CONTRADICTIO

Someone told us what a priest from Fugar told a marriage class. In a decent home in a community, Ogbona in Edo North, there lived a man and his attractive wife. They were married some years back, conjugated by a priest. For a time, no one heard them disputing as it has become common with newly married couples. Their life even became a reference point for love. 

But as it was, the man seemed to be introverted. He hardly ever mingles with people or visits anyone. He can be found only within the triangle of his office, home, and place of worship. On his way, he smiled and courtsied to people but never waited for or joined in even for a chat as they wished.

The woman was an extrovert. Unlike him, everyone wanted and enjoyed her company. She rendered to anyone who needed her help and spearheaded various community services. She was engaged in a small personal business, making garri for customers and portraying industriousness. With her engagement with people, she spent more time outside, stayed out late often and when she would return home, she would sit back. 

The man, coupled with his responsibilities of sorting the bills, engaged in the daily routine of the physical, moral, and spiritual well-being of the family. He would wash the dishes, bathe the kids, and prepare the meal while the wife was away or stayed out. He was quite a disciplinarian and would do anything or let go of anything to keep the public's eyes off his marriage.  

The wife was outspoken, particularly on the issue of her marriage. People only hear from her and tend to take in whatever she says. Though, he would have loved to speak out too, he remained silent and virtually would not discuss her family affair with an outsider. 

Issues of marriage surfaced. So, when the wife began to complain and protest about her conjugal rights and home, people listened and rally round her. The public questioned why a beautiful, kind, hardworking, and endearing woman should be at the mercy of such a man, mean and absurd. People questioned his character and even advised him about collapsing his fortunate marriage. They said he was fortunate to have that blessed union. On his part, he wondered why everyone should come at him with accusations from his wife. He modified how he behaved towards her and made sacrifices to accommodate her more and more. But issues persisted and her outcry became louder. 

Every effort to reconcile the two came to no fruition. The union eventually collapsed and people said, "He doesn't deserve her." Others said, "No one can put up with him!" However, life proceeded as usual. But as it does, it gradually speaks for the silent and exposes the mind of the actor.