Lately, the reality of marriage has been the topic of discussion in my family. My seventeen-year-old sister got engaged last month and the twenty-two year old boy called off the wedding and broke everything off last week because she texted a boy. Apparently, he considers that cheating. I understand content is important in this situation, and no party is fully innocent, but it has given me the opportunity to re-evaluate what I see as the reality of marriage. So often, couples are more worried about the wedding than the marriage. Don’t get me wrong, I think a wedding is a very special occasion and it should be memorable, but the couple cannot lose sight of the importance of the union. I am by no means an expert on marriage, but it is amazing how I can say some of the same things my parents tell my sister and she’ll listen to me. My dad actually called me up on Sunday evening to thank me for talking to her. Now that is a strange reality. I guess having advice removed from the parental relationship makes a difference. That is scary because parents want what’s best for you. Even at a young age when I hated what my parents were telling me, I knew they only said it because they loved me and wanted the best for me. My sister is obviously devastated over this little jerk being such an idiot, and she blames herself. I find myself going into mama bear mode. That boy has a long hard row to hoe if he wants to get back into the good graces of our family, little less marriage with my little sister. My parents and I have gotten closer over this trial, and I try to help out as best I can. I’m hoping my little sister realizes her reality is that she deserves better than that scum who didn’t appreciate her or trust her or allow her to have some personal freedom. Did I mention the boy she texted was in her class work group and the teacher required them to exchange info for a group project. I mean, if a couple can’t get through an engagement without trust issues, then how do they expect to get through a marriage?