I could easily write a long list of annoying habits about my wife, ranging from her absent mindedness at critical times to the way she refuses to blow her nose when her head is congested because she seems to think that her nose will fly off if she does.

Once, we went to the zoo with our neighbors. As we were coming out of the house, a squabble ensued over who was supposed to bring what out of the house. It ended with me running back in to get whatever it was and grumbling.

There was frightened teenager in the back of the car. I looked at her and smiled. “Sarah,” I said, “that was an argument. Not a reason for divorce. Remember that. Arguments are fine.” Lynn and Sarah’s aunt joined me in the laugh. They knew.