[Couple Spotlight] ‘Being friends for 12 years, married 10 years,’ How the Adebimpes discovered friendship, love at ATM gallery

If you are still in doubt that genuine love and friendship is never scripted and can be found in the funniest places despite how long I’ve been hammering it here, then grab your seats because the Adebimpes story will change your mind.

Who even thinks anything friendship on a sunny day under an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) where the sun is well positioned to give you a feel of what it is made of? Of course, only the Adebimpes can!

After having her card rejected a number of times possibly due to network or technical glitches, Mr Adebimpe thought it wise to withdraw extra cash for the woman directly before him who was having challenges with her card. Though she initially hesitated but after he persuaded and knowing she made be stranded, Mrs Adebimpe gently accepted the offer.

What ensued after that day was more than a conversation. It gently built into friendship that has now been solidified into a beautiful union.

You don’t want to miss this ‘hot gist’ from my couple in focus this week…

 

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Mr Adebimpe: It started at an ATM gallery on a hot Saturday afternoon at Ikeja. The queue was long, the machine was slow, and everyone was already irritated. She was standing in front of me, and her card kept getting declined. I noticed she was embarrassed. When it was my turn, I withdrew extra cash and quietly asked if she needed help. She hesitated but accepted.

Mrs Adebimpe: I was honestly stressed that day. My bank app wasn’t working, and I needed cash urgently. When he offered help, I almost refused because Lagos men can be tricky But he was calm and respectful. He didn’t ask for my number. He just said, “Let me know when you get home safely.” That sincerity stood out. I then gave him my contact so he could call to be sure I got home safe

 

2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?

Mr Adebimpe: The day I visited her parents for the first time. Watching her interact with her family made me see the kind of home she would build.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Adebimpe: We’ve known each other for 12 years.

Mrs Adebimpe: And we’ve been married for 10 years.

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?

Mr Adebimpe: We never stopped being playful. Even with children, responsibilities, and work pressure, we still tease each other.

Mrs Adebimpe: We also schedule “us time.” It may not always be fancy — Just that us alone time.

 

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 Adebimpe: I still save her contact with the same nickname I used when we met — “ATM Girl.” It makes her laugh every time.

Mrs Adebimpe: I still remind him that I married my “ATM Hero.” We also have a habit of praying together every Sunday evening before the week begins. That routine grounds us.

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

Mr Adebimpe: In our early years, we reacted quickly. Now, we respond wisely. Experience has taught us that anger doesn’t solve anything.

Mrs Adebimpe: We don’t involve outsiders in our misunderstandings anymore. We discuss privately and settle privately.

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

Mr Adebimpe: The way she waits up for me if I’m running late. No complaints, just concern.

Mrs Adebimpe: When he randomly sends money to my account with the description “Just because.”

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

Mr Adebimpe: Career setbacks in our early marriage. I had a period where business was not moving.

Mrs Adebimpe: It was not easy, but we cut down expenses, encouraged each other, and trusted the process.

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

Mr Adebimpe: Don’t marry for excitement alone. Marry someone you respect deeply.

Mrs Adebimpe: Friendship is the foundation. When romance fluctuates, friendship sustains.

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Mr Adebimpe: Intentional.

Mrs Adebimpe: it’s just been God