Enobarbus

I always remember – from my youth – Enobarbus’s immortal line from Antony and Cleopatra…

Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety. 

Antony and Cleopatra: Act II Scene II

I was Enobarbus in our classroom rendition of Shakespeare’s classic. And as it was in the play, so it is in life.

‘Infinite variety’ keeps you on your toes. Sometimes frustrating, but perhaps essential in a life partner. 

But as Lepidus says at the start of the scene:

Good Enobarbus, ’tis a worthy deed,
And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
To soft and gentle speech.

‘Infinite variety’ and ‘soft and gentle speech’ aren’t bad ingredients, to keep the most important relationship on the right road.