From Books to Forever: How Transparency, Patience, and Dua Built Our 10-Year Love Story
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Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Neemah and I am a customer support specialist.
How did you and your partner meet?
We met at a programme where I was selling books for the conveners. He reached out wanting to buy a book, and though we didn't have the one he wanted, we exchanged contacts so I could reach out when we got it. We started chatting a few days later and agreed to meet at an eatery.
What made you realize he was the one?
The first thing that made me tell my friends that he was the one was when he told me his salary... Let me explain! I had listened to some lectures that shaped my thinking about not having secrets from one another. Before meeting my husband, I was with someone who kept malice with me for asking important questions about finances and living arrangements. So imagine meeting someone who shares such information on the first date without prompt! It wasn't about the salary eventually, but his willingness to share and be transparent."
Tell us about your husband.
His name is Maruf, and he's a mechanical engineer. He is the most patient person I have ever met. He is kind, and most importantly, he has the fear of Allah."
How long did you date before marriage?
After the first date, we knew the next thing was to meet the parents. He had to travel for 3 months, but he met my parents immediately after he got back. We got married 6 months after meeting each other, in December 2014.
How has the journey been over these 10 years?
Beautiful some days, chaotic some days, challenging some days. But in all, we dey handle it by Allah's mercy.
What's been the 'glue' that's kept your partnership through life's ups and downs?
Na dua o! One thing I always do is even when I am angry at him or I don't talk to him, I make sure I still pray for him.
Some fun questions - who's the better cook?
Meeee! He can only make noodles.
How do you balance working in tech with home and marriage?
I don't want to sound cliché but God first, and I am a planner o. I can't survive without planning.
What are three things you love about your partner?
His love for Allah. His patience and kindness, and the way he loves the kids and takes care of them.
What has he done that made you feel truly seen and understood?
He knows how much I love going out and even when it inconveniences him and he doesn't like it, he will still allow me go out and have fun.
How do you both express love?
For me, I love giving him gifts and trying to be there whenever he needs me. For him, acts of service work for him, and this helps with everything in the house.
Are there any traditions, rituals, or inside jokes you've created as a couple that hold special meaning for you both?
Inside jokes stay inside o. The one I can say is having each other's back. We also know each other's strengths and weaknesses and help one another with them.
What have been some of the most meaningful moments in your marriage?
When we had our babies! And meeting milestones together in every area of our lives.
What do you have to compromise on due to different values or tastes?
Spending ni o! I am the spender and he is the saver. I have had to calm down some."
If he's reading this, what would you like to tell him?
I love youu Akanni, thank you for all you do for us.
On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your partner?
9 ni o. We both get for body but Allah has been making it work.
Rela Tech Ship series is back and this time, we want YOU to be a part of the magic. Share your experiences and let’s make Fridays fun again. 💻❤️
Your stories, your vibes – let’s go!
