Kristoffer, would you marry a 55-year old woman?

OK, to be fair, I was first asked if I would marry a 45-year old woman. I took it as a compliment.

In Swedish class, we were discussing age differences in marriage, all in the context of marriage versus the summarily Swedish phenomenon known as "sambo" or "living together." The term "sambo" comes from the compound word "sammansboende," or literally, "together living." So, when asked if I would marry a 45-year old woman, I responded that I was 37, so that was really no big deal, only eight years.


I thought that would take me, as they say, "off the hook." But, no, the teacher kept me squirming and wriggling while he upped the ante to 55. I said, "Kärlek över allt," or "Love above all." I sat there hoping for a really large fish to rescue me, but, no, the fisher continued to fish. He asked what my parents might think of the arrangement (with the 55-year old woman). I responded by saying that I would just talk to them and convince them of our relationship.

Yikes. Even though the class was merely five people I knew, I didn't want to get into the "well, it wouldn't actually be a 45-year old WOMAN..." story. I thought we needed to stay on topic. I have also been advised to lay a little low about that, given the variety of cultures represented in my "Swedish for Immigrants" study center. I know my silence may be considered a bit controversial, but I am there for such a short time and I knew this would blow past in moments. Don't think it didn't cross my mind, but I have found the subject a little more complex when dealing with an international community. I must add, there was reference to the domestic partnership laws for gay couples in the "sambo" literature.

I did, however, discuss the fact that the double standard with regard to age differences in heterosexual relationships was a dated remnant of patriarchy. I am sure I did not state it quite so eloquently. More like "Bad."

And, truthfully, age doesn't really matter.



All in a day's work.

Hej då.