Paula and her husband had been together for twentysix years. They met at university, married after graduation and, two years later, welcomed a son. It was an ordinary British family.
Their son grew up, married and moved to London with his wife. After he left, Paula and her husband, Mark, found their days oddly quiet. They knew each other inside out, could finish each other’s sentences, yet now they barely exchanged words. The house felt suddenly empty.
When Paula first started work after university, there was a woman in her department who was about fortyfive. Though she was only a few years older, Paula always thought she looked much older. The woman liked to take winter holidays and always returned with a steady tan. Her cropped blonde hair and the sunkissed complexion made her stand out.
Must be a salon, whispered a younger colleague.
One day Paula could no longer contain her curiosity and asked the woman how she managed to stay so bronzed in the cold.
We spent the holidays at a ski resort in the Lake District with our husbands, the woman replied.
Really? At our age? Paula gasped.
The woman laughed. Im only fortyfive. When you reach my age you realise that true youth isnt about being reckless; its about being mature. Remember, dear, boredom is the biggest threat to a marriage. All affairs and divorces start with a lack of excitement. When the children grow up life settles into a quiet routine, and thats when men start to get restless. We women never have a moment to be bored we work, tend to the kids, and still handle the house. Meanwhile the husband lounges on the sofa, wondering what to do with his lingering energy. Some drink, some look for new thrills, as the saying goes, they start hunting for a new woman.
I was foolish, thinking my husband was just tired from work, that it was harmless to sit in front of the telly. I flitted about the house like a whirlwind. Then one day he said hed fallen in love with someone else, that life with me was boring, and he left. Can you imagine?
When I remarried, I treated my husband differently. I made him share the chores, we spent weekends away, went hiking, and even skied in winter. I never let him idle on a couch. Were still together, our children are grown, and we travel around the country. It may not suit everyone, but you can learn from it.
Paula never forgot the older womans advice. She began to notice that Mark, after a hearty dinner, drifted to the sofa and the television. It grew harder to pull him away, whereas once he had loved rambling in the hills and whitewater rafting. He used to surprise her with elaborate birthday plans.
She tried to rouse him, buying theatre tickets and a cruise on the River Thames aboard a threedecked boat. At the theatre he dozed, at the cruise he yawned after a glass of wine and rushed back to his favourite sofa. The cramped cabin on the boat made him miserable, and the idea of skiing now seemed impossible; his growing belly made sports feel like a chore.
When Paula suggested a film one evening, he grimaced and said, Where are you dragging me? I just want a quiet weekend to sleep in. Go with your friends.
In their early marriage, Mark had been part of a group of friends who went on weekend hikes, tackled rapids on kayaks, and sang around campfires. He played the guitar and sang well. Paula had never joined themwork, pregnancy, and caring for their little son kept her at home.
Dont let him off the leash, warned Paulas mother. Hell find a kindred spirit elsewhere.
Infidelity doesnt need a mountain, Paula replied. I trust Andy, and Im waiting for those trips.
Eventually the hiking club dissolved as its members started families. One lazy Sunday Paula sat beside Mark on the sofa with a photo album. At first she was reluctant, then she grew more enthusiastic as Mark flipped through pictures, reminiscing.
Dont you want to relive a bit of the old days? she asked.
No, who would I go with? Everyones busy, the grandchildren are here.
Come with me. Ive never been on your hikes. Take the initiative, call your old mates, maybe someone will agree.
Mark scoffed, Youre being naive. We were reckless when we were younger, now were sensible.
Then lets go to the theatre this weekend, have a cultured night, Paula replied, snapping the album shut and sending a puff of dust into the air.
Mark thought about it. Later, over dinner, he said, I spoke to Tom about a route. He still has his old tent. We could rent a raft from the sports centre. Paula saw his eyes brighten, and it made her happy.
He warned, Itll be tough for a beginner. The river has rapids, mosquitoes, and well have to sleep on the ground in sleeping bags, no showers, no proper toilets, just a bush for privacy. Youll probably want to turn back on day one.
Paula promised, I wont quit.
