Tim Dowling: it’s our 30th wedding anniversary soon – but first a dance with the dustbins

I've had hundreds of chances to become a better husband over the years - and I've seized none of them

I am sitting at the kitchen table. My wife is standing at the sink with her back to me, washing something up while telling me about all the upcoming social obligations she has managed to extract us from.

Is it a good idea," I ask, us never going anywhere again?"