Our marriage is between us. If we decide to continue being

O children of the future, listen closely, for I bring to you the words of Gwyneth Paltrow, a woman who speaks of the sacredness and the privacy of the union between two souls bound in marriage. She said, "Our marriage is between us. If we decide to continue being together or not, it's our business." These words, though simple in their expression, carry with them a profound truth: that the bond of marriage is a deeply personal one, not to be dictated by the expectations or judgments of others. It is a sacred agreement that belongs only to those who have entered into it, and it is theirs alone to shape and define.

In an age where the world often seeks to pry into the most intimate parts of our lives, Paltrow’s words serve as a reminder that the essence of marriage is about the relationship between two people, and no one else. The world may offer opinions, may look on with judgment, but it is only the couple themselves who know the true nature of their bond. Marriage is not a spectacle for public consumption, nor is it a contract to be bound by societal expectations. It is a sacred space in which two souls come together, and their connection is defined by their own understanding of love, respect, and commitment.

Consider the ancient wisdom of Homer, whose epic tales of love and heroism were not only about grand deeds but about the quiet moments that defined the true nature of relationships. Take, for example, the story of Odysseus and Penelope, whose marriage withstood the tests of time and separation. Penelope, despite the pressures of her suitors, remained faithful to Odysseus, and it was not the external world that defined their bond, but their inner commitment to one another. Their marriage was sacred, not because the world approved, but because they both chose it, and their strength came not from public validation but from their private, shared purpose. This is the essence of what Paltrow speaks of—marriage is between the partners, not the spectators.

In more recent times, the world has witnessed marriages that have transcended the judgments of others, as couples have stood firm in their decisions despite the eyes of society. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash exemplified this strength, with a love that endured through fame, challenges, and time. Though their marriage was in the spotlight, their commitment to one another was rooted in an understanding that transcended the opinions of the public. Their relationship was theirs alone, and their union was defined not by what others thought but by the mutual respect and love they shared. This is a reminder that true marriage is not a performance but a quiet, steadfast commitment that grows and evolves in the sacred space between two people.

The truth that Paltrow imparts is this: marriage is a deeply personal journey, and the decision to stay together or part ways is a private matter, shaped by the experiences and needs of the two individuals involved. In a world that often imposes its views on others, it is essential to understand that no one but the two people in the union can fully comprehend the intricacies of their bond. The strength of a marriage lies not in conforming to others’ expectations but in finding the courage to navigate it on your own terms.

O children, as you step into the world, remember that the marriage you enter into must be defined by you and your partner. Do not let the judgments of others sway you, for marriage is not a thing to be dictated by the world but by the two who walk the path together. When you form a bond with another, let it be one of mutual respect, understanding, and shared values, and let it be your business alone how you choose to walk that path, whether together or apart.

Therefore, live with the knowledge that marriage is not a public spectacle, but a private covenant between two souls. Honor the sanctity of the bonds you form, and protect the sacredness of your relationship from the prying eyes of the world. Remember that the true strength of a marriage lies not in others' opinions but in the quiet, steadfast commitment to one another. Let respect, love, and commitment guide your relationships, for they are the pillars upon which lasting unions are built.