I did not see this coming

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I received a comment (and I do so appreciate your comments) that included a question about my ability to determine if a marriage would endure after only a few hours of pre-marriage counseling. In other words, had I ever been wrong in my assessment. Yes, a few times. The one that follows is the most remarkable.

Rod and Shirley were very attractive young people and appeared to me to be very much in love. Rod was extraordinarily solicitous toward Shirley. When they arrived for their counseling appointments, he always opened the car door and the office door for her. He would help her remove her jacket before sitting down beside her on my sofa. During our meeting, he would often hold her hand, or put an arm around her shoulder. They both asked questions and discussed points of disagreement easily reaching compromises. They radiated happiness and love for each other.

Their wedding came off without a hitch, which was unusual for a wedding that included so large a wedding party—six bride's maids and a matron of honor and the corresponding number of attendants on the groom's side of the alter. After the service, the wedding party stayed behind in the church for the requisite picture-taking and then because the reception was to be an informal outside affair they changed into casual clothes. The Rod and Shirley were the last to change.

Since I had borrowed the church for their wedding, I had to make sure everything was in order before I locked the doors. I finished my inspection of the building and awaited the exit of the bride and groom. Rob came out first carrying his rented tux in its garment bag and walked to his car where he unlocked his door and deposited his attire in the back seat. He then faced the church and watched Shirley emerged—slowly and awkwardly, loaded down like a Sherpa preparing to climb of Mt. Everest. She was carrying her gown in its covering and several wedding presents in various sized boxes. I held the door open for her. She walked to Rob's car and looked expectantly for his help. He realized her door was still locked and threw the car keys over the roof of the car in her direction at the same time saying, "Don't expect me to wait on you any more now that we're married." Six miserable months later Shirley sued for divorce.