BellaOnline Forums Relationships Marriage Married AND Independent

I came across this info and smiled at the thought of this interpretation of being married but keeping your independence.

William Godwin was born in England 1756 to a middle-class family of stern Calvinist belief, and he was educated at Hoxton Academy to follow his father into the ministry.

He believed firmly in the perfectibility of man, and that violence (and the governments who claimed a monopoly on it) was unneeded, and that only calm discussion was needed to effect change.

He married the pioneer feminist author Mary Wollstonecraft in March of 1797, they took two houses side by side to preserve their independence.

By the by, wife Mary died giving birth to Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (Shelley) who went on to write Frankenstein.

Well, I guess living next door might suit some marriages - what do you say?

Cheers

P S He said, "Without independence men cannot become either wise, useful, or happy."

Perhaps he meant that in a broader point of view, in life and in politics rather than as a personal philosophy. Anyway.

I used to think that this was the way to go, but I have enjoyed living with my husband for almost 36 years. We do things together, but we also have separate interests. We each support the other's interests. Right now, I am listening to him practice guitar while I make my posts. It is extremely pleasant.

I can't imagine living next door to my husband. We're independent w/out needing a geographical isolation.

In terms of "alone time" I'd think a room here or there or simply understanding 'hey my best friends needs some space and/or they're working on something or they just want to do whatever, sing, play a video game, cook, garden ~ that's the independent aspect.

The part I have to say where we actually DO need separate location, is, well, lol, he snores on occasion.

I'm a sleeper, where, the mask goes on and ear-plugs go in and if you just stare at me in the door-way, I'll wake up. He understands this.

He said something the other day and I've not posted it until now, "You're my best friend...when I go, I can't think of anyone else by my side that would be any better than the one person that knows me the best. I love you."

Maybe that's old-fashioned. But it works in my opinion, in today's fast paced, "Female independence" as well as just the simplicity of human nature. I wish for those that would want both worlds, that they will find such a balance.