One For The Road

Posted on December 31, 2009 12:00 pm by Sheng Banzon
Photo: "Two For The Road" Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

I've mentioned in a previous entry that I'm an Audrey Hepburn fan, and that Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany's are two of my top three favorite Audrey films. There's a less popular movie of hers that completes my list, slotting between the two aforementioned entries: Two for the Road, in which she stars opposite Albert Finney.

Aside from the use of nonlinear narrative to demonstrate the finer and lesser points of a marriage over the years, Two for the Road is one of my favorite films of all time because it is an honest portrayal of married life through the story of main characters Mark (Albert) and Jo (Audrey), even providing one of the most spot-on definitions of marriage that I know: "Marriage is when a woman asks a man to take off his pajamas--and it's because she wants to send them to the laundry."

Not only his PJs, I wish to point out; also his shirts, trousers, handkerchiefs, and socks. And--God help all married women--his knickers.

We're warned against speaking too soon about the future, but I don't think I shall ever wish to marry; it'll never be on my "list of things to accomplish by the time I'm such-and-such age," as opposed to, say, going back to school and getting a masters degree. Or owning my personal island. (Well, a girl can dream.)

For me, marriage will come if it's meant to come, as naturally as breathing. I've never understood why some people regard it as a necessity, as if being single might well be the death of them. When I think about it, marriage might well be the death of me. Commitment is a terrifying prospect. I can't imagine being tied to one person for the rest of my life and not being able to make decisions without considering its effect on both of us.

Maybe it's because I'm too selfish with my privacy, time, and freedom as of the moment, having only gotten full rein of it when I finally started making a living for myself (let's not even talk about money, because I don't even have enough to make me want to be selfish with it). I'm the type of person who has to accomplish certain things alone before I even consider taking on the challenge of being in a relationship with another person. I will never be able to get into a relationship when I know I can't afford to put it above reaching my personal goals. I can't be selfish that way, and neither should anybody, I think.

Most importantly, I can't say I've met anyone I'll even consider getting serious with, much less marry. But again, I'll never be active in looking--it'll come if it's destined to be. A lot of people have grown old saying that, but so what? It's nothing to be afraid of. You just have to believe you're lined up for something else.

Besides, being an old maid is much, much preferable to being one-half of a failed relationship. And, if I may disclose a spoiler, Two for the Road's ending is a happy one, because in spite of the many challenges of married life, you can make it work if you have the right person fighting with you and for you. If not, flying solo is always an option--and you don't have to wash any knickers other than your own.

Tags: life,movies,Two For The Road,Audrey Hepburn,singlehood,staying single,relationship,couples,married life,marriage

