*27 WAYS TO BUILD A HAPPY AND LONG LASTING MARRIAGE *

Marriage is a beautiful and fulfilling relationship that requires commitment, love, and sacrifice.

No matter what culture you belong to, what religion you believe, what society, level of wealth, or era you live in – one thing common to all people is that they want to be "happy", especially in their marriages.

What Should you do?

1. Love the person you married, not the person you hoped you married. Accept your spouse totally. You cannot love a man/woman you do not accept. Stop comparing your spouse with anyone, he or she can never be somebody else. Until you accept your spouse, you can't get the best out of your marriage

2. Understand each other. No marriage succeeds without understanding. Learn to know one another as best as you can. Understand you are not the same and may never be. Respect that you are both individuals. Get to know each other strengths and weaknesses. Strengthen each other's weaknesses.

3. Be quick to forgive and quicker to apologize. Love forgives. Learn to accept apology. Freely forgive your spouse’s past, present and future offenses. Never refer to his/her past mistakes. Never go to bed with anger or unsettled quarrel. Marriage is two forgivers living together.

4. Ask your spouse, "What can I do for you today?" every single day.

5. Never talk bad about your spouse to other people. Protect him or her and always keep his or her name safe. Fight for each other, not with each other.

6. Have lots of s*x. Enjoy S*x with your spouse. Never withhold s*x as a punishment.

7. Keep the word "divorce" out of your vocabulary. Remember your vows. Review them on a regular basis.

8. Provide for the needs of your spouse and children. Never be stingy to your spouse. Care for his/her needs. Be generous to him/her. Pay your children’s school fees promptly and regularly. Marriage is not 50/50. It's 100/100. Give yourself entirely, and don't hold back. Men, Be sensitive to your wife’s needs. Spend money to beautify her.

9. Be faithful to your spouse. Being unfaithful is the easiest way to completely ruin your marriage. Adultery kills.

10. Understand and learn each other's love language. Either it can be words, gifts, touch, actions, etc. If it is words, then frequently tell your spouse you love and appreciate him/ her. If it is action: regularly do things that they appreciate: either take the garbage out, wash the dishes, cook the food, wash the car, etc
Spoil each other. Keep track of the things your spouse loves and buy them for him or her.

11. Communication is the key to a relationship. Talk like friends and lovers. Don’t make your spouse guess what you are thinking or feeling. Don't expect him/her to read your mind. You should feel free to discuss all things without fear.

12. Always listen attentively to your spouse. Switch off your phone or television, shut down your computer or iPad and newspapers, books and magazine should be closed. The greatest communication skill you can develop is the listening skill. Be quiet and patient while he/she is speaking, when he/she is done, you can express your opinion. Look straight into his/her eyes when he is talking to you or when you’re talking to him. This will make him/her feel that you are interested in what he/she wants to say.

13. Love, respect and courtesy are basic ingredients of happy married life. Give them generously to your spouse. Show your spouse how much you love, care and appreciate him/her regularly. Say, "I love you," every single day.

14. Be honest and show sincere appreciation. Appreciate each other. Show your spouse appreciation for the little things. Be thankful and say so!!! Find something that you appreciate about your spouse and say thank you.

15. Surprise each other with lovely gifts, kiss and s*x.
Kiss passionately. Hold hands. Cuddle. Make physical affection a priority in your marriage.

16. Make quality time for each other. Keep dating each other. Put your marriage and spouse before your children. Play together. Never lose your sense of humor. Make your spouse your best friend.

17. Share everything...no secrets between you. Be open with your spouse.

18. Be polite and courteous to each other. Saying thank you, please and I am sorry.

19. Get rid of bad habits. Don’t do those things your spouse hates. Don’t do things that hurt him/her. Develop a godly character. Don’t create a hostile environment for your spouse. Focus on making your spouse happy. The best way to improve your relationship is to improve yourself.

20. Always be honest to your partner. Lying never gets you anywhere

21. Aim to do something at least once per week together. It does not matter what, even if it is to eat together, bath together, watch movies together, read books together and share light conversation

22. Do NOT look at other marriages and covet. No marriage is prefect. Remember, the grass is not greener on the other side. You will still have to maintain, mow and weed that side too!

23. Work at your marriage. If you ever lack motivation for your marriage and feel like the flame has gone dead. Just try to imagine yourself without your spouse. Talk to anyone who has lost their soul mate and they'll tell you that they will give anything to have back that special someone.

Remember, it is your marriage and you have come this far. Make the best of it. Pledge to yourself that you will do your part and try your best. Remember that you chose your spouse for forever.

24. All issues need to have a solution and be resolved at the time of the conversation. Finish what you start otherwise things just hang in the balance,which leads to future problems.

