WEEKEND GIST: HOW MY FAMILY & MY PRIDE COST ME MY MARRIAGE
JULY 23, 2016
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As I was thinking of writing the second part of the series, ‘Just before tying the knot’, I came across this piece written by a woman that had just lost her marriage, and thought it should make this week’s episode. Judging by the undertone of the write-up, it’s obvious the woman is in pain, and the only way she could get herself some relief was to write about how she truly feels. And to share in her motive of being educational to folks who may be facing a similar challenge currently in their marriages, I have decided to publish her piece here. She wrote:
“I am writing to you in order to make someone understand that it is good to appreciate our partners despite their flaws. I am 32 years old. My ex hubby & I dated for six years. We were best of friends. I waited until he completed college and started work, my family and his family then met, we got married and had a son (7 years old now).
My husband was short-tempered at times, but our problems started when I wanted to make him feel he couldn’t control me. Every time we argued, I would pack my bags, and go to my family to explain. My sisters would call my husband on phone, and shout at him. And whenever this happens, I always dare him that if he wishes, he could divorce me.
I never wanted divorce. I just had pride and didn’t want to look like a loose woman in his eyes. But one day I pushed him so hard that for the first time he beat me and threw me outside. I went to my family; my family took him to the Police. Every time I’d look like I was being abused! But to be honest, I was the one abusing my husband emotionally.
He was arrested and detained. I was asked by his family to withdraw the case. And I also felt that what I was doing was wrong. My husband was never a violent man, he did what he did because I pushed him to the wall; of which he openly knelt down and apologized. I withdrew the charges, and we reconciled. Within three months, I packed my bags again after a small issue, and he remained alone.
Days later, I received a call that he was in the hospital, my family told me that I shouldn’t go there because it would look like I was begging him, and my sisters believed he was feigning the illness. All this time, people felt sorry for me like I was the one being abused. He spent a week in the hospital, and after he came out, I received a divorce summon. I wanted to say no to divorce, but because I had this pride, I wanted him to change his mind and beg me. So I called him and said he would get the divorce because I lived like I was in hell. When we went to court, I wanted to make him pay, so I told the court that I needed his properties to be shared. To my surprise, he openly told the court that whatever he and I acquired together should be given to me, that all he wanted was divorce!
We were divorced in July, 2009. Now, this Saturday, my ex-husband is re-marrying, whilst l am here wasting! My family members are now gossiping about me, and I depend only on what my ex gives to my son for survival.
I know I wasted my marriage. I am here telling all wives that they should be careful how they get advise. Don’t feel cheated. Don’t entertain family interference in your marriage my dear reader. Even my younger sisters are now much more respected than me. Those who encouraged me to get divorced are always teasing and bad-mouthing me. Please ladies be vigilant in your marriage. I thought it wise to share my story to save yours. Sometimes, it is not the man’s fault at all, it is your pride, and the people you allow to advise you.”
Family interference in young marriages is doing more harm than good in this part of the world. Enough said. While we may have learnt one or two lessons from this woman’s story, let it also serve as a reminder to youths that Marriage is one of those unions that are meant for mature minds only. You should never rush into it when you are apparently not ready to give up all those you’ve ever known, to stick firmly to the one you love! Only minds that are so made up can endure and thrive with their partner when challenges arise. For as much as we hate to admit it, the union remains for better, for worse.
Have a lovely weekend.