The Fadipes: “Love takes effort,” Couple whose marital journey started at naming ceremony share secret to their nine-year relationship
Matters of the heart are sacred. While one cannot genuinely tell or guess right the exact spot or location where Mr and Mrs Right can be found, however, they are never far away.
My countless meeting with different couples spotlighted on this medium has revealed one thing: Never wish away anywhere as too ordinary to meet the right person, especially if you are single and searching. Anywhere, and I mean anywhere can suffice for love affairs by being in your best self and approachable.
My spotlighted this week were never privy to how things will turn out for them. On this fateful day, the intention was clear: provide support for a family/friend who just welcomed a new born who was scheduled to be formally named. It was in the middle of the naming activity that they both noticed each other and were welcoming enough to allow for a conversation.
That simple conversation was the needed bedrock for something more concrete. From mere acknowledging each other, friendship came knocking and the rest is what we have today. Nine years of that meeting and seven years of deep connectivity, marriage and living together as man and wife, dad and mum to amazing kids.
Want to know more? Come with we to hear directly from Mr and Mrs Fadipe:
1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr Fadipe: We met at my cousin’s child naming ceremony in Lagos. I was helping my family with some arrangements when I noticed her assisting the women with serving guests. We started talking when we both had a quiet moment during the event.
Mrs Fadipe: I didn’t think anything serious would come from that conversation. We just enjoyed talking and later became friends. With time, we discovered we had similar values and the friendship grew into something deeper.
2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mr Fadipe: I knew when I saw how honest she was with me. She didn’t always tell me what I wanted to hear; she told me what I needed to hear. I respected that.
Mrs Fadipe: It was his kindness. He was always willing to help.
3. How many years have you been together?
Mr Fadipe: We have been together for 9 years.
Mrs Fadipe: We have been married for 7 years.
4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?
Mr Fadipe: We try not to forget ourselves while taking care of the family. We still make time to talk and laugh together.
Mrs Fadipe: We also understand that love needs effort. We check on each other and show appreciation always.
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 Fadipe: She knows when I need encouragement. Sometimes she just says a few words and it changes my mood.
Mrs Fadipe: He calls me during the day just to check how I am doing. Another funny thing we do is argue playfully about who loves the other person more.
6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mr Fadipe: At the beginning, we both wanted to explain ourselves first.
Mrs Fadipe: Now we listen more and try to solve the problem instead of trying to win the argument.
7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr Fadipe: She remembers little details about me that even I forget.
Mrs Fadipe: He always makes me feel like my efforts are noticed.
8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr Fadipe: Learning how to balance family responsibilities and work was not easy.
9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr Fadipe: Be patient with each other. Nobody is perfect.
Mrs Fadipe: Choose friendship first. A strong friendship helps love survive difficult times.
10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Mr Fadipe: Blessing.
Mrs Fadipe: A beautiful journey of growing together.