The bustling city of Manhattan had settled into its evening lull as Alan and Melissa made their way to their favorite French bistro in the West Village. Married for ten years, they had developed a unique tradition: once a month, over a dinner lubricated with a fine Chateau Margaux, they engaged in a spirited debate about the state of their marriage. According to the English rules of debate, Alan always took the affirmative, listing reasons why they should stay together, while Melissa countered with reasons why they should not.
Seated at their usual corner table, Alan poured the rich, ruby-red wine into their glasses. He loved these debates, not just because he believed in their marriage, but also because the rules allowed him the first and last word—which he loved.
“Shall we begin?” Alan said, lifting his glass in a toast.
“Let’s,” Melissa replied, her eyes sparkling with both challenge and affection.
Alan set his glass down and straightened in his chair. “Ladies and gentlemen, the question before us tonight: Should Alan and Melissa stay together? I argue in the affirmative.” He paused, taking a moment to appreciate the structure of his argument. “First, we have ten years of shared history, a foundation that cannot be easily replicated. We’ve faced challenges together and emerged stronger each time. Second, our complementary strengths make us a formidable team. Melissa’s creativity and my analytical mind create a balance that benefits us both. Lastly, our love for each other remains strong, a testament to our commitment and compatibility.”
He leaned back, smiling. “The floor is yours, my love.”
Melissa took a sip of her wine, gathering her thoughts. “Ladies and gentlemen, while Alan makes compelling points, I must argue that staying together might not be in our best interest. First, our constant debates, though intellectually stimulating, highlight underlying issues of control and communication. Second, our differing life goals—Alan’s yearning for adventure versus my need for stability, create tension that can’t be ignored. Lastly, the question of whether comfort has replaced genuine passion in our relationship looms large.”
She met Alan’s gaze, her expression challenging yet tender. “Back to the Affirmative.”
Alan couldn’t suppress a grin. He loved Melissa’s fierce intelligence and the way she challenged him. “In response to Melissa’s points: our debates, rather than being a sign of discord, are a unique form of connection. They keep us engaged and allow us to address issues head-on. Our differing goals can be seen not as a source of tension but as an opportunity for growth and compromise. And as for passion, I believe our love-making, speaks for itself.”
He raised his glass in conclusion. “In summary, our shared history, complementary strengths, and enduring love are more than enough reasons for us to stay together. Thank you.”
Melissa smiled, raising her own glass, her eyes glowing with desire. “Well argued, as always.”
They finished their dinner and the last of the Chateau Margaux, the debate having fueled both their minds and hearts. Walking back to their apartment, the cool night air wrapped around them, they held hands, the words of their spirited debate still humming between them.
As they stepped inside, the familiar warmth of their home enveloped them. The debate had reignited a spark, a reminder of why they had chosen each other in the first place. Their lips met, first in a gentle kiss, then with increasing urgency, their bodies remembering the passion that had never truly waned.
In the intimate dance that followed, they found their answers—not in words or arguments, but in the unspoken language of love and connection. The great fight for couples had once again brought them closer, reinforcing the bond they shared and the love that had sustained them through a decade.
And in the quiet aftermath, as they lay entwined, Alan whispered, “I think we should stay together.”
Melissa laughed softly, her head resting on his chest. “I think you might be right.”
At Marriage Couples Counseling, Andre Moore, LMFT frequently tells this good fight story to couples, much to their delight.
