!

Anyway to cut to the chase. I asked Jo to be my wife on top of Helsby Hill, overlooking my home village, on the morning of the 7th November. Thankfully, she said yes and after we'd got back to my parents house gave me a ring that she had brought in July! How she kept that quiet was a mystery!! Both sets of parents are thrilled as are friends (the most common response we had was "About time!") and plans are on the way.

August 25th will be the day and a church in Lincoln will be the venue and a new chapter in both our lives will begin.

Aaaaaaah! In't it lovely?!

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