Renowned writer and inspirational speaker, Uncle Ebo Whyte, has counseled people against being compelled to marry in order to fit in with society’s expectations.
In a video posted on his Instagram handle, Uncle Ebo, who has been married for 42 years, questioned long-standing social norms surrounding marriage.
He urged young people not to feel pressured to get married.
Speaking about the purpose of marriage, he said, “There was a time when everybody needed to marry. That time has changed.
“There was a time when there was a purpose of marriage. That time has changed. There was a time when we needed to marry. That time has changed. It’s not now,” he said.
Citing the Apostle Paul’s teachings, he said, “He who marries does well. He who does not marry does even better.”
Uncle Ebo argued that the previous purpose of procreation for marriage has shifted, noting that family planning has now been introduced.
“Because now we are saying there are too many people. Let’s control the population. Then there’s the issue of companionship. I’ve been married for 42 years. Companionship…” he said.
The celebrated writer also cautioned against romanticising marriage, describing it as a relationship that requires “hard work, patience, humility, and respect,” not just love.
“Marriage is not given to everybody. Not everybody needs to marry. Not everybody will marry. Marriage is not a magic wand. It may not deliver half of what you expect. So if you do choose to marry, do so because you’ve found someone with whom you genuinely want to build a life, not because society says you must,” he added.
Uncle Ebo reminded his audience that people can live happy lives without being married and that marital status does not define one’s values.
“You are complete with or without marriage. Some of the most fulfilled people I know never married, and that’s perfectly okay,” he said.
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