- Falling in love is a special and personal experience for everyone and often varies from person to person
- For some, it is a single moment that sparks a connection, and for others, it is a series of little things that gradually win their hearts
- Here are the stories of how 10 Nigerians fell in love with their spouses.
Falling in love is a special journey for every couple. It's often the small moments, not just the big ones, that leave a lasting impression. In Nigeria, culture and tradition play a big role in relationships.
People fall in love for many reasons. Some are drawn to their partner's gentle nature, while others are captivated by acts of kindness or a shared sense of humour.
In Nigeria, love stories are created from everyday experiences. Each love story is made up of unique moments that highlight what makes each person special.
TheRadar spoke with 10 Nigerians who shared what made them fall in love with their spouses.
10 Nigerians share how they fell in love
1. My partner has a heart full of kindness - Segun
“Kemi and I had been friends for a little over a year, and I knew she was a nice girl, kind-hearted and all. I had a little crush on her but didn’t think much to it. But one day, it was raining heavily, and I saw her offering to share her umbrella with an elderly woman who didn’t have one. That was the moment I knew she was different. Her kindness towards a complete stranger made me realise I wanted someone like her by my side for the rest of my life.” - Segun.
2. She is the best cook in the world - Emeka
“My wife’s hands are gifted, she cooks too well and that was what drew me to her. I’ll never forget the first time she made Egusi soup for me. It tasted like home. There is just something about her food. The first time she cooked for me, I knew I had found my wife. Food is important in our culture, and I knew I mustn’t let her slip away. Her cooking and nurturing spirit made me fall in love with her.” - Emeka.
3. I admire her strength and independence - Peter
“We were at an event when I saw her changing a flat tyre on her car, all by herself! I was so shocked, and I thought I was dreaming. She didn’t ask for help, and she just handled it. That’s when I knew I wanted someone like her, strong, independent, and capable of taking care of herself. She’s not needy or clingy at all. She has always been my equal, and I admire her strength and the way she challenges me every day.” - Peter.
4. I had never seen her nurturing spirit before - Bayo
“It was the way she took care of my younger sister when she was sick. She stayed with her, making sure she had everything she needed. Well, she’s a nurse, so I guess it’s natural for her. Her nurturing spirit was something I had never seen before, and it touched my heart. Then I knew in my heart that she would make a wonderful wife and mother.” - Bayo.
5. Her joy is contagious; the light in my darkest moments - Tunde
“I was having a really bad day at work when she sent me a video of her dancing in the kitchen, just to make me laugh. It worked! Her joy is contagious, and no matter what’s going on, she knows how to lift my spirits. How could I pass up on such a woman? I fell in love with her because she brings light into my darkest moments.”
6. His thoughtfulness and attention made me realise he was the one - Ifeoma
“One day, I mentioned how much I loved reading novels, and a week later, he showed up with a box full of books from my favourite authors. I didn’t even have to ask him. He just did it. Another time, I complained about my power bank malfunctioning and the following day, this man brought three new ones for me. His thoughtfulness caught me off guard and made me realise he truly listens to me. That’s when I knew he was the one.”
7. He listens without judgment - Stella
“I had a rough day at work, and when I got home, I just wanted to rant about an altercation with a co-worker. I expected him to give advice or tell me what to do, but he didn’t. He just listened. I talked, and he held my hand the whole time. It was a simple act, but that made me fall deeply for him. I realised I had found someone who would support me through anything.”
8. I really admired his love for family - Amina
“When my father was ill, he would visit him, even when I couldn’t. He treated my family like his own, and that’s when I knew I wanted him in my life forever. His love for family was something I really admired.”
9. She stood my me through the hardest times - Kunle
“It was during the pandemic. I had just lost my job unexpectedly, and I was at my lowest. Instead of panicking or being disappointed, she reassured me. She told me we would figure it out together and that she believed in me. That unwavering support made me realise I could face anything with her by my side. She wasn’t all talk and no action. She stood by me through the hardest times and helped me become the man I am today.”
10. Her intelligence and drive were sexy - Femi
“I went for a presentation at a company, and I saw her in the boardroom. She was the only woman in a room full of executives, and she didn’t back down once or crack once while deliberating with them. Her intelligence, the way she carried herself, and how passionately she spoke about her ideas. It was sexy. I just knew it had to be her. That’s what made me fall in love with her.”
10 tips on how to maintain a long-distance relationship
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled the tips to help you maintain a long-distance relationship even though you’re separated by cities, states, countries or even continents.
Among them are communication, setting expectations, being intentional, trust and transparency, and planning visits.