A thought-provoking perspective on marriage.

By Robertha Beth

It is heartbreaking that Nigerians, known for their extravagant wedding culture and traditional bridal ceremonies, are becoming a threat to young people wishing to take the step of bringing their marital vows into public space.

In today’s society, many couples find themselves apprehensive about getting married in public view, and this hesitation is because social media platforms dominate our lives.

It’s no wonder that couples are wary of sharing their most intimate moments with an audience of strangers because of the fear of judgment and unwanted opinions. In Nigeria, it’s often not just an opinion but a cast of bad shadow on couples who joyfully shared their private lives in public.

Apart from the pressure to conform to societal expectations, which often weigh heavily on young couples, there is a fear of falling short of these expectations, which can lead to anxiety and stress, tarnishing what should be a blissful experience. It’s essential to remember that a wedding day should reflect a unique love story, not conform to anyone else’s ideals.

Look at how people have been casting their bad wishes on social media in reaction to a video of Nollywood actress Ekene Umenwa’s beautiful wedding last weekend, because she was so surprised at the gospel singer who unexpectedly showed up to perform at her wedding and excused her husband Ifeanyi Ogbodo to kneel for popular gospel musician Moses Bliss.

The actress in the video, who has now gone viral on social media, can’t stop smiling when she sees Moses Bliss, whom she did not anticipate seeing at her wedding reception.

The actress saw the gospel singer, and, with her husband and guests watching, she ran to him and bowed down. While the gospel singer kept thrilling the crowd with a beautiful performance, she also got up to give him a hug.

Marriage is a beautiful union; let us not condemn the establishment of marriage but rather look into the people involved.

Marriage, a sacred bond between two individuals, is often perceived as a journey filled with ups and downs. It is easy to blame a marriage for its shortcomings, labeling it as “bad” or “unsuccessful.” However, let’s take a moment to consider an alternative viewpoint.

On Saturday, actress Ekene’s wedding went viral across Nigeria, and a lot of gossip and badmouthing started flying around because the bride kneeled down before a gospel singer who was dedicating a music note to her.

Many Nigerians on various platforms were wishing her a bad marriage, and some, of course, were happy for her. They try to erode the notion of a “bad” marriage and instead focus on the individuals involved. It suggests that the success or failure of a marriage lies not in the institution itself but in the actions and choices made by the partners.

Marriage, like any relationship, requires responsibility, commitment, and effort from both parties. It is a shared journey where two individuals must navigate life’s challenges together, supporting and understanding each other. By acknowledging their responsibilities, partners can transform their marriage into a thriving and fulfilling union.

This perspective encourages self-reflection and personal growth. It reminds us that we have the power to shape our own destinies and the outcomes of our relationships. Rather than blaming the marriage, we are encouraged to take ownership of our actions and choices, recognizing that they play a pivotal role in the overall success of our union.

By embracing this mindset, couples can embark on a journey of self-improvement and mutual understanding. They can learn to communicate effectively, compromise, and prioritize each other’s needs. Through dedication and responsibility, they can transform their marriage into a harmonious and loving partnership.

Let us challenge the notion of a “bad” marriage and instead focus on personal responsibility. By acknowledging that there is no such thing as a bad marriage, we empower ourselves to take control of our own happiness and create a thriving relationship.

Together, we can rewrite the narrative and build a future filled with love, understanding, and shared responsibility.