Marriage is one of life’s profound milestones, a union that goes beyond tradition and expectation, anchoring itself in partnership, understanding, and shared purpose. For men and women between the ages of 27 to 39, the years 2025 and 2026 present a unique opportunity to embrace this life-changing decision.
As a Nigerian navigating the complexities of our economic, social, and cultural landscape, this stage of life offers the perfect blend of maturity, stability, and readiness to embark on a journey with someone special.
This article explores why this period is your time to get married, emphasizing the importance of a partner to share life’s burdens, the benefits of early marriage, and practical advice for starting a union rooted in love, wisdom, and resilience.
The Value of Partnership: Sharing Problems and Burdens
No man or woman is an island. Life in Nigeria today, with its economic uncertainties and societal pressures, can feel overwhelming. From the rising cost of living to navigating careers in a competitive job market, the burdens are heavier when carried alone. Having a partner means having someone to share those burdens with—someone to lean on during tough times and celebrate with during moments of triumph.
Marriage creates a support system, where two people bring their strengths to the table. For example, a man might bring logical problem-solving skills, while his wife brings emotional intelligence and intuition. Together, they form a team that’s stronger than any individual could be alone. Proverbs 18:22 says it best: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” A good partner amplifies your efforts, making the journey of life less lonely and more fulfilling.
Why Now? The Economic and Financial Realities in Nigeria
Nigeria’s economic situation is challenging. With inflation affecting food prices, rent, and transportation, young people are under immense pressure to “have it all” before considering marriage. But here’s the truth: waiting until you have everything figured out may lead to endless delays.
A good marriage offers financial and emotional synergy. Pooling resources together can alleviate some of the pressures of living in Nigeria. For instance, instead of two individuals paying separate rents, a married couple shares one home, cutting costs and creating room to save and invest. Moreover, when both partners are working toward shared goals, such as building a business or supporting their children’s education, their combined efforts can yield greater results.
Marrying at this stage in life, rather than waiting until your 40s or 50s, allows you to grow together and weather Nigeria’s economic storms as a united front.
The Case for Early Marriage: Upsides You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Early Retirement: Starting your family earlier allows you to complete key life stages earlier. By marrying in your late 20s or early 30s, you position yourself to raise children who will be independent by the time you approach your 50s. This leaves ample time to focus on yourself, travel, or even retire early.
- Longer Life: Research has shown that people in healthy marriages tend to live longer. This is attributed to the emotional support, reduced stress, and shared responsibilities that come with being part of a loving partnership. Imagine going through life with someone who not only understands you but also ensures you’re prioritizing your well-being.
- Avoiding the Pitfalls of Late Marriage: Marrying later in life can sometimes mean entering the union with rigid habits and expectations. Early marriages allow couples to adapt and grow together, creating a stronger bond.
- Challenges of Late Parenthood: Waiting too long to have children can present medical, physical, mental, psychological, and emotional challenges. For women, fertility declines with age, particularly after 35, making conception more difficult and increasing the risk of complications such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Men, too, face issues, as older paternal age has been linked to higher risks of genetic mutations and developmental challenges in children.
Childbearing at a younger age allows parents to physically handle the demands of raising children, from sleepless nights with infants to keeping up with active toddlers. Emotionally, younger parents often have more energy and resilience to tackle the challenges of parenthood. Psychologically, sharing the responsibilities of raising children with a supportive partner reduces the stress and anxiety that often accompany this life stage.
Having a partner to navigate these challenges is crucial. From attending prenatal appointments together to sharing the sleepless nights and joys of raising children, a spouse provides the emotional and physical support necessary to thrive as parents.
The Myth of Having It All Together Before Marriage
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must have your life completely sorted before you tie the knot. While financial and emotional readiness are important, they shouldn’t become barriers. A good marriage is about partnership, where you and your spouse build a life together.
A good woman will not only support her husband but also inspire him to achieve more. She becomes a source of motivation and strength, pushing him to reach greater heights. Likewise, a husband’s leadership and vision can provide clarity and direction for his wife’s aspirations. Together, you achieve what might have seemed impossible alone.
It’s okay to figure things out while married. Many successful couples started their journeys with little and grew together, overcoming challenges with determination and faith.
Extravagant Weddings vs. Meaningful Marriages
In Nigeria, weddings often come with societal expectations of grandeur and extravagance. However, it’s essential to remember that a wedding is just one day, while marriage is a lifetime. Why spend exorbitantly on a single event when those funds could be used to build your future together?
Small, intimate weddings save costs and allow you to focus on what truly matters: your relationship. Use the money you save to invest in your home, education, or a business. As the saying goes, “A wedding is just a day, and forever is the lifetime. Spend money on your forever, not just your wedding.”
Learning, Relearning, and Unlearning in Marriage
Marriage is a continuous process of growth. It requires:
- Teaching and Being Taught: Partners must learn from each other and share knowledge to grow individually and as a couple.
- Relearning: Sometimes, old habits and beliefs need to be revisited and adapted for the sake of the relationship.
- Unlearning: Certain attitudes or behaviors that hinder harmony must be abandoned. For instance, rigid gender roles or unrealistic expectations can damage a relationship if not addressed.
Forgiveness and selflessness are also crucial. No one is perfect, and misunderstandings are inevitable. What sets strong marriages apart is the ability to forgive, move forward, and prioritize the relationship over personal pride.
Faith and belief in your partner’s potential are equally important. A spouse’s support and encouragement can be the catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Final Advice: Go and Find Your Soulmate
The journey to finding a life partner may seem daunting, but it’s worth it. Don’t let fear, societal pressure, or perfectionism hold you back. It takes only two weeks to know whether someone is the right fit for your forever. Pay attention to their values, how they treat you, and their vision for the future. If it aligns with yours, take the leap.
Love isn’t about finding someone perfect but finding someone whose imperfections you can embrace and grow with. So, don’t give up. Go out, meet people, and keep your heart open. Your soulmate is out there, waiting to build a life with you.
