“Look at How the Matchmakers Dressed Up. Adults Shouldn’t Behave Like Roosters”: Said the Mother-in-Law

Ruby had always been a bit of a loner. She preferred the company of books and her own thoughts to the bustling social life that many of her peers enjoyed. This was why she chose to live in a dormitory close to her workplace, even though it meant long commutes and lonely evenings. Her job as a junior editor at a small publishing house was demanding, but it gave her the solitude she craved.

William, on the other hand, was the life of the party. He lived with his parents in a spacious house in the suburbs. His job as a software developer allowed him to work from home, giving him plenty of time to socialize and entertain. He was funny, charming, and everyone loved him. His parents often hosted gatherings, and William was always the center of attention.

The two met through mutual friends at one of these gatherings. Ruby was there reluctantly, dragged along by her colleague Violet, who insisted that she needed to “get out more.” William noticed Ruby’s discomfort and made it his mission to make her feel welcome. His jokes and easygoing nature slowly chipped away at her defenses, and by the end of the evening, Ruby found herself laughing more than she had in months.

Despite their differences, they started dating. Ruby was drawn to William’s warmth and humor, while William found Ruby’s quiet intelligence intriguing. However, their relationship was far from smooth. Ruby’s introverted nature often clashed with William’s outgoing personality. She found his constant need for social interaction exhausting, while he struggled to understand her need for solitude.

Things came to a head when William’s parents decided to throw a grand party to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They invited all their friends and family, including Ruby. She dreaded the event but agreed to go for William’s sake.

On the day of the party, Ruby felt out of place among the well-dressed guests. She wore a simple dress, while everyone else seemed to be competing for the title of best-dressed. William’s parents had gone all out, dressing up like they were attending a royal ball. Ruby felt like an outsider in her own relationship.

As the evening progressed, Ruby retreated to a quiet corner, overwhelmed by the noise and the crowd. William noticed her absence and went to find her. When he did, he tried to coax her back into the party, but Ruby refused.

“Look at how everyone is dressed up,” she said quietly. “Adults shouldn’t behave like roosters.”

William laughed, thinking she was joking, but Ruby’s serious expression told him otherwise. He felt a pang of frustration. Why couldn’t she just enjoy herself for once?

Their argument escalated quickly. William accused Ruby of being antisocial and ungrateful, while Ruby accused him of being insensitive and superficial. The tension that had been building between them finally erupted.

William’s mother overheard their argument and intervened. “You two need to sort this out,” she said sternly. “But not here.”

Ruby felt humiliated and decided to leave the party early. She returned to her dormitory, feeling more alone than ever. The next day, she received a message from William saying they needed to talk.

When they met, it was clear that their relationship had reached a breaking point. They both realized that their differences were too great to overcome. Ruby needed someone who understood her need for solitude, while William needed someone who could match his social energy.

They parted ways amicably but with heavy hearts. Ruby returned to her quiet life, finding solace in her work and books. William continued to be the life of the party but felt a void that no amount of socializing could fill.

In the end, they both learned valuable lessons about themselves and what they needed in a partner. But those lessons came at the cost of their relationship.