Fulfilled Acceptance

Marriage is not at all
what romantic lovers imagine it to be;
it is an institution
founded upon an instinct;
to be successful,
it requires not only physical attraction,
but will-power,
patience,
and the always difficult
acceptance of “the other”;
finally,
if these conditions are fulfilled,
a beautiful and lasting affection can be established
– a unique and,
to those who have never known it,
incomprehensible mingling
of love,
friendship,
sensuality,
and respect,
without which
there is no true marriage.
—  André Maurois
[Once again, I’ve taken the liberty to re-format a quote (in this case, a single sentence) to match imagined poetry.  —  KMAB]
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On This Day In:
2012	Error Is Tolerated Here (So Far)
2011	In Defense Of Pain