No significant societal gains, either technological, sociological or artistic are being made, or have been made in recent memory. Your culture has remained essentially as it is for generations. Rulers tend to emphasise maintaining the status quo.
Comfortable: This is the middle class of any Culture, regardless of the average wealth of its citizens. These folk usually live in clean, nicely apportioned homes or apartments, often in better neighborhoods. They eat regularly and occasionally very well.
The followers of an unheard-of-god from another land followed omens that led them to you. The omens indicate that you are to be the mate of an avatar (earthly incarnation) of their god. You disagree but are still harassed by the god's followers.
During your early adulthood you saved someone's life. This person becomes your companion. (work with your DM to determine details) Roll 1d10 on a 9-10 your companion falls in love with you.