Trouble in Paradise

In 2018, Steve and I went on vacation to Kauai with our daughter, Parker and her friend, Cass.

On our last night, we enjoyed dinner on a rooftop bar, overlooking the ocean.

The four of us talked about the hiking and snorkeling we had enjoyed that week.

At some point, the conversation turned to marriage, and Cass asked us how long we had been married. Steve told her we’ve been married for almost 30 years.

“Wow, that’s a long time to be married,” Cass commented.

I rested my head on Steve’s shoulder, as I took in the sun setting in the blue, sparkling waters.

I smiled, waiting for the inevitable compliment. 

Steve cleared his throat and said matter-of-factly, “Marriage is hard.”

Hmm.

This wasn’t exactly the sentiment I was expecting, but clearly this was a two-part sentence.

Marriage is hard… but it’s so worth it!

Marriage is hard… however, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Marriage is hard… although not when you’re married to this gal! (points lovingly at me)

I sat up straight, waiting for the conclusion of “Marriage is hard.”

Silence.

Parker and Cass exchanged looks.

I glanced sideways at Steve, expecting to see his mouth moving.

His mouth was always moving.

But not now.

Was he trying to come up with the perfect words?

Come on Buddy, don’t leave us hanging.

More time passed.

Parker gave me an, “Eek, this is awkward,” look.

Cass pretended to study her menu.

I gave Steve a death stare.

I don’t know how long it had been since Steve uttered the delightful phrase, “Marriage is hard,” but it felt like an eternity.

Steve stared out at the ocean with a faraway look in his eyes as if he were reminiscing about all the good hard times.

At this point, I had a strong urge to stab him with my tropical drink skewer, but it had pineapple attached to it, and Mama don’t waste pineapple.

I couldn’t take it any longer. “Marriage is hard? That’s all you have to say?!” I exploded.

Steve held up his hand. “Hey, you didn’t let me finish.”

 I scoffed. “You didn’t say anything for like 20 minutes.”

In all honesty, it was more like 20 seconds, but trust me, it felt like an eternity.

Needless to say, dinner wasn’t a ton of fun.

However, we still did a moonlight walk on the beach after.

Separately.

“Marriage is hard!” I yelled as we passed each other on the shoreline.

“You didn’t let me finish!” Steve yelled back.

The next day, on the plane home, we sat next to an adorable young couple. They told us they had just celebrated their honeymoon.

After we congratulated them, they asked us how long we had been married.

“Almost 30 years,” I told them.

“Wow, that’s a long time,” the perky young bride commented.

There was a long pause as Steve and I glanced at each other.

Finally Steve opened his mouth and said, “Not when you’re married to this gal.”

See, Steve, was that so hard?