Summer seems to be the season for weddings and I've attended several during the past few weeks. It all seems to be so perfect, the bride in her flowing white dress glowing with happiness; the groom looking all dapper in a black tux and the picture perfect bridesmaids scattering confetti and rose petals. Champagne is flowing and relatives have gathered from far reaches of the country to share this special occasion. As the priest reads out the wedding vows, he speaks of love, faithfulness, respect and trust and the newly wedded couple just mouth them obediently. These words are so easy to utter, yet so difficult to live by!

Plan A is that once people get married they will live happily ever after, just like a fairy tale ending. Where marraige is treated as a destination, so once you've arrived there is no need to worry about the future.....you will just sail along smoothly. Where the love of your life is also the parent of your children. Where at the end of the day you have a soulmate who will soothe, comfort and heal.

What about Plan B? Where marraige is a relentless journey and you have to face innumerable obstacles along the way. Where you are challenged, tested and finally emerge stronger but with a bitter after taste in your heart. Where you realise that you have to look after yourself and never compromise with your self respect. Where you have to live with the reality of pain, anger and compromise :(

I know we would all like to believe in Plan A......but the wise and cynical in us think about Plan B as well.