"My wife made the first move", the Olaniyis

 

Love stories are interesting and as beautiful as they are, they happen differently. Sometimes, in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, in the most unexpected circumstances. And sometimes, with the least expected person or personality. We caught up with the Olaniyis, and trust me, neither of them saw it coming.

The first time you saw your wife, what was your impression of her?

Steve: The first time I saw her, I was like wow, that's my spec. Apart from Holyspirit, I was like this is what I want when she sent her picture to me. We met online. On my birthday, about four years ago, my friend posted my picture on his status on WhatsApp. That's where she saw it and she was like, according to her oh, "Who is this handsome guy?" So my friend now asked if she did not mind wishing me happy birthday and she said ok. So she messaged me and explained how she got mý contact.

Mercy: Errhm...(laughs) he looked very handsome. He has a very nice structure, can I call it bow-leg or what (laughs). Ok so I just love the way he walks, his structure...

How did you know she was the one or at what point did you start craving something deep?

Steve: You know that very first day that she messaged me, before then I had praying for a life partner and I told God that before my birthday I wanted an answer. So it was on the night of my birthday that she messaged me. So I said, ''God, have you answered the prayer?'' After our first meeting, we kept talking and when I prayed, God said yes. I didn't want to rely on flesh at all.

Mercy: Honestly, if he had snubbed me when I reached out, I don't what I would have done because ordinarily I might not have given him a chance. But we started talking and getting close. So when he asked me out, I didn't say yes because I just opted out of a relationship then. We continued talking and after some time, I felt it was something I could go on with so I decided to give it a try. I didn't really pray (laughs) but then, I got a confirmation through my dream sha but I didn't really pray.

How long did it take him to propose?

Mercy: It took him a while but I did not wonder why that long. When he proposed sef, I didn't really expect it. But then I knew he must propose before anything (laughs). We were already planning our wedding before he proposed. In my mind, I was even saying ogbeni, se o ni propose o kan fe femi ni? (laughs).

Steve: It was in Akure Shoprite. I didn't even know I could do it in public. I didn't know where the courage came from. But because it's something she admires and always mentions in certain conversations, I decided to do it. One thing about me is that if you want something, I may not do it at that time. She wasn't expecting it. She was amazed.

What was your first date like?

Steve: After she reached out, we kept talking for some months. Eventually, she came for her IT in Lagos then we fixed a date and met at Ikeja City Mall. So when I saw her physically, I knew that this is not what I ordered versus what I got situation (laughs). So I got what I ordered. I was happy, and it was fun.

Mercy: Yeah, it was fun. It was worthwhile and we really enjoyed the moment. I was happy to see him, and it felt like I couldn't have enough of him.

At what point did you discover something shocking about each other?

Mercy: When we became official, I discovered he could shout at me or talk to me anyhow at times and I didn't like it.

Steve: It was when we went for an event, she got really angry because they locked our bags up. I was surprised, I didn't like it and I felt really bad. I was like even if you're angry, it shouldn't show. 

What's your typical day as a couple like?

Steve: It's always fun. Sometimes, we fight because me, I have policy. Once I give you policy and you don't follow it...but we enjoy time together.

Mercy: Well, we watch movies. Sometimes, we talk and sometimes, he advise me because he likes to talk very well (laughs).

How would you describe your love journey?

Mercy: It has been great. It has been awesome. It has been beautiful. It has drawn me closer to God.

Steve: You know, sometimes, my wife will say, ''Oga, you're too spiritual!'' but prayer has helped us and it has been beautiful. I love her unconditionally and being together has helped me understand her even more, and the things we have in common. I am a fashionista and she is also a fashionista. When she is happy, it will show in her food and when she is not, it will also show (laughs).