In my youth I got with a man. I was his woman. I bore him three children.

As I became a full adult I demanded a ring, which he denied. I stood my ground and told him it was only right, to give me a ring and his name. He called me his wife, that was enough for him.

It took a bawling out from my grandma. You don't turn your back on your man. It was up to him, if he wanted me to have his name. I bore him two more children and never asked again.

I never missed a meal and my children never missed a meal. I live in a paid for house. My children are all self sufficient. I have spent forty years by his side. He has never hit me, or otherwise made my day difficult. I have come to terms with him and the way he is. I would still rather have a ring.