Couples testimony: “Twice a year, we escape for a few days”

Virginia, 39, hospital director, married to Emmanuel, 40, architect. Together for 13 years, 3 children.

What was your state of mind when you met?
Virginia: I was in a very unhappy marriage. I longed for a light-hearted and reassuring adventure. It is in this state that I met Emmanuel in a hospital in Montpellier, where I did an internship. He managed a ward for children. One day, our eyes met, his were intense, deep, very nice. I felt that I existed for him, I was a real person. His eyes were full of expectations.

Emmanuel: I had a girlfriend at the time, but when I saw Virginia, I immediately thought “That’s her!” I got her phone number from the hospital. I invited her out for a drink, my hunch was right, we had plenty in common, and she had a passion for architecture.

How did your love story happen? 
Virginia: We started out as friends, Emmanuel introduced me to his city. It was only a few weeks later, in a garden, that he kissed me. He was very attentive; I enjoyed the charm of our complicity without me projecting in long-term.
Emmanuel: Gradually. Then it became so strong that we decided to get married.

What did you like about each other?
Virginia: His extremely protective side. Also the fact that we had the same view of the world.
Emmanuel: That everything was so easy and natural. I never really knew how to talk much, unlike her. I’ve always been more dependent also…

What is the secret of your longevity?
Virginia: With three children, daily life is not as light-hearted, but we escape together for a few days, twice a year.
Emmanuel: We always do little projects together. I am working on a house that is really us, with a kitchen centrepiece. We also dream of going on a world tour by boat. For her sake, I always want to reach for the moon.

Read more from our  report “The secrets to a lasting relationship”:
Testimony: “Our projects bound us”

 
 

Laurence Cochet