Nuptials

Doesn't this sound like the coolest wedding ever?
"Oxford registr office for the Civil Partnership, with a few friends and family (less than 30) - then a restaurant lunch for them all. Then - phase two - off to a barn 'n' bar place in deepest rural oxfordshire, with a bit of river, woodland, lawn etc for champagne and nibbles for EVERYONE, followed by a druid wedding in a circle under the trees filled with golden candles and red geraniums, with incense and someone singing hildegarde of bingen and conducted by Justine in something utterly gorgeous. Then back to the barn for stand-up organic fish and chips with wooden forks, a free bar and a bloody great disco."

So, you will glean that I recently had the delightful news that one of my best friends is getting married and that I am sick with excitement about it. He has been with his boyfriend for ages, and they are hopelessly happy together in a really straightforward way. I have always particularly envied is their excellent ability to take one another's foibles with breezy good humour and patience. This may, after all, be what one really needs in life. Sex etc. are all very nice, but someone whose exact brand of calm is the seamless counterpoint to your particular variety of mania, or whatever, is a rare and fine thing indeed, and, crucially someone with whom you can live. Not to mention the burst of love and gratitude you feel when somebody who knows you perfectly identifies your terrible failings to your face and makes you laugh out loud at them. It needn't be an inamorato, of course, but how delicious the thrill of recognition when it is. Congratulations, B and M: be happy and dig the garden.