In the book "In Calabria" by Peter S. Beagle, the author reflects on the nature of marriage, comparing it to games like football or bocce. He suggests that unlike sports, where some may possess innate talent, marriage does not require special gifts or skills. Instead, it is a journey with ups and downs where couples navigate challenges together.

The key element in this journey is love. Beagle emphasizes that with a strong foundation of love, partners can learn and grow together through their experiences, despite the lack of expertise or instruction in managing their relationship. The notion of stumbling along suggests that marriage is not perfect, but rather a continuous process of learning and adapting.