You can simply guess why people are at a pharmacy store. It’s either they are there to buy drugs for their sick love ones or for themselves. Could be mild or severe sickness or one just starting to show symptoms that they want clearer explanations from health professionals on how to quickly nib it in the bud.
Generally, it is expected that people in this kind of situation would be in a hurry, mins their business and just leave upon being attended to. But not my spotlighted couple today. Yes they wanted drugs, but they weren’t going to shut down attempts for compliments or contact exchange.
While waiting on the queue for their turns, they manage to ignite a conversation that lasted till they were later attended to and upon leaving, Mr Igbinoba, realising he may never have such moment of connection again requested for her number and she did gave it. Motion sustained!
Both started talking much after the pharmacy encounter and that marked the beginning of a lifetime of love and adventure together. It’s been eight years of that meetup and six years of exchanging marital vows and both are still as super excited about each other as they were on their first meeting day.
This is a further booster to my counsels here that no matter how tense the place and situation is, never, ever present yourself to be unapproachable. Learn to exhibit courtesy and affection especially when you are officially single and searching for Mr and Mrs Right!
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr and Mrs Igbinoba!
1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr Igbinoba: We met at a neighbourhood pharmacy in Warri. I had gone to pick up some medication for my mum, while she was there to buy a few things. We got talking while waiting, and I found her very pleasant. Before leaving, I asked for her number. I called her later, and we gradually became friends before starting a relationship.
Mrs Igbinoba: I remember him being polite and friendly. We had a simple conversation, but I liked his manner. When he called later, I was happy to hear from him. We started talking regularly, and I soon realised I enjoyed having him in my life.
2. What was the moment you knew, “This is the one”?
Mr Igbinoba: I knew when I realised that making her happy had become something I genuinely enjoyed. I wanted to include her in my plans and hear her opinion before making important decisions. She became the person I wanted to share everything with.
Mrs Igbinoba: I knew when I noticed how comfortable I was around him. I could laugh freely, talk about my worries and be myself without feeling judged. He made love feel peaceful, and I knew I wanted to build a future with him.
3. How many years have you been together?
Mr Igbinoba: We have been together for eight years and married for six. I still remember many of our early moments, and it makes me smile to see how far we have come. I am happy that I get to experience life with her.
Mrs Igbinoba: Eight years together and six years married. I have watched us grow from two people getting to know each other into a family.
4. What has helped you keep your marriage strong over the years, especially after the arrival of children?
Mr Igbinoba: We make a conscious effort to keep our friendship alive. We still talk about things outside parenting and household responsibilities. I also try to make sure she knows that she is loved and appreciated, even on our busiest days.
Mrs Igbinoba: We support each other and make time for ourselves as a couple. Having children has changed our routine, but we still enjoy spending time together. Sometimes, all we need is a quiet evening, a good conversation and a little laughter.
5. How do you make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?
Mr Igbinoba: I still send her sweet messages during the day, even when I know I will see her at home. I enjoy complimenting her, and I sometimes surprise her with little gifts.
Mrs Igbinoba: He likes to hold my hand whenever we are together, and I love that about him. He also gives me random compliments that make me smile. I enjoy doing little things for him too. We still tease each other, and I hope that never changes.
6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mr Igbinoba: We have learnt to listen to each other better. I try not to respond when I am angry because I may say something I do not mean. We discuss our differences and find a way forward instead of allowing them to affect our relationship.
Mrs Igbinoba: We are more patient with each other now. I have learnt to express how I feel without expecting him to guess what is wrong. We apologise when necessary and do not allow small disagreements to take away the affection between us.
7. What is one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr Igbinoba: She makes me feel special in ways she probably does not even notice. Whenever I have had a stressful day, she knows how to make me relax. Sometimes, just sitting beside her and talking makes everything feel better. She is my painkiller.
Mrs Igbinoba: He still finds ways to make me feel beautiful. Even when I am not dressed up or looking my best, he gives me compliments. Sometimes, he tells me I am beautiful when I am busy doing ordinary things around the house. I love that he still sees me that way.
8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr Igbinoba: One of our biggest challenges was adjusting to the responsibilities that came with starting a family. There were new expenses, less free time and many decisions to make. We learnt to plan better, share responsibilities and support each other through the changes.
Mrs Igbinoba: Balancing our personal goals with family responsibilities was not always easy. There were times when we had to adjust our plans, but we kept encouraging each other. We learnt that we did not have to achieve everything at once and that moving forward together was what mattered.
9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr Igbinoba: Do not stop showing affection because you are now married. Keep complimenting your partner, make time for dates and never become too busy to have meaningful conversations. The little things help keep love alive.
Mrs Igbinoba: Be friends with your partner and enjoy each other’s company. Learn to communicate, respect each other’s differences and appreciate the efforts you both make. Also, never make your partner feel that romance is only for the dating stage.
10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Mr Igbinoba: Beautiful adventure. We have experienced different seasons together, and I still look forward to creating more memories with her. Six years later, she is still the woman who makes my heart happy.
Mrs Igbinoba: A love that still feels new. He is my husband, my best friend and the man who can still make me blush with a simple compliment. I love the life we are building, and if I had to choose again, I would still choose him.