Love, Courtship and Marriage
A Never-Ending
Romance
Jennifer Woodley
O
nce upon a time when the world
was just a little slower, and lovers
took time to gaze into one another’s
eyes, a young, handsome man met
a beautiful, young woman. Drawn together by
a force greater than themselves, the season of
wooing began. Overwhelmed by her lovely form
and gentle nature there was nothing he would not
do for her. Captivated by his good looks and candid
demeanour she too sought to win his affection.
Long walks by the ocean hand in hand; lengthy
drives on country roads; intimate dinners laughing
and sharing; letters posted back and forth when
circumstances kept them apart; a surprise bunch
of flowers for her; a brand new shirt for him; an
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DOZ Magazine February 2018
encouraging smile; a stolen kiss; a furtive glance;
loving secrets held as sacred text between them. In
this way, their courtship grew over time from an
amiable friendship into a deep, loving relationship
which cumulated into a joyous, committed
marriage.
Thirty years have passed since their first date
together, and still, their marriage continues on
strong, despite times of trouble and difficulty. But
the courtship has not ceased: the wooing never
stopped when the couple said ‘I do.’
Some may feel that there is no need to make an effort
when the ‘catch has been made.’ The romancing
has been done, and the labour of winning a heart
can cease. But that is just not true. Marriages need