To My Sister’s Future Husband

Summary

The author pens a heartfelt and protective message to their future brother-in-law, outlining expectations and the significance of his role in their sister's life.

Abstract

In "To My Sister’s Future Husband," the author addresses the man who has earned the right to marry their sister, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort, honesty, and respect in the relationship. The author is clear that their approval is a testament to the man's character and his ability to handle the responsibility that comes with marrying into their family. They highlight their sister's resilience and sensitivity, urging the future husband to be attentive and prioritize her needs. The author's protective stance is rooted in a deep familial bond and a history of challenges their sister has faced. They remind the future husband that while their sister is strong, she also requires care and understanding. The author's message is both a warning and an encouragement, underscoring the beauty and challenges of their sister's personality, akin to the thorns and blooms of a rose.

Opinions

The author has a protective and somewhat cautious view of the future husband, ensuring he understands the gravity of his commitment.
There is an underlying trust that the future husband is capable and deserving, as evidenced by the author's approval.
The author values honesty and integrity, expecting the future husband to be truthful and to own up to his mistakes.
The author believes in the sister's strength and independence but also acknowledges her vulnerability and the need for a supportive partner.
The author sees the sister's love and companionship as a precious gift, worthy of the highest respect and prioritization.
There is a religious undertone, suggesting that faith plays a role in the family's values and expectations.
The author is prepared to intervene if the future husband fails to meet the standards set forth, indicating a zero-tolerance policy for mistreatment.

This is required reading

The fact that you can lay claim to this title means that I don’t hate you. Congratulations. I hope you know that tying the knot won’t, in a thousand years, give you permission to start slipping. If you thought that my standards were too high, you wouldn’t be the guy, so I know that’s not even a cause for concern. You aren’t the man to come into her life just to strike a match and watch it burn: you can’t be. I won’t allow it.

Controlling is not the word, see, I’ve watched Little Miss Sunshine grow up too fast and start raising her mom at the age of fifteen. I’ve seen her endure things that you wouldn’t even want to read about, fiction or otherwise. But we come from quite the family and our truth is stranger than fantasy.

My friend, understand that there’s nothing optional about it: this is required reading. I am my sister’s keeper and I’ve gladly accepted the duty of protection that falls on me.

You’re reading this, which means that I gave you permission when you asked me. Permission to marry my sister, of course: who else would you ask but me? I’m glad you made the right choice: if you hadn’t, it really wouldn’t have been meant to be, anyway.

She has an easy smile, but she’s fragile so you’ll need to watch your words. Be honest with her, always, or I’ll hit you where it hurts. She won’t ask for help, that’s why you need to pay attention. Apologize when you cause her harm, even if it wasn’t your intention because impact matters just as much as the words that you let slip when you were angry.

And if you think you’re funny, I promise I’m funnier than you — but none of this is to say she can’t hold her own, too. Respect her time, she gives you more than what she can afford. She needs to be your priority, above all else except for the Lord, of course. It’s simple, really. Do right by her as I know you can, because I gave you permission when you asked me.

Audacious? By no means, but protective? Absolutely. Remember when you hold a rose, the real ones will make you bleed, a testament to everything they had to endure just to make it to today, to breathe. But where thorns are present, there is real beauty. Just think of the crown on our Savior’s head when they nailed Him to the tree.

Heed these words and when it all works out, you’ll see that it was worth having to hear my mouth: a small price to pay to marry the woman of your dreams?

Who are you? That remains to be seen. But this is guaranteed: that the only one happier than the bride herself on her wedding day will be me.