I had a conversation....with someone I don't even know. She relates: For seven years he was my only boyfriend. I moved in with him one-and-a-half years into ou r relationship. In the third year, I hinted at the marriage subject. He ignored it. I abandoned the subject and continued to be good to him. Yes, I was good to him, in every way. One Sunday evening, (is it evening or afternoon?) whatever you call that time of the day, we were watching Our Perfect Wedding and it gave me the chance to start on the subject again. He then started to cough, I gave him amanzi (Eng. transl. 'water') and the coughing stopped. I told myself that today he will speak to me about this. And, indeed, he responded. Babe, I just got a new job which pays more money for me to be able to afford lobola (Eng. transl. 'dowry') and other stuff. I smiled. There was hope... Seven years into the relationship, and 13 months in his new job...I was still hoping.