For five years, she believed she was living with her husband, only to discover she was actually married to her mother

Eleanor was from a tiny village nestled between fields that eternally waved at the sun. It was in that peculiar patch of England that Cupid, wearing Wellington boots, let fly his arrows at her. Eleanor fell for William, and William for her, as if their hearts had quietly merged in a misty hedgerow. They made the odd decision to leave their sleepy county, told their parents they were off to London to earn pounds for the wedding, and actually went to work. But afterwards, they saw no point in throwing money at a wedding.

Theyd had enough of Londons youth, turning up at their nuptials in trainers and denim, expecting cash or maybe just eGift cards, skipping the sit-down meal for a spread of picky bits, or worse, holding a Zoom ceremony and using the presents as a down-payment on a flat.

Thats what Eleanor and William did, too. Yet when both mothers returned to their shires, they arranged a modest tea with sausage rolls and Victoria sponge, for old times sake. And Eleanor and William had no friends in Londonso the celebration remained a quiet family affair. This bit has little to do with my tale, except to give you a sense of the couple, so you might picture their odd characters

Five years have trickled by like rain on a window. The pair chose to delay children, focusing on paying the mortgage together. Eleanors mum, robust as a ram, had raised her solo and with every phone ring, reminded her she was absolutely ready to knit booties for grandbabies. Yet Eleanor knew, moving in with mum would send the marriage flying apart instantly. No looming deadlines, so they dawdled with the idea of children.

Then the old grievances crept in. Eleanor began to feel neglected, familiar shadows from before, but now she couldnt shake them off. She rang me, her voice echoing as if through fog.

He chats on the phone with others forever, but with me its just hi-bye and nothing else Hell be coming home, then youll have time to talk I want to watch something gentle about love after work, but hes glued to his horror films How many tellies do you have? You could use headphones on the laptop, but thats not really family life if two sit side-by-side, minds worlds apart Exactly! William just doesnt get me! Thats a rare complaint Why are you chuckling? All right, Ill stop Eleanor, when is it good between you two? When were away on holiday, or hosting friends On those days, hes astonishingly attentive

The conversation lasted an hour, drifting through how they met and how all the girls envied her. From listening, I gathered the heart of the problem: Eleanor had a deep, unfulfilled craving to dazzle, but in London, there was no audience at all. That was one problemand the second, perhaps stranger

Eleanor, what does your dream marriage look like? Definitely with children. Thats traditional, but babies can test a marriage My husband ought to care about my mood, my job, notice my clothes and praise my roast dinner Does he comment at all? He says its good, but its never enough. Tell me details He comes home, you serve him shepherds pie with peas, and then? He rubs his hands, grins Isnt that a compliment? Wouldnt you feel worse if he pushed his plate away and said he wasnt hungry

Eleanor was silent, the air thick, as if she were drifting. I doubted she truly grasped her own complaint, but a thorn seemed to be lodged somewhere deep. I wonderedand askedabout her mother.

Turns out, her mum was a whirlwind of emotion, always fluttering around with questions, and whenever life turned cloudy, shed sweep in, assuring Eleanor everything would be alright.

People say we marry those who remind us of our parents, or at least those who love in floods. Eleanor grew up fatherless, and never realised some folk just arent gifted with flashy feelings.

I gently told Eleanor shed really been married to her mother for five years, expecting William to play the same tune. At first, she was baffled, but after some swirling thoughts, she nodded.

So how do I split up with my mum? Easy. When you feel aggrieved, picture William as himself, not as mums spectre beside you. He cant compete! And thats it? Thats all! Watch and the resentment will melt away, floating down the dreamlike river, and youll feel lighter for it.