‘From an early age I had an improbably glamorous image of the man I would eventually marry: someone tall, dark and handsome; someone wonderfully funny and gregarious, with lots of money. He would sweep me off my feet when I was in my mid-twenties and we would make love on his yacht in the Mediterranean and organise extravagant parties for other bright young things. We would lead a hedonistic, indulgent lifestyle and travel to the most exclusive and expensive destinations.
‘The reality was somewhat different. I am now married to Adam: he is shorter than me, quite bald, and getting a little rotund around the middle. He doesn’t have loads of money, although we are comfortable. We have three children: George, Henry and Francesca – and we love each other to bits!
‘I was pushing 39 when Adam proposed after a short courtship. I shudder when I think that as I planned my wedding, I went into my old bedroom at my parents’ home and wept. I cried because I felt I was accepting less than my dream; I was accepting second best and I had run out of time to find a perfect life partner.
‘It is only now that I feel so fortunate. Adam has attributes I would never have included in my ‘wish list’: he has a dry, witty sense of humour and a generous smile, he’s creative (he’s a professional photographer), plays the violin and is practical. He cooks all the meals – yes, even breakfast for us all, and is a doting dad. Through his eclectic tastes he has introduced me to many new and exciting things, including Russian literature, bird watching, jazz and modern art. Through his work for National Geographic, we have travelled to remote parts of the world (on occasions with the children) and when he’s around, there’s always a buzz of positivity, music and creativity.
‘It was on our honeymoon that I really fell in love with Adam. To me he epitomises everything that can be good about a person and I feel privileged and honoured to be married to him.
‘I realise that my early aspirations were out of touch with reality. Now I can look back to the shallow and selfish individual I was when I conjured up these stupid ideas. Although I feel shame (and I have never discussed my true feelings prior to our marriage), I now understand that this was a level from which the only way to progress was up. Through Adam, I have grown as a person too. I have changed my values and how I regard other people and feel a sense of completeness, having such a beautiful family.’
Yvonne (41)
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