Mark raised an eyebrow, noting her manicured nails, fluffy house slippers and a cosy robe. Well need proper gear, not high heels.
They shopped together; Mark never let her off his side.
I know youll buy swimsuits and dresses, but for a trek you need warm clothes and sturdy boots.
Paula obeyed, and soon their backpacks were packed.
Put it on, lets see how youve prepared, Mark instructed.
She strained under the weight, bent like a board. Take it off, he said, and she did, revealing a clutter of hair curlers, makeup, a hairdryer, dozens of creams and a heap of gardenhandy clothes none of which belonged on a mountain.
Youll be swarmed by mosquitoes, Mark said. Maybe you should stay home. He looked at her with pity.
She felt bewildered. After a sigh, Mark removed the unnecessary items, leaving only the essentials. The pack grew much lighter.
I can manage, Paula declared, feeling a surge of confidence.
She remembered how she had once tried to push Mark into the arts, dragging him to the theatre and gallery openings. He had eventually come around, and she realised that as a partner she should stand beside him in both his peaks and valleys.
As the departure day drew nearer, doubts gnawed at her. At the train station they boarded a carriage with three other men and one woman.
Are your friends divorced? Paula asked quietly.
No, their wives are at home with grandchildren, Mark replied.
The journey was lively; the men told jokes, Mark strummed his guitar from the overhead shelf, and Paula convinced herself she could handle whatever lay ahead.
When they finally left the station and walked a few miles into the countryside, Paulas back ached from the pack, her legs shook, and sweat drenched her face. She felt ashamed to complain while the men carried their sleeping bags, tents and a deflated boat with ease.
The scenery was beautiful, but she was too focused on not stumbling or breaking a bone. When they reached the river, she longed to collapse on the grass. The men quickly lit a fire and pitched tents as if they hadnt slept a wink.
Give it time, encouraged Tanya, the wife of one of the men. Lets fetch water and cook dinner.
Tears welled up for home, a hot shower, a soft bed.
Then the fire crackled, Mark sang softly with his guitar, his voice rich and warm. In that moment he seemed a different, vibrant man, the same Andy she had fallen for years ago.
The next morning, as he examined the calluses on his hands, he asked, Thinking of running away?
No, Paula answered firmly.
At the rapids, her heart pounded. The water roared, jagged stones jutted out. She wanted to suggest walking along the bank, but seeing Marks mischievous grin, she bit her tongue and clung to the rafts side, ignoring the oars, terrified of being swept into the icy current.
When they cleared the rapids, she exhaled with relief and shouted with joy louder than anyone else.
They returned home a week later, exhausted but exhilarated, their minds full of new memories. Paula realised she would miss the fresh air, the endless sky, the songs around the fire, and the camaraderie.
After a warm shower and a hearty dinner, they sat sidebyside at the kitchen table, scrolling through photos on a laptop, teasing each other as they hadnt done in years. The trip had brought them closer; they now shared common interests again. They fell asleep in each others arms, just as they had in their early days.
Should we do another trek next year? Paula asked, snuggling against his familiar shoulder.
It was good, wasnt it? Andy laughed. Its not a theatre night or a fancy restaurant. Its life.
Ill be better prepared next time, so you wont be embarrassed, Paula promised.
It wasnt embarrassing for me. You surprised me, especially as a beginner. Well done.
She flushed at his praise.
When their son called, she recounted the adventure in great detail.
Your life sounds wild, I thought youd be bored and lonely.
Were busy, but happy. How are you? she asked.
Were waiting for a baby, he replied, delighted.
Back at work after her holiday, Paula returned radiant, eyes sparkling, a beaded friendship bracelet on her wrist.
Did you holiday down south? You look sunkissed, a colleague remarked, pointing at the bracelet.
Its a talisman, Paula said. A shaman gave it to me.
So, if you want to revive a waning relationship, dont stay locked inside share your partners passions. Extreme adventures may not suit everyone, but theres always something else to try. As a wise writer once noted, Never regret the effort you put into saving love. The lesson is clear: a marriage thrives when both people keep curiosity alive and willingly step out of their comfort zones together.
