One more thing that Germans like. . .

getting married a year after the baby’s born. Not getting married. Being wildlly hochnäsig about not getting married. Being a Hochzeitsverweigerer.* Marrying on account of the taxes. Mentioning this in the invitation.

Now don’t get your drawers in a bunch. The SIL didn’t do all of the above, and those things which will be an element of Saturday’s festivities are in likelihood not entirely her fault. I have it on good authority that she wanted to get married, but that my soon-BIL wouldn’t have it and conceded a mere month before the birth of the above mentioned offspring. This simplified naming the child, and as they are both Beamten and one of them is changing jobs, it really was the only way that the whole family could live together (because the State actually ironically still does care if you are married or not).

Na gut. There would be a wedding, but it would not be a big deal. And, in fact, it will be a very small affair, witnesses, siblings, parents and their immediate families. There will be lunch. There will be a walk, and in breaking news, there will now be coffee and cake despite reported protests from the groom that – well, simply put that everyone should more or less piss off after lunch so that they can spend the day together, just the three of them.

They are teachers. This is Ba-Wü. It is August. They have 6 weeks to be alone, just the three of them. The witnesses are driving 2 hours each way with small children to be there. What are they thinking!?!?
And why am I digging so deep into my pockets for a wedding gift, when our presence is at most tolerated?

Because I like my SIL and this is it for her as far as weddings go, so she should have a nice day. And because the coffee solution has been worked out. Ultimately this will take place at the in-laws and potentially without participation of the newlyweds and child so that at least the rest of us can enjoy eachother’s company.

*Die Gedanken sind frei and all that, but do not tell me that not getting married is all about it not being the State’s business when you have a child and have to sign even more papers, declaring fatherhood and accepting paternity and divying up the custody. Or buying a house togehter. It’s not because “it’s just a piece of paper”. It is because someone is opposed to getting married.