She started with this whole speech about how she'd been thinking about us and where we're headed. I'm thinking we're about to have one of those check-in conversations couples have sometimes. Maybe she wants to plan a vacation or talk about buying a bigger house. Boy, was I wrong.
"I think we need to explore our options while we're still young," she said.
I stared at her. "What do you mean by explore our options?"
She did this uncomfortable shifting thing and dropped the real news. "I love you, but I feel like we're missing out on something. We got together so young and we've never really experienced other people or other relationships."
My brain was doing that thing where it's trying to process information, but everything's moving in slow motion. Like when you're in a car accident and you can see it happening, but can't stop it.
"Are you unhappy with our marriage?" I managed to ask.
"No, that's not it at all. I love you and want to stay married, but I think we should consider opening up our relationship. An open marriage would be good for both of us. We could explore other connections while still maintaining what we have together."
She kept talking about how she'd been researching it online and how lots of couples do it successfully. Britney had apparently told her about some couples she knew who had open marriages and were so much happier than traditional couples. But then she added, "Besides, it's not like our current situation is exactly thrilling anymore. Maybe some outside perspective would help us both grow up and figure out what we actually want."
The whole time I'm sitting there thinking this feels like a script she's been practicing with her friend group, complete with little digs at me, disguised as relationship advice.