For consecutive weeks now, I’ve shown my beloved readers some of the weird, yet amazing places where people unexpectedly met and fell in love.
Nothing planned, nothing scripted, just nature doing what it knows how to do best. People leave their respective homes with different purposes and ended up with something entirely different from that one purpose that made them leave home.
If you think you’ve heard or seen all of these amazing love meet up stories, you just might have to wait for what I’m about to share.
My spotlighted couple this week, Mr and Mrs Balogun went to a bookshop in Lagos to get books but ended up meeting each other and falling in love. Obviously, both are bookworms and was quick to become friends. One thing led to another and the bookworms are suddenly discussing other issues outside of book.
Today, while still deep in reading books, both are also deep in love and are raising a beautiful family together. It’s been eight years of that fateful bookshop meeting and five years of getting to be called husband and wife.
Join me as they share their amazing unfiltered and unedited meeting story.
1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr Balogun: Our story started at a bookshop in Lagos. I had gone there to buy a business book because I was trying to improve myself professionally. I noticed she was asking the attendant for a particular book, but it was out of stock.
Mrs Balogun: I remember that day because I was searching for a book my friend recommended. He overheard the conversation and told me about another book he had read that was similar.
Mr Balogun: We started talking about books, work and life in general. What surprised me was how much we enjoyed the conversation. Before leaving the shop, we exchanged numbers.
Mrs Balogun: At first, it was just friendship. We would talk about our goals and encourage each other. The love grew from that friendship.
2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mr Balogun: I knew she was special when I noticed that she was not only interested in my success but also my growth as a person. She would challenge me when I was making excuses and encourage me when I doubted myself.
Mrs Balogun: For me, it was how peaceful I felt around him. I never felt pressured to be someone else. I could be myself, and that meant a lot to me.
3. How many years have you been together?
Mr Balogun: We have known each other for 8 years.
Mrs Balogun: We have been married for 5 years.
4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?
Mr Balogun: We remember that we are still husband and wife, not just parents. We make time to talk and enjoy each other’s company.
Mrs Balogun: We also appreciate each other’s efforts.
5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?
Mr Balogun: Whenever she reads a new book or watches a movie, she always gives me her full review whether I ask or not. I enjoy listening to her.
Mrs Balogun: He sends me random messages during the day just to ask how I am doing. One funny habit we have is discussing imaginary situations and arguing about what we would do.
6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mr Balogun: In the early years, we wanted to explain our own side first.
Mrs Balogun: Now we try to understand the reason behind each other’s feelings before responding.
7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr Balogun: She notices when something is bothering me even when I don’t say anything.
Mrs Balogun: He makes decisions with our family in mind. It reminds me that I am not walking through life alone.
8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr Balogun: The early years of marriage came with many adjustments. We were learning how to build a home while handling other responsibilities.
9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr Balogun: Don’t rush into marriage without knowing your partner’s values and mindset.
Mrs Balogun: Friendship is the foundation. When you genuinely like your partner, difficult seasons become easier to handle.
10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Mr Balogun: Friendship.
Mrs Balogun: A journey of two people who keep choosing each other.