“Twice Married, But Never Satisfied: She Believed a Man Should Adore Her and Treat Her Like a Queen”

I met Emily during our freshman year at the University of Michigan. She was vibrant, full of life, and had an infectious laugh that could light up any room. We quickly became friends, sharing dreams and aspirations over late-night study sessions and coffee breaks.

Emily always had a romanticized view of love. She believed in fairy tales, where the prince would come and sweep the princess off her feet, showering her with love and adoration. This belief was deeply ingrained in her, perhaps stemming from the countless Disney movies she watched as a child.

Her first marriage happened right after college. She met Mark at a mutual friend’s wedding, and they hit it off instantly. Mark was charming, attentive, and seemed to fit perfectly into Emily’s idea of a prince. They got married within a year of dating. However, reality soon set in.

Mark was a good man, but he wasn’t the prince Emily had envisioned. He had his flaws, just like anyone else. He worked long hours, often coming home exhausted. He loved Emily, but he wasn’t the type to shower her with constant affection and grand gestures. Emily felt neglected and unappreciated. She believed that love should be more than just companionship; it should be an endless romance.

Their marriage started to crumble under the weight of Emily’s expectations. She wanted Mark to adore her, to treat her like a queen, but Mark was just trying to keep up with the demands of life. They argued frequently, and Emily felt increasingly isolated. After three years of trying to make it work, they decided to part ways.

Emily’s second marriage was different. She met David through work. He was stable, reliable, and seemed to offer the security she craved after her tumultuous first marriage. They dated for a couple of years before tying the knot. This time, Emily thought she was making a practical decision.

However, practicality didn’t equate to happiness. David was kind and supportive, but their relationship lacked the passion Emily yearned for. She missed the excitement, the feeling of being adored. David was more focused on building a future together, saving for a house, planning for retirement. Emily felt like she was living in a comfortable but passionless bubble.

Adding to her discontent was the fact that she couldn’t have children in either marriage. It was a painful reality that weighed heavily on her heart. She had always dreamed of having a family, but it seemed like fate had other plans.

Emily’s dissatisfaction grew over time. She felt trapped in a life that didn’t match her dreams. She wanted more than just stability; she wanted to be cherished, to feel special every day. But David, despite his best efforts, couldn’t fulfill that need.

Their marriage slowly deteriorated. Emily became increasingly withdrawn, spending more time with friends and less with David. They tried counseling, but it only highlighted their differences. After five years of marriage, they decided to divorce.

Emily’s story is a poignant reminder that fairy tales rarely translate into real life. Her belief in the Cinderella syndrome led her to chase an ideal that was hard to attain. She wanted to be adored and treated like a queen, but real relationships require compromise, understanding, and acceptance of each other’s flaws.

Today, Emily is single and still searching for that elusive fairy tale love. She has learned some hard lessons along the way but remains hopeful that one day she will find someone who can meet her halfway.