I recall an conversation with a friend of mine several years ago. He was married to a Brazilian woman and ran a dating service hooking up Anglo men with Brazilian women. He explained that Brazilian women were special, and, no matter what she looked like, she comported herself as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. That sort of confidence is very attractive.

Agnes was the middle daughter of a middle class family. Although her two sisters were pretty and were pursued by the eligible males — and some not so eligible — in her neighborhood, Agnes seemed destined to spinsterhood. She was in her thirties, overweight, with an elementary school teaching job. She had no man in her life and probably had not been asked out on a date for many years.

Nevertheless, she didn’t despair. She joined an online dating site and soon enough found a guy who thought Agnes was quite perfect for him! Joe was certainly just as large as she was, and they hit it off at once. At least, they had culinary tastes in common. They were both rather meek and unpretentious, which was to their mutual benefit. Although surprised that she even found a boyfriend, her mother and sisters were not impressed by the fellow. Yet in their pity, they grew to accept him.

Soon after, the couple got engaged and married. Only then did Agnes’ family get to meet her new in-laws. As is often the case, a father loves the difficult child more than the others. The latter can stand on their own, so independence is their father’s greatest gift. But the father favors the unsuccessful one, and so is solicitous to his needs.

Joe’s father turned out to be filthy rich. He was so thrilled to see his son finally happy, he built a million dollar house for the newlyweds. Moreover, when he found out her meager salary as a teacher, he told her he would match it if she would just stay home with his son! Suddenly, the pity of the sisters turned into envy.

So, I would hope, there is enough love in the world for everyone. Don’t put anyone down, because the conditions of life can sometimes change in an instant.