I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm only 24 years old, i assumed marriage counseling was a special privilege for the over 40s, who's sex life had dried up and all they had holding them together was there shared love of arguing. But no. Apparently me and my husband of 2 years needs help.

Our problems started pretty much the day we met. My mother told me that my lack of boyfriends in my life was embarrassing.
"Britney, if you don't find yourself a man by 21 i will find one for You"
I didn't actually think she was serious. But no, she was.

She introduced me to Sam at one of friends Garden party's. he seemed like a nice guy. Not that I'd ever felt exceptionally attracted to guys- but he was nice. He took me out to dinner twice. Was a complete gentleman, and by date 3 my mother had pretty much picked out her wedding hat.

6 months in and I was way out of my depth. She was so weirdly proud that she could boast on how her eldest daughter was in fact normal and in a relationship I couldn't tell her how not into Sam I was.

Then Sam told me he loved me and I felt sorry for him so I lied and told him I loved him to which lead him to propose, right there and then. I was already so far into this, and if I had said no and we split up, then what? I go back to being forever single. Least with Sam I'd make my mother happy, Sam would be happy and I had someone to care for me. So I said yes.

Before I new it I was packing up my room and moving into his parents guest house.
"Finally those horrific posters of that Megan fox can come down off your wall"

I rolled my eyes. I liked her outfit that was all.
"Yes mom."
It's far easier to just go along with anything she says. Any further conversation than necessary isn't worth it.

So that was it. I was at Sam's, and now I was meant to live my life. Be an adult and plan a wedding.

We only wanted a small wedding. But our mothers didn't. So we had to invite everyone we've ever met. The local shop keepers, high school friends even the father and son who once cleaned my grandfathers pool. It was ridiculous. But why not make this whole charade even bigger.

I was a nice day- a dream wedding to most people. Sam had a huge smile all day. I even started to believe it was all a big fairytale at times.

But then when we got back to reality. Sam's job wanted him to move to New York. That was fine by me. The further away from my mother the better! I love her but It was going to be easier living my life away from her constant judging.

So we did. We rented out this neat little apartment in the city. From this point on. For the next year and a half I would come to realize what an asshole my 'husband' is. We hardly communicate day to day, so I'm not sure why he thinks airing our issues in front of some old person will make any difference. But it's fine, I'm doing what he wants so he can't go back and tell my mother it was all me.

Which brings us to present time. In the waiting room to see our marriage councilor. Recommended by my dear husband. Because he doesn't want to be embarrassed by a divorce at 24. Which in all fairness would suck.

"Mr and Mrs Evans. Ms Lopez is ready to see you."

I looked at Sam.
"Here goes".