Is she mocking me or the idea?
So we’re at dinner, right? My nonna’s old silverware on the table, wine spilled a little like always. I mention how I’ve always wanted one great love — you know, the kind that lasts forever, like my parents. She smiles, says "Ah, that’s very romantic… to be with one person forever." But her tone? Like she’s reading a fairy tale to a child. I laughed it off, but it stuck. Later she says she doesn’t believe in exclusivity being “natural,” that people change, blah blah. Okay, fine. But why say it like *that*? Like I’m some old-fashioned fool? I’m 32, not 80. I’m not asking for vows at 25, but is wanting loyalty now unrealistic? My zio says women like that either don’t know what they want or are already looking to leave. But that’s not the point. I just… felt small. What kind of future is there if your partner laughs at the idea of staying with you? What can you do, this is how things are — but still, it hurts.