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27 Comments

• 
  YouMe
  27. I'm sio gonna look for that movie:) I might have an idea on what i will be facing soon, im only 22 and my bf is asking me na to marry him, urgh i really want to but still im afraid for the 'sawaan' na dumating then we wont have a choice because were already tied to each other diba..para lang makapagcontemplaqte ako,kami pala,pati sya pipilitin ko manuod:D
  March 17, 2010 at 03:13 pm report abuse
• 
  lalabong
  26. Marriage thing is not on my lists yet.
  March 17, 2010 at 03:10 pm report abuse
• 
  lalabong
  25. Marriage will come if it's meant to come. So don't find love, it will find you wherever you are.
  March 10, 2010 at 10:44 pm report abuse
• 
  handpaintedsky
  24. i haven't got the chance to watch audrey hepburn movies.sad.
  February 10, 2010 at 06:15 pm report abuse
• 
  fishbowl84
  23. one for the money :)
  February 09, 2010 at 10:40 pm report abuse
• 
  shirleylim26
  22. Single ladies shouldn't have to rush things. Marriage comes if it's meant to come. Only fools rush in.
  February 07, 2010 at 06:53 pm report abuse
• 
  miss_techylicious
  21. For me, marriage will come if it's meant to come, as naturally as breathing. -- you'll know that-this-is-it moment when you know that you're with the right guy.
  February 07, 2010 at 09:49 am report abuse
• 
  nhedzkie
  20. being an old maid is much, much preferable to being one-half of a failed relationship>> perfect!
  February 02, 2010 at 11:21 pm report abuse
• 
  summerinparis128
  19. im having a hard time looking for a dvd of old movies,i mean classic movies like ones for audrey hepburn.
  January 31, 2010 at 08:05 am report abuse
• 
  casebats
  18. this is inspiring
  January 28, 2010 at 06:11 am report abuse
• 
  prettylass8831
  17. One shouldn't be pressured into getting married. It will come if the timing is right.
  January 27, 2010 at 10:28 am report abuse
• 
  len9
  16. i love this quote haha "Marriage is when a woman asks a man to take off his pajamas--and it's because she wants to send them to the laundry." :)
  January 26, 2010 at 08:47 pm report abuse
• 
  miss_techylicious
  15. Besides, being an old maid is much, much preferable to being one-half of a failed relationship. -- super agree. relationship needs commitment and the process of give and take. i salute those who prefers to be single just bec they have great ambitions. mabuhay.
  January 25, 2010 at 08:15 pm report abuse
• 
  shirleylim26
  14. Marriage life is so wonderful if you are with someone you really love!
  January 22, 2010 at 03:18 pm report abuse
• littleangel_wendy
  13. hahahah ilike the article! i have nothing against marriage but as i see it, marriage entails a LOT of responsibilities. Im still on-the-job of getting armed for when i get there, and im not in a hurry as im enjoying the ride of being alone but not lonely ;P
  January 21, 2010 at 08:50 pm report abuse
• 
  vimags21
  12. good point! timely as well. i think times have changed and this is one of those things that changed over time.
  January 08, 2010 at 03:10 pm report abuse
• 
  fishbowl84
  11. "Marriage is when a woman asks a man to take off his pajamas--and it's because she wants to send them to the laundry." -- such a cute quote :) LOL
  January 03, 2010 at 10:59 pm report abuse
• 
  kobe_bear
  10. true, marriage will come when it's really your time... you don't have to rush it
  January 02, 2010 at 05:39 pm report abuse
• 
  hazelnutzy
  9. True! I'd rather marry someone and have kids when I can afford to feed them all and send them to a good school the way my parents brought me up. :)
  January 02, 2010 at 02:04 pm report abuse
• 
  rose17
  8. all the single ladies please stand up hehe
  January 01, 2010 at 05:51 pm report abuse
• 
  darriane
  7. Love is in the air..
  January 01, 2010 at 02:27 pm report abuse
• 
  miss_techylicious
  6. "Besides, being an old maid is much, much preferable to being one-half of a failed relationship." -- we recently attended a marriage seminar and one of the reasons of failed marriages is poor communication. both parties should be ready in all aspect or atleast in common ground in such a way that they both like a happy marriage. i still believe marrying the right person is such a wonderful feeling. =)
  January 01, 2010 at 11:55 am report abuse
• 
  summerinparis128
  5. I'm an Audrey Hepburn Fan too! I haven't seen her films/movies yet, I just adore her beauty and all. Well, this article made me realize that there is a lot of things that Audrey Hepburn has to offer and I'm now planning to go to a Video Store by Sunday and have an Audrey Hepburn Movie-Marathon.Now,talking about marriage, I agree that Marriage is not a necessity, if it's destined, then it'll come.I wanted to get Married,not because I think it's a need but I want to see myself in the future having kids,family and taking care of them.I also believe that giving birth,though it is painful and having kids is a priceless feeling/experience.I want to experience Mommahood.hehe.For now,the only thing I can tell myself is : Let's just wait and see : )
  January 01, 2010 at 06:39 am report abuse
• 
  jonaganda
  4. very well said! hurray single ladies..
  December 31, 2009 at 03:14 pm report abuse
• sandy
  3. Great article! Totally agree with you on the marriage thing.
  December 31, 2009 at 02:50 pm report abuse
• Sheng Banzon
  2. @Myrajoy: Perhaps I'll find that out myself and say it with conviction when the time comes. :)
  December 31, 2009 at 02:12 pm report abuse
• 
  Myrajoy
  1. there are a lot of disadvantages in marrying someone..but there are also benefits..
  December 31, 2009 at 01:05 pm report abuse

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