Being Stupid Together

There's this couple at my church. They've been married about twenty years. I love seeing them together. They both have a wicked sense of humor and nothing makes me smile as much as watching them tease each other in public. The way she bends over when she laughs, the twinkle is his eye: it's really priceless.

One of the toughest things about being Abouna and Tasoni is dealing with our public relationship. I hate the fact that I have to think twice before I take his hand or tuck myself under his arm. I never ever hesitated about this before. We were a young, modern, carefree couple. Now we're so busy guarding our Abouna/Tasoni personas, that it is nearly impossible to love publicly. Add to that old-fashioned Egyptian values that make everything taboo, and I'm paralyzed!

Last week the church family went out to a restaurant. When Abouna walked in late, I rushed to meet him. I was so happy that he'd made it. But then as I got closer I realized... everyone is watching. What am I supposed to do? Hug or not hug? Kiss or not kiss? Am I smiling enough? Am I grinning too big? That makes me want to burst into tears right here on this page. Will we ever be secure enough in our new positions that being together in public won't be such a big deal?

Abouna has a very important note to make about this which is that we wouldn't want to hurt people who are not in loving relationships. But I argue that it's completely the opposite. It's important that people see a successful relationship. Those who aren't married yet will have living proof that there is love after marriage. Those who are married might be inspired and rekindle the romance.

Thoughts? Advice?