Family

I love your column and read it from time to time. Recently, I came across a story about infidelity, which prompted me to share my own. Perhaps someone will look at a woman’s infidelity from a different perspective and won’t be so quick to judge every one of us. I just want people to understand that sometimes desperation drives us to cheat. That’s what happened to me. I’ve been married for nearly two decades. Our life has had its ups and downs. I can’t say it’s been all bad or perfectly smooth. The one thing that has clouded my life …

Jack was the eldest son in the family, yet the most irresponsible and lazy. On the day his younger brother turned eighteen and moved into a rented apartment, Jack begged his mother to install an air conditioner in his childhood bedroom, where he had lived all thirty-four years of his life. — Son, when are you going to get a job? — his retired mother asked, her voice devoid of any hope. — I’m looking for the right position, — Jack’s answers were always the same. Either the schedule didn’t suit him, or the organization’s prestige wasn’t up to par, …

Mary and George married 15 years ago. Over the years they spent together, they managed to acquire two apartments in the city center, but with time, the passion between them faded. George owned a hardware store, and the family had enough money, so Mary pursued what she loved—creating exclusive pottery. She completed pottery courses and enjoyed making all sorts of pots, plates, vases, and even tea sets. It was hard to call her a successful businesswoman since few in the city appreciated her work, but she occasionally found buyers. George, on the other hand, was simply happy that his wife …

James arrived at his brother Paul’s house to catch up and drop off some treats, which he often brought to spoil him. Paul, a doctor at the local hospital, spent most of his time at work. James, on the other hand, lived in the countryside, running a small farm and finding happiness—though only as much as a man could, abandoned by his wife with two one-year-old sons. He had delivered produce to local markets and stopped by to stock Paul’s fridge. Lisa, Paul’s wife, and their little niece Emily greeted James warmly. They barely convinced him to stay for at …

Oliver and Sarah were half-siblings, sharing the same mother but different fathers. It happened that Natalie first married one man, from whom she had a son. Then came a divorce, followed by a new encounter. At a conference, she met a pediatrician named Daniel, who was giving a lecture on the benefits of breastfeeding. The two quickly grew close. Natalie even warned him that she already had a one-year-old son, but this didn’t deter Daniel. He fell deeply in love with her. Remarkably, they still found time for dates. After six months of dating, Daniel and Natalie got married. A …