A friend invited me to his wedding anniversary. We’ve been friends for years, but I didn’t really know his extended family like that. So that day, he introduced me around. The celebration was beautiful. Good food, laughter, pictures, the whole thing.
After everything started winding down, I found myself sitting with some of his extended family members. They were talking casually at first. Then the conversation shifted. One of them said, “This wife of his has really secured a good life for herself.” Another person added, “She should be thanking her stars. If not for him, who knows where she would be?” They started talking about how he has opened businesses for her, how she’s enjoying his money. The tone wasn’t admiration. It was bitterness. I just sat there quietly. What they didn’t know was that one of his close friends was also nearby. He heard everything and sent him a message.
Not long after, my friend walked over. You could feel the air change. He didn’t shout. He didn’t insult anyone. But he was firm. He said, “You can talk about me however you want. But don’t ever disrespect my wife.” Then he said something I will never forget. “Yes, I was doing well before I married her. But everything you see multiplied in my life happened after she came. I had money. I didn’t have the ideas. I didn’t have the structure. I didn’t have the execution. This woman’s mind is worth more than any cheque I can write.” He looked around and added, “The last thing I expect from any of you is to belittle her.” I was quiet the whole time, but inside, I was smiling. Because that is partnership. On my way home, I kept thinking about what just happened.
Here’s the lesson I took from it
Whether you are single or married, your value in a relationship should be undeniable. Not noisy. There are women who may not bring in the biggest income, but their wisdom, strategy, prayer life, emotional intelligence, and support hold the entire household together. There are men who may not be the most expressive romantically, but their stability, leadership, and protection create safety that money cannot buy. Your value doesn’t always have to look like cash. Sometimes it’s vision. Sometimes it’s discipline. Sometimes it’s peace. Sometimes it’s the brain behind the business. Sometimes it’s the intercession no one sees. I once heard an older man say, “My wife doesn’t bring in income, but every week she gathers our children to pray for me. Do you know what that does for a man?” That’s value. And let me say this carefully.
If your presence in someone’s life does not add anything meaningful, it becomes easy for outsiders to diminish you. But when your contribution is real, your partner will defend you without being coached. To my single brothers and sisters, as you prepare for marriage, don’t just focus on what you want to receive. Ask yourself, “What do I carry that makes a home better?” And to married couples, never downplay your spouse’s contribution just because it doesn’t look like yours. Let your value speak so loudly in the life of your partner that when people try to belittle you, your spouse doesn’t hesitate to correct the room. That day reminded me of something simple. A strong marriage is not built on who has more money. It is built on knowing exactly what the other person brings to the table and honoring it.
Thank you for reading from me. What is your thought on you just read
