I’ve been married to Allison for twenty-five years. We’ve shared countless memories—from college days and mountain hikes to raising our kids. But after my brother’s bachelor party, I feared my wife would finally give up on me.
The night of the party, I was inebriated. I struggled to find a cab, babbling incoherently, and eventually stumbled into our house. In the kitchen, I clumsily broke a glass and muttered, “Oops, it’s a disco in here,” hoping Allison hadn’t heard. I finally made it upstairs and collapsed into bed, fully clothed.
Allison stirred, her voice soft. “You’re coming home late.”
I whispered dramatically, “Shhh, I have returned from a perilous journey.” She tried to help me undress, but I swatted her away. “Leave me alone, lady! I’ve tied the knot!”
She laughed, covered me with the blanket, and kissed my forehead. “Goodnight, Sir Lancelot.” I managed a sleepy, “I love you, Allison,” before drifting into a deep, drunken sleep.
The next morning, my son Jake greeted me with a grin. “Don’t you remember last night, Dad?” He reminded me of my clumsy entrance and my drunken antics. I felt embarrassed but amused.
When I went downstairs for breakfast, I found a rose, two pain-relief tablets, and a loving note on the bedside table. The note read, “You may not remember, but I love you more every day. Hope this helps with your hangover.”
I was stunned. My fear that Allison would be furious or consider divorce evaporated. Instead, I saw her enduring patience and unwavering love. As I reflected on our life together—raising kids, facing hardships, and overcoming challenges—I realized how much I owed her.
After breakfast, I took Allison’s hand and led her to the living room. “I’m sorry for neglecting you. I love you more than anything and I promise to make more time for us.”
Tears welled up in her eyes. “You should show your love for me more often,” she said. We spent the day talking about our goals and dreams, rekindling the connection that first brought us together.
Over the following weeks, we made a concerted effort to prioritize each other. We enjoyed our favorite movies, took long walks, and spent weekends away. Each small gesture helped us rebuild the intimacy and trust that had waned.
My bachelor party fiasco turned into a valuable lesson. I learned that love isn’t just about grand gestures but the everyday moments of understanding and support. And that’s what keeps a marriage strong.
