Im 30, still single, and Ive got my own lovely one-bedroom flata place I managed to buy thanks to some help from my parents. I paid them back, just so it would feel properly mine.
So, I met Harry last year. We first bumped into each other at a cosy café near our offices, where we usually grabbed lunch. Hes a bit younger than me, but I didnt mind. Hes got that whole cheeky charm going for him and laid it on thick with the compliments, and well, I couldnt help but be a bit swept away.
Harry lived out in the countryside. He drove a car his parents got for him, but usually took the train into London for work because of the nightmare traffic.
Last month, he actually proposed! I know the whole biological clock thing is a thing, but Ive had my rose-tinted glasses off for a while now. We decided itd be smart to have a trial run living together before deciding anything major or telling my parents.
My flats all set up for a comfortable life. Im used to running my own home and honestly didnt fancy changing a thing. During the week, I dont really bother with breakfast, but at weekends I like to make something nice for myself. Quick meals and ready-mades crept into my meal plansno time for faffing about in the kitchen.
Once a month, Id do a big food shop. That always lasted me. And my nan would drop off fresh veg, some meat, a bit of cheese, all sorts, so really I had everything sorted. So, basically, Harry was walking into a fully-stocked setup.
We planned his move for Saturday. I cooked, cleaned, and got everything ready for our newest housemate. And thats how our little trial marriage started.
Day one.
I got home from work before Harry and decided not to wait; I made dinner. I hadnt needed to pop to Tesco because I already had everything in.
He called, Love, Im finished up now. Need anything from the shop? I asked him to grab something for teajust a little treat.
He turns up with a pack of éclairs and straightaway starts moaning, Blimey, can you believe how much these cost? Daylight robbery, I swear. Lets hope theyre worth it.
I just let it wash over me.
Day two. We both had the day off, so we nipped to Sainsburys together to grab milk, bread, and a few bits. At the checkout, Harry stands back while I pay.
Day three. Neither of us shopped, so we just finished off what was left at home.
Day four. I left work early again and got home to peel some spuds. Called Harry and asked him to pick up some fish.
He grumbled, This isnt proper fish, its just all coating. Why is it so pricey? And hed only bought two fillets!
I started to feel uncomfortable about it because honestly, fresh fish isnt crazy expensive.
Days five and six. I did all the food shopping myself. Made rice with meatballs for dinner on day five, and chicken with potatoes on day sixall from my own stockpile.
And what about something with tea? Didnt you buy anything? he asked.
Day seven. I went to make dinner and realised the freezer was empty. I call Harry, saying we really need to do a big food shop.
He goes, Youre off to see your mum and dad, right? Ill just head back out to the countryside.
Day eight. Harry comes back from his parents totally stuffed. Didnt really care what Id been eating.
Day nine. Grocery shopping day, and oh you should have seen the drama at the till. Harry gets out his wallet, eyes the total, and goes, Show me that receipt againhow can it be this much? I havent got enough on me. Youll have to cover the difference.
He gave me about £20, and I had to pay the rest. He grumbled the whole way home, going on about how theres no way well eat all this food. I snapped, and we ended up bickering.
Day ten. We only made up over the dinner that, surprise surprise, I cooked.
Day eleven. I ask, Fancy going to the cinema? Grab a bite after? and Harry goes, A bite? We just spent a fortune at the supermarket. Theres loads to eat at home.
We went to the film, but afterwards I bought myself a pizza and didnt bother cooking anything for us.
Day twelve. Harry waltzes in after work with some biscuits for tea, moaning again, Can you believe how dear these were? And the price on the shelf was different to what came up at the till!
Told him I had a headache and went straight to bed.
Day thirteen. Harrys off to see his parents again. I had dinner at a restaurant with a friend.
Day fourteen. Harry says first thing in the morning, Were out of pastaand the washing powder and the washing up liquid and soap. Can you pick some up? I told him Im busy today and that hed have to get them; Id write a list.
A few hours later, while I was at a meeting, I get a text: £40 vanished. This is ridiculous.
So I messaged back: Harry, I think were just not headed in the same direction. Pack your things and leave.
By the time I got home, he was goneand so was half the food in the fridge. Apparently, he did pay for some of it! Hes a decent guy, reallynothing terrible to say, he could easily be the sort youd settle down with
But honestly, Im just relieved I got out when I did.
