Letter to My Friend, the Bride

By Joy Ehonwa.

Girlfriend, I’m so thrilled that you’re getting married, and I absolutely must share with you some things I knew before I got married, and a few others things I wish someone had told me before I got married. First off let me say that while marriage can be challenging, it can also be delicious! You’re not going to get everything you’ve ever wanted in one man, I’m sure you’ve figured this out. You need to believe that you CAN be happy in marriage, and this may require you to challenge conventional thinking and make your marriage your own, not a replica of your parents’ or friends’. That you should resist the temptation to compare him with other men or past boyfriends goes without saying of course. Sure there are things they could do that he can’t, but there are also things he does for you that they can’t, so don’t get carried away or let yourself be deceived. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Dwelling on things like leaving the toilet seat up/down and all such will drain your joy. Focus on the good stuff, the things your husband does well, the ways he makes you laugh. Don’t expect to get everything right straight away — allow yourself room to grow into wifehood. There’ll be days when you’ll still feel single, and others when you’ll be very aware that you’re married. That’s okay, nothing is wrong with you. You are normal. If you ever find yourself longing for the freedom of your single days, or missing your cute little flat and the sleepovers we enjoyed so much, remember how much you wanted to be married and how in love you are with him now. Some days you won’t feel that love but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Love is being a good student of your husband, looking out for his physical, emotional, and spiritual needs so that in some way you can remove the burden, support him as he carries it, or encourage him along the way. So respect him and be sensitive to these needs. It won’t always be easy to meet them, but do your best and his happiness and joy will reward you. Don’t hold grudges. Try to settle quarrels quickly and make up as soon as you can. Don’t rush the process but be quick to remember that you’re on the same side. Forgive him. Forgive him. Forgive him. Discussing your issues and arguments with other people is an easy way to give the enemy a foothold. Master the art of settling your issues between you both. It’s your marriage, after all. I know you have a hard time talking and I’m not sure if he’s as good at prying things out of you as I am (in fairness I have two decades of experience in my pocket) but you must make every effort not to bottle things up inside. Communicate, talk about everything: money, in-laws, sex, everything. If you feel uncomfortable about something always tell him so, and encourage him to do the same. This alone will work wonders for your marriage. Don’t let yourself go, even when the kids come. Keep exercising to stay fit and healthy, and don’t stop paying attention to your personal grooming for any reason. Know the way he likes you to look, and work with what you’ve got to always look that way. Never forget that men are visually stimulated, and there are women out there willing to do anything to please him, get him and keep him, but he’s yours so you must stay on top of your game. You cannot fail God. And about sex — you’ve heard many times how important it is, so I’m going to tell you something you’ve never heard; it’s SUPER important! And not just for him but for you too. It’s not just about physical release; sex in marriage creates a spiritual and emotional bond that you simply can’t get any other way. It also clears the air after a quarrel just as well as it relieves stress. That said, it’s a basic physical need for men in a way that it isn’t for most women, and your response to him has a direct effect on his ego. So, say “no” sparingly and caringly. True, you won’t always be in the mood, but you’ll find that if you open your arms to him you’ll find yourself warming up and maybe even getting your groove on. Read, ask questions, and keep learning.  If you aren’t enjoying what he’s doing, gently steer him away to something you like. Don’t just lie there and let him think you’re enjoying it when it does nothing for you. Show him what you like and let him know when he’s doing something right — he’s not a mind reader. Be creative, but more than that be enthusiastic. Few things please a man as well as a willing wife. Even God loves a cheerful giver. You’ve always been a good girl, but trust me that won’t score you many points in bed. A fulfilling sex life is more vital to a happy marriage than I can say here right now, but you can be sure I’ll mail you again. For now just let go and allow yourself to feel, to explore and to enjoy your husband, and all the wonderful joys and pleasures that marriage has to offer. Big Brother is not watching you. Love, Joy.  

About the Author Joy Ehonwa is a writer specialising in documentary scripts.  She is passionate about self-development and relationships. You can read her blog at www.anafricandiva.blogspot.com, send her an email at joiegal@yahoo.com, and follow her on Twitter @joysuo.