How My Parents Fell For My Husband

by Amy Sohn

In late June, about nine months after we met, Jack proposed. There was no engagement ring because he didn’t have the money and at first this bothered me, but then I read about the evil history of diamonds and decided it was all right. A few days after our engagement, we went over to my parents’ to tell them our news.

“They’re going to be so happy for us,” I said, in the elevator.

“I’m not so sure,” he said. “I’m not Jewish, and I’m an artist. I think we should decide now if we’re asking them or telling them.”

“We’re telling them,” I said. “I’m 29 years old. That’s too old to ask permission.”

“Good,” he said.