BEYOND THE VOW: THE SECRET JOYS OF MARRIAGES

Recently, we at Inawo weddings took to our Instagram, posing a simple yet powerful question to Nigerian men: "What do you love most about being married?" The responses we received were a beautiful testament to the richness of marital life. They weren't about grand gestures or romantic fantasies, but rather, the seemingly simple, soul-deep connections that build a home and a life-long partnership.

1. The Sanctuary of Coming Home

One of the most touching responses we received spoke of a house transformed into a home. "Coming home actually feels like coming HOME now," a Nigerian husband shared. "My house used to be just where I slept. Now there's warmth, good food, someone who genuinely cares about my day." He continued, "My wife turned our space into a sanctuary." This isn't just about a physical space; it’s about a feeling of belonging, a haven where one can shed the day's stress and truly be themselves.

2. The Joy of Shared Meals

For many men, love is tasted as much as it is felt. One husband admitted, “The thing I love most? Her food. My wife cooks like she’s auditioning for MasterChef.” Saturdays at his house have become a gathering spot for friends, drawn by the irresistible aroma of his wife’s cooking.

Working with foreigners meant he rarely had access to authentic African meals, but marriage changed that. “When I come home from work… bam! Hot egusi soup, pounded yam, cold juice on the side. I didn’t know happiness could come from food until I got married.”

It’s not just about eating; it’s about the comfort, care, and culture carried in every meal. In marriage, food becomes another love language, a daily reminder that home is more than four walls. Truly, love is for those who have eaten.

3. The Power of a Partner in Crime

Marriage is about building a life together, and that journey is far more enjoyable with a co-pilot. As one man beautifully put it, "I love having a partner in crime. Planning a trip, deciding what to eat, even just running errands feels better because she's there." Marriage transforms the mundane into an adventure. The simple presence of your partner makes life "less boring and less lonely." This is the realization of a profound need for companionship that many don't fully grasp until they're married.

4. The Quiet Confidence of Being Chosen

"Having a woman choose you every single day does something to your confidence that nothing else can match," one husband confessed. In a world of fleeting connections, the unwavering belief of a partner is a powerful anchor. "When I walk into meetings or social events," he added, "I know I have someone at home who believes I'm the best man in the world." Isn’t that the cutest thing ever?

5. The Support That Sharpens You

Another husband shared, "My wife pushes me to be better without making me feel inadequate." This is the essence of a true partnership. It's not about competition but about mutual growth. He spoke of "literally leveling up together – financially, spiritually, in every way," a true "iron sharpens iron" dynamic. This kind of partnership is everything. A collaboration where one person's vision becomes a shared dream, supported and nurtured by the other. We love it!

6. The Genius Behind the Scenes

With many successful men is a woman who is not just a supporter but a strategic partner. "Nobody knows this, but my wife is literally the brain behind most of my business strategies," one husband revealed. He described waking up with a "half-baked idea," calling her, and watching as "she's already restructuring the whole thing." This is the beauty of a complementary partnership, where a man can feel like a "genius" presenting an idea because his wife is "the real genius" behind the scenes.

7. The Unexpected Joy of Being Cared For

Often when you pride yourself as the protector and provider, always taking care of others. It is easy to forget what its like to ‘relax and be taken care of’ one husband's reflection reveals, "I am always the one taking care of people, I didn't know I liked being taken care of until I got married." This is about the small, effortless acts of love like plantain chips dropped by his side, a refilled water bottle, a shirt ironed, all without asking. It's the feeling of being a "grown man" who can "feel like a baby boy with her." It is really the little things.

8. The Boldness That Builds Confidence

A final, powerful testimony speaks of a wife whose fearlessness is contagious. "My wife's boldness made me more confident," her husband shared. He admired her courage to "scatter the floor dancing in church & speak up when something isn't right." This kind of partner inspires you to step out of your comfort zone. He adds she inspires him to "take risks because I see how she moves through the world without fear." Having a confident woman by your side is not just a comfort; it's a catalyst for personal growth.

Finally, the true beauty of marriage isn't just in the public declaration of love, but in the quiet, daily acts that reinforce it. It is the sanctuary, the partnership, the support, and the confidence that two people build together. It’s a journey of continuous discovery, where "happily ever after" is not a destination, but a daily celebration of the secret joys found "Beyond the Vows."