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It’s funny that the way I was introduced to my wife is derided by society. For if we had met on a nightclub dance-floor, while completely inebriated, and had immediately jumped into bed together, society would have given us a pat on the back and wheezed, “Way to go!”

Of course, the latter would not have been acceptable to my family at all, so I understand their point of view. There was a strong cultural expectation in our family that we’d remain celibate until marriage. I guess that complicated relationships rather a lot, given that’s not the general expectation of most modern couples.

I actually remember the day I announced I was getting married. It was just after the second or third time I met my wife-to-be. I dispatched the news by email. My father was the first to respond, and he sounded quite positive and glad. But that positivity was short-lived, for all hell would soon break loose.

Obviously, I understand my family’s reaction completely. I’d never mentioned her before, because we’d only just met, and all of a sudden I was speaking of marriage just weeks away. Had I completely lost my mind? Suffice to say, I was very nearly persuaded that I had.

But let’s come back to society’s reaction. If popular culture is to be believed — films, books, music, banter between friends — it would be considered quite normal for a couple on their first date to immediately sleep together. If they then moved in together as boyfriend and girlfriend, few would consider that level of commitment unusual.

Such is the romantic equivalent of try before you buy. Let’s see if this thing will work for a few years: if it does, then we’ll splurge £30K on a great big celebration, and formalise it with an exchange of rings and vows. And, if not, well no matter: you saved yourself £30K.

But to marry straight away? To let like blossom into love, with a commitment to share your life together? It’s a conception few seem capable of comprehending. It seems crazy: too much commitment, way too soon. What if it doesn’t work out? What if this, what if that?

My own what if is rather different. What if, after that first introduction 22 years ago, I had capitulated to all of the naysayers? What would my life look like now? Where would I be? Whatever society may say, I’m so glad we went ahead with our marriage, that bright sunny day, four months after we first met.

Just because something doesn’t conform to societal expectations, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong. Sometimes you have to have the courage of your convictions. To pursue what, in your heart, you know to be right for you. For me, it all started with a prayer. And so I couldn’t help but follow through.