The Story Of Us

I saw Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis’ The Story of Us twice yesterday. It’s a good thing I was alone the first time I watched it. My eyes stung by the end of the movie because I kept crying each time one of the main characters cried over their fucked up marriage.

It’s weird and comforting to see a glimpse of my relationship in this movie. I know it’s just a film, but hey, surely they draw this stuff from real life right?

The female character is generally exhausted from juggling with work, kids, a husband and keeping house. She feels that she has to follow a timetable in order to accomplish the one thousand tasks that need to be done. In the process of being a mother and wife, she lost her old, fun self. She forgot to be affectionate and in many ways failed to address the needs of her husband.

The male character is too spontaneous. Although well meaning, his behavior seems to be often in the way of getting things done. He longs for the spark that they used to have, but at one point ends up seeking another woman to have “someone to talk to.”

To stop the cycle of fighting over the same shit, the couple both retreated in silence and eventually decided to separate.

One good realization after watching this film is that it’s never the fault of just one person. It may be hard to admit, but I know I made some mistakes too.

As the other half in a relationship, I often see things just my way. As human beings, very rarely do we see things from another person’s eyes.

Maybe, from time to time, I should make an effort to place myself in the other person’s shoes. How would I want to be treated? How would I want my partner to react to my tantrums? For quite some time, I have always seen my way as the only way. I’m sure this is one thing that any partner would hate. Of course, this goes without saying that it should work both ways.

When Denver came home from work, I watched it with him again. As I expected, he also saw “us.” From time to time he would glance at me, or let me know that I behave exactly like Michelle. I didn’t cry the second time I saw it.

I don’t recommend the movie to everyone. Singletons may not enjoy it. I just appreciate it so much because it makes me hopeful about my “marriage.” The ups still outweigh the downs, and for that I choose to stay.