[Couple Spotlight] ‘I met him while depositing money,’ how a simple joke inside banking hall turned the Anyanwus to lovers
Love they say know no bounds and can be found in the least expected places. How do you explain two different people amongst hundreds others setting out for the bank with a clear motive of transacting business only to be hooked on love?
While others were getting frustrated over the bank’s network glitches and slow moving line that fateful day, these two were unexpectedly relaxed and catching love cruise.
In what appears like a rare case of ‘love made in the bank’, Mr Anyanwu’s innocent joke inside that banking hall delivered way beyond the primary function of laughter. It stroke a special chord in Mrs Anyanwu leading to two years of sweet friendship and now marriage.
16 years of friendship, 14 years marriage. Walk with me on another exciting love journey!
1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr. Anyanwu: We met at a bank queue, of all places! I cracked a joke about how slow the line was, and she laughed so hard. That laughter stuck with me. I had to talk to her again, and that’s how it began.
Mrs. Anyanwu: Yes, I didn’t expect to meet my husband while waiting to deposit money! But he was funny, polite, and very persistent. From that day, we just kept talking.
2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mrs. Anyanwu: It was when I traveled home for Christmas. He surprised me by showing up in our family house, meeting my family. I was so surprised and shy ..didn’t even know how to react. That sealed it actually.
Mr. Anyanwu: I knew when I got sick and she showed even while it wasn’t convinient for her still staying till late. She didn’t run from inconvenience. Her hospitality is top notch.
3. How many years have you been together?
Both: 14 years married, 16 years together.
4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?
Mrs. Anyanwu: We make time for fun — we love dancing together in the living room. The kids even join sometimes.
Mr. Anyanwu: And we make sure to compliment each other. A simple “you look good today” goes a long way. My wife will blush all through..
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. Anyanwu: She always sneaks extra meat into my soup . That small gesture still makes me smile. She just take care of me best.
Mrs. Anyanwu: And he still insists on calling me every lunchtime, no matter how busy work gets. It’s our little check-in routine.
6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mrs. Anyanwu: In the beginning, I wanted to “win” arguments. Now I realize it’s better to listen and compromise.
Mr. Anyanwu: We’ve also learned the power of humour. Sometimes laughter diffuses tension faster than a long debate.
7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr. Anyanwu: She prays with me before I make big decisions. That support is priceless.
Mrs. Anyanwu: He still buys me flowers randomly. Sometimes from the roadside, sometimes fancy ones — but it always makes me blush.
8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mrs. Anyanwu: Our first year of parenting was tough. Sleepless nights, exhaustion, even disagreements on parenting styles but we learned teamwork quickly.
Mr. Anyanwu: Yes, and now we look back at that time with gratitude. It taught us patience and partnership.
9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr. Anyanwu: Respect is just as important as love. Don’t take each other for granted.
Mrs. Anyanwu: Never stop dating your spouse. Small acts of romance keep love fresh.
10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Both: “Friendship is the foundation of our forever.