25. Don't make mountains out of mole hills. Don't waste your time fighting over little things. It's not worth it. Let small things go.

26. Don't broadcast your problems to everyone else. If you need to talk to someone about it, other than your spouse, get a therapist.

27. Above all: Serve God together, Pray together & Pray for one another. Pray for your spouse daily in your personal prayers. Be specific. Talk to God about his or her challenges and trials, and ask Him what you can do to be a better spouse.

You will not fail in your marriage in Jesus name

Kindly share..

Let every Igbo read and pass this educational piece to our children. Culled from Chike Ofilli.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON THE IGBO:
Clearing the Basic Confusions Honestly

*Question: Is Southeast and Igboland the same thing?*

*Answer* : Not at all. Southeast is only about 3/5th of Igboland. Igboland covers the whole of Southeast, parts of Rivers, Delta, Edo, Cross river, Benue, Kogi, and Akwa Ibom states.

*Question: Why were we taught in school that Igbo people are easterners?*

*Answer* : It is both an unfortunate parroting by teachers and careless adoption by Igbo educated class. Igbo people come from Southern Nigeria and not Eastern Nigeria. It may be correct to say that the Igbo are found predominantly in eastern Nigeria. However, by saying that the Igbo are easterners, the implication is that the Igbo in western Nigeria, numbering about 2.5 million (Agbor, Ogwashi Ukwu, Ibuzo, Okpanam, Asaba, Orimili, Ndokwa, Anioma, etc) are not Igbos. The best-known Igbo anthropologist Professor Mike Onwuejeogwu is from the western part of Nigeria, Chukwuma Nzeogwu, Dennis Osadebe, Okonkwo Adibe (the famous musician), Sony Odogwu, etc. are all from the western part of Nigeria. They are no less Igbo than those who live in the eastern part of Nigeria. The correct answer to your question is “the Igbo come from Southern Nigeria.”

*Question: Why do some Igbo refer to themselves as “core Igbo?”*

*Answer:* That is clearly arrant nonsense. Nobody is core and others peripheral. All Igbo are the same. It is both arrogant, thoughtless, and insensitive for anybody to regard others as marginal.

*Question: Is Igboland landlocked?*

*Answer:* Not at all. Igboland stretches from Port Harcourt to Agbor. The Atlantic ocean washes the shores of Igboland at the islands Opobo and Bonny, Africa’s second largest river – River Niger, traverses Igboland with one part of Igboland in the east and another part in the west of Nigeria. Oguta Lake has the potential to accommodate large ships and could be made a navigable port. If Igboland is landlocked, then all Nigeria is landlocked.

*Question: Is there oil in Igboland?*

*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There is a lot of oil & and gas in Imo, Abia, and currently in Anambra states and Igbo areas in Rivers and Delta States. Besides, Igboland has many other natural resources, including coal, iron ore, limestone, lead, zinc, brine, glass, etc.

*Question: Are the Igbo a nation or a tribe?*

*Answer:* The Igbo is a nation and a very large one. There are many dialects or tribes in Igbo nation, just like you have many tribes within Israel.

*Question: Why do some Ikwerre people and other non southeastern Igbo say they are not Igbo?*

*Answer:* First, it is not up to them to say what they are and what they are not. When God created them, He did not ask them who they wanted to be. He just created them Igbo. The only way you’ll know who belongs to what ethnic group in Nigeria is the name and what language the name comes from. Anybody whose name is Amadi or Onyeri, or Eke, or Odili, Wanodi (Nwanodi) does not need to tell you who he is. He is Igbo, notwithstanding their politics.

*Question: But they claim that their language is Ikwerre, not Igbo.*

*Answer:* That is politics. Ikwerre is a dialect of Igbo language. Just like an Ngwa man speaks Ngwa Igbo, Arochukwu speaks Arochukwu Igbo, Ika speaks Ika Igbo, Ibani speak Ibani Igbo etc.

*Question: Some people say that Igbo language is not complete, is it true?*

*Answer:* No language is complete. All languages borrow from each other. Igbo language is very rich. It has inexhaustible and rich linguistic features like idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, sayings, anecdotes, riddles, folklores, etc. Igbo language is one of the major languages of the world, being spoken by millions of people.

*Question: How many are the Igbo?*

*Answer:* The Igbo are very numerous. There is an educated guess that if Nigeria’s census is properly enumerated, the Igbo could easily be the largest ethnic group in the country. They may number up to 40 million. Everything right now is speculation. Nobody knows the true stratification or ethnic populations in Nigeria. The Igbo are the only ethnic group found in large numbers everywhere in Nigeria and foreign countries more than any other ethnic group in Africa.

