My marriage… With Dr Vincent Ezeme
How long have you been married?
I’ve been married to my wife for the past 10 years, and our marriage has been blessed with four children.
How did you meet your wife?
I met her at the bank where she worked. At that time, I was a customer there. Each time I visited, I enjoyed certain privileges because she always made sure I was well taken care of. She went out of her way to ensure that I never had any issues, and that created a bond between us.
We exchanged contacts, which made it easier for me to inform her whenever I was visiting. Each time I needed to go to the bank, I felt at ease, knowing I wouldn’t have to queue like others. This arrangement continued, and as time went on, our relationship grew. Today, she is the mother of my four children.
Did you think that affinity would eventually turn into romance?
Yes, absolutely. I believed that with consistent effort and dedication, every woman would eventually fall for you, and that’s exactly what happened. I made sure to show her how serious I was about our relationship, and through my constant attention and affection, I won her heart. Every man must find a way to express his feelings clearly and consistently, and I left no stone unturned in conveying my intentions. I was always thoughtful, calling her regularly and showing genuine concern. Eventually, she became mine forever.
What was her reaction when you proposed?
Honestly, I think she saw it coming. My body language had already signalled my intentions long before I actually proposed. I didn’t plan the proposal to be an event; I had already done my homework, and by the time the proposal came, it was low-key. Her reaction showed she was expecting it.
How did her parents react to your proposal?
It was lovely. Her parents welcomed my decision without any objections after conducting their background checks on me and my family. In our region and community, background checks are an integral part of the marriage process. Parents want to be sure they’re giving their child to a good family, so I understood their cautious approach.
In the past 24 years you have been together, what would you say are some of the best moments you have shared?
The best moments, without a doubt, were in the early years of our marriage. Those were the times when we didn’t have children, and we were able to enjoy each other’s company. The arrival of our first child was an exciting milestone, and the marriage ceremonies, children’s dedication ceremonies, and family outings are some of the most memorable times we’ve had together.
What advice do you have for younger couples and young people aspiring to have a long-lasting marriage?
My advice is simple: Marry your best friend. It creates the right foundation and gives you the necessary vibes for a happy marriage. To me, marriage is not about strange bedfellows—it brings challenges, but it should be a partnership with someone you deeply connect with. There’s no such thing as a perfect person, but make sure you know the person you’re marrying—at least 60 percent. This will save you from unnecessary stress and regrets. The worst mistake you can make is entering marriage for wealth or material gain. That kind of foundation won’t sustain you in the long run.
