Heart-shaped blue saphhire

My daughter got engaged last evening. Yes, I went out to a bar in public with about 10 people in attendance.  That is the limit in Ohio, I think. It was supposed to be a surprise but when her beau informed her that she "HAD" to have Saturday the 1st off from work...she knew.  And little hints and other observations. So, I made certain I was there for her.

I was the only one from our side of the family and that is okay. All the others were his side. They are a wonderful people who believe in marriage and God and all the good things in life. They are not like me. A cynical, jaded old woman.

I am going to try very hard NOT to shove any negativity my daughter's way. I've been negative about marriage and relationships all of her life and every once in a while I can hear myself in her words and expressions about the same thing.

I come from a family of 8. 6 married and 5 are divorced. Marriage is not for the lazy. I myself, am ambivalent about the necessity of marriage. I am not affiliated with a religion so to me there is no "sin" in co-habitation out of wedlock. I have a child, so you can see I could care less about ruining my reputation or worrying about what others think if I have a child out of wedlock.

I used to believe in love. When I was younger. Now, I'm more like "Hey - you don't have insurance in your job but she does - go get married so you can get health insurance."  A union of necessity.

I gauge her beaus by how they treat animals and their parents. This tells me if they have empathy and respect. Two things I want in a partner for my daughter. This one has both.

I have always worked - have always had health insurance for both me and my daughter. I purchased my own home. No child support was sent my way. To me (not being religious), there is no logical reason for marriage. Absolutely none.

Hey...where in the heck is the spell-checker?  I can't remember!