I had been with Adam for six years, and our wedding was coming up soon. But going to see my parents changed everything. Adam found out about their unusual way of life, and his response shocked me to my core.
We were going to have a family get-together to meet Adam’s extended family. My parents were happy to have us, but Adam became more and more uncomfortable as the night went on. He was so angry that he couldn’t sleep in the bed I slept in as a child.
Following a scream that cut through the air, Adam rushed back into the room, his face scrunched in shock. What did he say? “Your mom’s kissing another man!” And my heart sank. I had been dreading this moment.
My parents’ marriage was open, honest, and not like most. They cared about each other, but they let themselves be free. Even though I had grown up with this, I could see why Adam would be shocked and angry.
When he asked for an answer, my mum said, “It’s not cheating, darling.” Our marriage isn’t the same.” Adam’s faith was broken, though. He felt cheated on because he remembered how his parents got divorced because of cheating.
Adam packed his bags, which shocked me. I went to a hotel with him because I really wanted to save our relationship. We didn’t say much; the quiet was full of words.
It was hard for me to understand myself.” Adam needed some time, and I got it. The rest of the week, we tried to get back on our feet at my grandmother’s house.
Adam agreed to therapy on the way home, admitting that he had been hurt. It was time to face our fears, shame, and hopes. We were now on our way to getting better.
How would you have dealt with it differently?
