The Reality of Marriage: Beyond Love by Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe

In my three years of marriage and what I have seen of marriages around me, I have come to realize that every day is an opportunity to celebrate love, foster understanding, practice forgiveness, and make sacrifices. Contrary to the notion that all you need for a successful marriage is love, I have learned that it takes intentional effort and investment from both partners. Sacrifices and forgiveness are just as crucial as love in making a marriage last, peaceful, and happy.


Marriage is often romanticized, but the reality is that it requires hard work and dedication, which many marriage speakers tend not to speak about. Love alone isn't enough; financial stability also plays a significant role in strengthening the bond in marriage. Forgiveness and sacrifice are essential, not just during challenging times but as a continuous process. Both partners must be willing to sacrifice their individual interests and preferences to maintain peace and harmony and family growth.

As the saying goes, "A great marriage is not when the perfect couple comes together. It's when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."

Given our unique backgrounds, upbringing, exposures, and personalities, disagreements are inevitable. Forgiveness and understanding are vital in navigating these differences and keeping the marriage thriving. What's more, every marriage is distinct, and what works for one couple may not work for another. There's no one size fits all handbook for a successful marriage.


Through my journey, I have learned to appreciate every day with my partner and respect the marriages around me that are built on love, peace, and mutual respect. I have also gained valuable insights from my parents about the impact of marriage on children. For me, marriage isn't just about coexisting; it's about coming together as one and enjoying the journey. Ultimately, a successful marriage requires intentional effort, love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. These days, we can also include money because we can not shy away from it anymore. 

This is not marital advice. It is just a message from personal pondering.

Comments

  1. Temitayo7 September 2025 at 15:04

    Wonderful piece. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mololuwa8 September 2025 at 19:18

    Marriage is often romanticized, but the reality is that it requires hard work and dedication 👏👏👏.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2025 International Nurses Day Write-up by Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe

Image
"Caring for Nurses: The Key to a Stronger Economy" The 2025 International Nurses Day theme, "Our Nurses, Our Future; Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies," resonates deeply with nurses worldwide. As the International Council of Nurses (ICN) aptly puts it, "Building on the success of the 2024 International Nurses Day theme, The Economic Power of Care, the 2025 theme shifts focus to the health and wellbeing of nurses." The Unseen Struggles of Nurses Nursing has evolved significantly over the years, with numerous specialities and forms of care aimed at promoting patient health, preventing illness, and facilitating coping with disabilities and nursing patients to a peaceful death. However, the emotional, physical, social, and financial toll on nurses remains largely unaddressed. Who cares for the heart that cares? The increasing workload, economic pressures, and fear of litigation have made nursing jobs more challenging than ever. Several nurses have left t...
Read more

PRIORITIZING WHAT MATTERS by Olabanji Joel Orolugbagbe

Image
Yesterday, I discharged a very demanding patient home. As she was about to leave the ward with her daughter, she called me over for a hug and expressed her gratitude. She told her daughter that I was a good nurse and was happy that I was part of her care team throughout her hospital stay. This gesture hit me differently, and it motivated me to do even more for my patients. As an adult with family responsibilities, I have come to realize that my profession is not just a job but a source of sustenance. I have learned to prioritize my role as a nurse above every thing I was actively doing before having a family, and the appreciation from patients like this one means a lot to me. Recently, I had a conversation with my cousin, and I shared with him that the only thing that can get under my skin is being told I am not good at my job because I see it as a threat to my source of livelihood and if genuinely done, I see it as a push to improve myself. I have accepted that I have shifted my focus...
Read more