on marriage

they may remember
the vision they have had, but they cease to regret it,
maintain themselves by the common routine,
learn to avoid excessive expectation,
become tolerant of themselves and others,
giving and taking, in the usual actions
what there is to give and take. They do not repine;
Are contented with the morning that separates
And with the evening that brings together
For casual talk before the fire
two people who know they do not understand each other,
breeding children whom they do not understand
and who will never understand them.

- T.S. Eliot, excerpt from "The Cocktail Party"