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Choosing a Bride

When I was young, my father’s favorite cheese was County Line Colby. It came with a rind and purple stain that leaked through the rind onto the outer part of the cheese. I liked eating that part thinking that it might be magic, but my mother was afraid it might make me sick with cancer and often cut it off.

 
A tale from the Grimm collection tells of a young man who goes to his mom for advice when it is time for him to select a bride. He has favored three sisters and doesn’t know which to choose. The shepherd’s mother says, “It is simple! Invite all three to lunch. Serve cheese. Watch how each eats and I will tell you which to choose for your bride.”
 
The shepherd boy invites to lunch all three sisters serving each a piece of cheese. The oldest ate it all, the rind and all! The middle sister cut off the rind, but wasted much of the cheese. The youngest peeled the cheese, set the rind aside leaving no wasted cheese. 
 
As you can easily guess, the mother explained the wisdom of the youngest sister. She and the shepherd married living happily ever after.  
 
Ah, if only choosing a spouse were this simple!
 
Meade, Erica Helm. The Moon in the Well.