Challenges in Love|- Creative Nonfiction Prompt #57

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In life, dreams and wishes vary. Some settle for anything, while others uphold their standards. I once considered myself lucky. Compatibility, to me, is about tolerance from both parties. I have encountered various guys but refrained from trying to fool anyone.

One day, I attended a church program and little did I know it would be different from others. In the dimly lit evening after the church dismissal, a guy named Steve approached me.

"Hi, pretty soul. I'm Steve."

"Hmmm, all these attention seekers won't just rest," I mused without turning to see who was calling.

"Babe, hold on. I want to find out something from you, please." I stopped and gave him my attention.

"Alright, what is it you want to find out?"

"Okay, thanks for giving me your time. I won't take longer than necessary. Can I walk you down the street?"

Speechless, I contemplated continuing my hard-to-get game or accepting his request due to the dark surroundings. "Alright, you can. I'm Mary by name. You said you are Steve, right?"

Our conversation began, Steve happened to be a cool guy. Despite it being our first day, it felt like we had been friends for a long time.

After months of getting to know each other, he proposed verbally, and we decided to give our relationship a try. Everything went well until Steve invited me to meet his parents officially.

I had been attending their church occasionally as a guest. I assumed they would get to know me when Steve was ready to introduce me properly.

Source

One Friday night, I went for a mini shopping spree, and afterward, I prepared to visit his house. He gave me his address and told me to call him once I reached the gate.

That night, rain fell heavily, causing delays in getting to Steve's house. I found myself at a junction different from my intended stop, adding extra delay to my trip.

Arriving at Steve's house, I called him, and he opened the gate with a stern look.

"What's the problem? Hope all is well?"

"We have been expecting you. My mum almost left angrily if I did not plead."

"Hold on, did it not rain here? I can see the ground is wet. Was I supposed to disappear and appear here?"

"No babe, I just felt you should have used a bolt. That would have saved you some stress and would have been faster."

"Why are you trying to paint it blank white? You should have just asked what happened to the money you gave me. We both know it's enough to book a bolt, and I would still be left with change."

"That's not what I was trying to say. Let's not argue. Everyone is already waiting."

Upon entering, I faced cold, unwelcoming faces. Despite their lack of warmth, I managed to force a smile and greeted everyone respectfully. Steve offered me a seat, and I joined them in the beautifully designed parlor, my eyes pretending to focus on the TV.

The uncomfortable silence was scary. I heard rattling sounds from the kitchen and I was unable to figure out what was going on.

"This is for you, babe," he said upon returning with a forceful smile.

I forced a smile back, "I'm full, just a bottle of water will be fine."

Steve went to fetch a bottle of water with a glass and sat before me.

"Dad, Mum, and big sis, this is Mary, my girlfriend. The one I have been telling everyone about."

The response was not what I expected. Steve's dad criticized me for not being time conscious, making me feel like I should be grateful for being there.

"I value time, sir, but things happen beyond our control. It rained heavily, causing the delay," I explained, already frustrated. Their attitude made it seem like being in their home was a privilege.

Steve's mom, without allowing me to finish, condemned my Catholic faith.

"Hmm, that demonic church! Steve, did you even get to know about..."

I didn't let her finish. "Ma, it's fine. You don't have to speak much. He knows I'm a Catholic, but I'm surprised he didn't say that to you. Maybe he's scared you will say what you just said to me. But it's fine. We don't worship demons; we believe in the Holy Trinity and worship God."

"Impressive, I have met stubborn Catholics like you. I know how to deal with them. The last girl that came to this house that refused to leave my son knew how it ended."

Steve remained silent, and I didn't know what else to do or say. After some time, the woman left the room.

After a little stay, I excused myself and left. Outside, Steve, who had been cold as ice, began talking suddenly.

"You amazed me today. All I witnessed was a man who was still hiding in his parents' arms. Your parents have already made a decision for you. I'm surprised you were even bold enough to see me off."

"Babe, it's not like that. You are better than my ex, which my mum talked about."

"Save the explanation for your future partner. I can't force myself to be accepted in a home I don't feel at home in, a place I was clearly rejected, and the man that claims he wants to build a home with me can't even speak up for himself."

Immediately, I walked out, walking as fast as possible just to be ahead of him. That was my farewell to Steve, and I'm happy I did. After I got home, I felt I had made a hasty decision but on second thought I realized that building a home with someone is a long term commitment and being with the wrong people is building a faulty foundation.



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8 comments
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Wowwwwwww
This is so nice. It reflects so many points on how to relate with people for the first time, about marriage and decision making.
It's also explains that choice of religion should be volunteeringly and shouldn't make others treat you unhealthily.
I will love to read more of such story my mentor .

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Thanks so much @captainman for your beautiful words on my story. I'm glad to see you enjoyed the story. I will try my best to keep writing and I do hope you find my future stories interesting. Do have a blissful week.

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You write persuasively in this piece, @marynn. The reader wishes, as you wished, that the difficulty with Steve's family (and Steve) could be dismissed. But, that is not reality, as you realized. The objections his family had to you were not going to dissipate. And, as you explained to him, he was not mature enough to stand up for what he wanted--you.

You could have demonized the family here, because they were so insulting. But you resisted the natural temptation to do that. Your piece is well-structured, tempered and takes us along to an unavoidable conclusion.

Good job, @marynn.

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Awwwwn. These words are mind blowing and I'm blushing. Thank you so so much for your kind words. Steve attitude was so immature and walking out was the best decision at that point. I don't see anything more than having peace of mind anywhere we find ourselves, Steve's home wasn't a place that would have given me that.

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Marriage is a long time commitment and spending it with someone you don't feel at home with isn't good. I guess that why you had to leave Steve.
I love how you used much of dialogue in your story. Sometimes I find it hard to do the same. Keep it up.

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Marriage is a long term for real. My peace of mind is my number one priority and anything that will want to take that away can't last a minute in my life.

Imploring dialogues add to a beautiful non-fiction and fiction stories and that a very nice skill. Thank you for appreciated the way it was used in my story.

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You got me emotional dear, but God knows why. Some parents, don't allow their children choose for themselves what they want. I find that very offensive, they are not they one to live with your partner, I believe he knows you too well before he asked for a relationship, why all the unnecessary questions and bad vibes? Well, sorry for that experience.

The last thing my parents will do forme is to choose a life partner, I can't never consent to that. You did well by leaving because any home your in-laws don't like you, it's going to be so uncomfortable for you being with their child

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Like eeh, is going to be like hell on Earth. I can't even cope in such environment. That's why I walk out while I had the time, I hate conflict so much.

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