*Question: Do the Igbo have a culture of their own?*

*Answer:* Yes, indeed. Igbo culture is perhaps one of the richest and all-encompassing cultures in this world. Igbo culture always observes the temporal and the spiritual aspects of cosmology. The study of Igbo culture reveals that it is extremely deep and original.

*Question: Why do the Igbo wear Yoruba Agbada and Hausa babban riga, but the Yoruba and the Hausa do not ever wear Igbo national dress?*

*Answer* : Unfortunately, this is the case. The Igbo have very attractive and resplendent national dresses. And they come in assortments that are extremely dignifying. The Igbo take up foreign cultures more readily than other Nigerians, and they seem not to care that nobody reciprocates their carefree attitude to life. Most ethnics promote their cultures and show off what makes them unique. Actually, it is still the same so-called educated Igbo class who behave in such disgraceful and devil-may-care attitudes.

*Question: Why do the Igbo call themselves Biafrans?*

*Answer:* Great question. Some people have the idea that Biafra originates from the Bight of Biafra. But that is wrong. Biafra was the National name of Igboland given to Igbo by the Portuguese, just as Nigeria was named by the English of Britain. There was the Kingdom of Biafra that ruled most of the ancient subtropical Africa about 50,000 years ago. Unfortunately, nobody talks about it, for whatever reason (maybe because Portugal lost the colony right of Biafra to Britain who buried it, in other to promote Nigeria amalgamation), "I do not know". But, it is in the ancient maps of the world. If you wish, search it in Google.

*Question: Were the Igbo also taken into slavery during the slave trade?*

*Answer:* Yes. The Igbo slaves themselves gave account of their travails in slavery. Olauda Ekwuano, an Igbo ex-slave who bought his freedom in Britain, was the first slave to write about his experience in slavery. His book has become a classic. You ought to find it and read it. Also, other Igbos who were brought to America revolted, and some walked back on water and were said to have returned to Africa. Several books have been written about them. One of such books is “Ibo Landing.” It is available in bookstores like Barnes & Noble. In Haiti, the Igbo settled there and refused to be colonized by anybody. There are many places where the Igbo left their mark or their signature.

*Question: How did the Igbo know days and years?*

*Answer:* The Igbo invented an accurate, if not the most accurate, calendar called “Iguafo Igbo (Igbo Calendar).” In Igbo calendar, there are four market days – Eke, Afor, Nkwo, Orie that make one week. Four days make one week, seven weeks make one month, and thirteen months make one year. There are 28 days for each month, with the last month having 29 days. Each month starts the same day as the previous. Igbo calendar forms the perfect astronomical alignment with the cosmos and regulates the seasons, agriculture, navigation, astrology, geography, mathematics, travel, etc.

*Question: Did the Igbo have their own alphabet?*

*Answer:* Yes, indeed. It is called “Nsibidi.”

*Question: How about mathematics; did the Igbo know mathematics?*

*Answer:* Yes, indeed. There are such inventions as “Okwe” and “Mkpisi” which the Igbo used to resolve figures.

*Question: Did the Igbo know anything about banking?*

*Answer:* Yes. Igbo banking was more in the nature of savings and loans. The authentic Igbo savings and loans invention is called “Isusu’ in which contributions are pooled each week, and one person who has the need, collects, is still in practice. Igbo slaves took this invention to the Caribbean Islands, where they still practice it and call it “Sue Sue.”

*Question: Some people say that Igboland is too small for the Igbo, that they have no alternative than to live as Nigerians: is this true?*

*Answer:* False. Igboland is a large country. Do every Igbo need to stay and work in Igboland? No. Everywhere in the world, some will stay home while others venture abroad in search of opportunities. Igboland is large enough for the Igbo. It is a very rich and hospitable part of the world. It has rich soil for agriculture, abundant rainfall, good sunshine, and table land in many parts. Its land space and population are more than that of over half of the present countries in the world.

*Question: Where did the Igbo come from?*

*Answer:* That question is still being asked. There are very intriguing theories or histories now being studied. You may have heard of the Jewish angle & the Egypt angle which are connected, and the Origin of man angle. This twenty-first century, hopefully, will resolve the mystery.

Share to educate others if you love Igbo👍🏾 @IzuchukwuCenter

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu

*On January 29, 2025,* Pi Core Team reminded pioneers about the *Passphrase Safety and Security Guides*


While the pioneers globally where expecting a laugh on *March 14th, 2025,* Suddenly and surprisingly, on *February 12th, 2025* The announcement of the *Open Network* took place.

They’re giving another reminder of wallet safety recently, could this signal another big announcement coming *June 28th, 2025?*



Lets just be hopeful to see what ahead....

By admin Olasheu