Have you ever felt like your in-laws were trying to exploit you? If yes, then pull up a chair — you’re not alone. Here’s what happened the day I went to officially ask for my fiancée’s hand in marriage.
I’d been dating this amazing young woman for two years, and we both agreed it was time to take things to the next level. I told her to inform her family I’d be coming with my people for the traditional introduction. She should also pack her bags because, that same day, she’d be going home with me.
We were excited — finally, our big day was here.
When we arrived, everyone was seated. As custom demands, they asked my father why we came (as if they didn’t already know). My dad introduced himself and explained that his son had found a beautiful maiden he wished to marry. They asked which of their daughters he meant, and I proudly called her name. She came out, we smiled at each other, and they sent her back in so the formalities could begin.
That’s when they gave me the list — the famous “things to buy” list. I politely told them to monetize everything so we wouldn’t be dragging dates around looking for yam, oil, or 24 crates of malt.
They agreed, did the calculations, and proudly presented me with a grand total of ₦1,300,000.
This is where the drama started.
I told them, “No problem, I’m okay with your list. But here’s mine.”
My list? Everything I’d bought for their daughter in the last two years — earrings, human hair, shoes, clothes, you name it. Total: ₦500,000.
I asked them to please subtract my ₦500k from their ₦1.3m, and I’d pay the balance.
That’s when the meeting turned into a Nollywood action scene. Voices were raised, hands were flying in the air. My would-be in-laws insisted I must pay the full ₦1.3m or the marriage would not hold. I, on the other hand, insisted they must deduct my expenses before I could pay.
Long story short — the traditional wedding was postponed until both sides reach a compromise.
So tell me — if you were in my shoes, would you pay the full price or insist they deduct your past “investments” first? Drop your thoughts in the comments.