Marriage as a social institution offers a great experience to couples that are admitted into it. The experience is relative across individuals. For some, it is a bed of roses while for others it is hell. The fact is that no marriage is perfect.
It is common to see young people rushing into marriage without planning because of their illusion and the so-called love theory. Only young people that are wise during courtship realize that it is not the sweet words and the wonderful outings that sustain marriage, but virtues such as honesty, fidelity, patience, obedience, caring and tolerance that tie a successful marriage, and if overlooked eventually become the cause for divorce.
It is unfortunate that nowadays people are smart in concealing their true self to their partners, right from the time of courtship. This happens when the partner is proposing for marriage. They turn a new leaf, displaying pleasant attitude and manners while deep inside they are evil. As such, young people consequently fall into trouble as a result of deception. Some men or women after the nut is tied cease to love their spouses.
Some marriages break up easily and the children become deviants due to lack of parental care.
To avoid this unpleasant situation, young couples should seek marriage counseling before they settle down. One needs not to rush into it but take time to plan so as to achieve the desired goal. It is a life time commitment and a slip in the process can make one regret it for the rest of his life.
Maimuna Jibril,
Department Of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri
