I Married a Struggling Bloke, and My Entire Family Laughed at Me!

7March

I married a man who had almost nothing. My whole family laughed at me.

Seven years ago I said I do to a bloke who owned no car, no flat and certainly no fortune. My relatives could not understand me; they even snickered in my face. I know that many girls dream of a perfect prince, someone who looks like a model on a glossy cover and who can offer financial security. I had my own standards. For me it mattered that he never reached for a drink, because I am certain alcohol only brings trouble, and I didnt want my children to grow up seeing a perpetually drunk father.

I also wanted him to be diligent, not lazy, and honest with me. Material things never swayed me. Whether he had a motorbike or a cosy cottage was irrelevant. I do not come from a line of millionaires, so I had no reason to chase after something I have never possessed. My mother raised me and my brother on her own, so we never lived in luxury.

Tom and I lived together for a year before we married. He was one of seven children, a good chap who taught his subject at the university. At the time he was still living in his parents house in Leeds with his mother and elder brother. Our wedding was a modest affair just close family and a handful of friends. After the ceremony we moved in together, quickly discovering that our temperaments were different. It took about six months for us to settle into each others rhythms.

The first time I saw his tears was when our baby was born. Since then we have two children, and Tom now earns a solid salary working in a different sector. We started in a rented flat in Manchester, but we have since bought a semidetached house in a leafy suburb, and life is comfortable enough.

We still have our disagreements, but we talk them through and learn to resolve conflicts. We are far from being millionaires; what matters most is that we are all healthy and happy. Today marks the seventhandahalf year since we exchanged vows, and I feel my love for him growing stronger with each passing day. I adore watching him play with the kids, caring for me, and even calling just to ask if Im hungry. It all feels wonderfully ordinary.

I have a friend, Claire, who married a wealthy man. At first everything seemed fine, but he soon began cheating, became unfaithful, and even siphoned money from her parents. She is now considering divorce but cannot bear the thought of leaving her children with him. Seeing her situation confirms for me that my choice was right. I sincerely wish every woman the chance to love her partner and feel loved in return. It isnt the size of your wallet that matters.