“Two Trees
A portion of your soul has been
entwined with mine
A gentle kind of togetherness, while
separately we stand.
As two trees deeply rooted in
separate plots of ground,
While their topmost branches
come together,
Forming a miracle of lace
against the heavens.” 
― Janet Miles

“If we be doomed to marry, we marry; if we be doomed to remain single we do.” 
― Thomas Hardy

“So many events and moments that seemed insignificant add up. I remember how for the last Valentine´s Day, N gave flowers but no card. In restaurants, he looked off into the middle distance while my hand would creep across the table to hold his. He would always let go first. I realize I can´t remember his last spontaneous gesture of affection.” 
― Suzanne Finnamore

“Years of love, followed by heartache.  Those are the years that define me.
Those are the years that know–
love’s eternity is you.” 
― C. Elizabeth

“Two people can only live as one when each is prepared to give and receive trust and understanding. Above that lies respect. Without respect for how the other feels, no marriage is worthwhile.” 
― Helen Hollick

“If I had a girl I should say to her, 'Marry for love if you can, it won't last, but it is a very interesting experience and makes a good beginning in life. Later on, when you marry for money, for heaven's sake let it be big money. There are no other possible reasons for marrying at all.” 
― Nancy Mitford

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters.” 
― Jane Austen

“[Marriage] happens as with cages: the birds without despair to get in, and those within despair of getting out.” 
― Michel de Montaigne