We Don't Get No Respect

I was riding the train this evening back from square dancing. The husband of one of my former work colleagues was also on the train and struck up a conversation. He asked me, "Are you and Ron still together?" I'm sure he meant no offense (and I didn't take any), but it's a demeaning (and stupid) question. The fact that Ron and I are not married confuses some people. They assume that our relationship must be casual, or not quite as stable, or as real as marriage.

You read it here: Ron and I are still together, and will be for the forseeable future. Next week, we celebrate the 25th year of our casual, not quite stable, not quite real relationship. (No irony, please.)