When Mr and Mrs Akinwale decided to accompany their uncle and aunt to this family funeral programme, the aim was clear, condole with their respective grieving sides of the family and return home; nothing more, nothing less.
No one in their sane minds attend a burial programme hoping to meet whom to settle down with. But that is not for the Akinwales. While the intention was not to attend seeking a partner, however, fate happens.
While the family was meeting shortly after the burial at the family house, they got talking. Both had earlier been paying secret attention to how they were handling tasks at the burial and that in itself became a ‘green flag’.
While the dead was been paid the last respect, these two lovebirds were planting seeds of love that later germinated to friendship, love and raising beautiful kids all in about 12 years.
This is another reminder to what I’ve always advice the ‘single and searching’ categories to always be approachable and be in their best selves as Mr and Mrs right maybe somewhere watching, taking notes and ready to commit.
Let’s hear directly from the Akinwales:
- Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr Akinwale: Our story started at a family funeral ceremony in Lagos. That day changed my life in a way I never expected.
Mrs Akinwale: We were both there to support different families. He came with his uncle, while I came with my aunt. After the burial ceremony, everyone gathered at the family house, and that was where we properly spoke for the first time.
Mr Akinwale: I noticed how busy she was… making sure people were comfortable and checking if anyone needed assistance. I admired her kindness.
Mrs Akinwale: He later approached me and said he respected how I cared for people. We started talking from there, and the friendship grew naturally.
- What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mr Akinwale: I knew when I saw how she handled responsibility. There was a time she had many things happening at once, but she still remained calm and organised. That quality made me see her differently.
Mrs Akinwale: For me, it was when I realised he was someone who could admit when he was wrong. A lot of people find it difficult to apologise, but he never allowed pride to come between us.
- How many years have you been together?
Mr Akinwale: We have known each other for 12 years.
Mrs Akinwale: We have been married for 10 years.
- What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?
Mr Akinwale: We remember that we are partners before we are parents. The children are important, but we also make time for ourselves.
Mrs Akinwale: We also don’t allow outside opinions to control our home. We listen to advice, but we make decisions together.
- How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?
Mrs Akinwale: One funny habit we have is that we always try to guess what the other person is thinking. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we laugh at how wrong we are.
- How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mr Akinwale: In our early years, we thought love meant agreeing on everything.
Mrs Akinwale: Now we understand that two people can love each other and still have different opinions. Respect has helped us handle differences better.
- What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr Akinwale: She remembers things I mention casually. Sometimes months later, she brings up something I thought she forgot.
Mrs Akinwale: He makes me feel like my opinion matters. Even when we don’t agree, he listens.
- What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr Akinwale: Our biggest challenge was going through a period where we had to make major financial adjustments as a family.
Mrs Akinwale: It taught us that marriage is not only about enjoying good times. We learned to stand together when things were uncertain.
- What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr Akinwale: Don’t only look for someone who makes you happy. Look for someone you can build with.
Mrs Akinwale: Learn your partner’s heart. When you understand someone deeply, patience becomes easier.
- If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Mr Akinwale: Companionship.
Mrs Akinwale: A journey of two people growing, learning and choosing each other every day.