Funmilayo & Dami: 12 Years of Matrimony, Still Unraveling Each Other's Secrets!

Published 1 hour ago4 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Funmilayo & Dami: 12 Years of Matrimony, Still Unraveling Each Other's Secrets!

The journey of Dr. Funmilayo and Dr. Dami began in 2008 as students at the College of Medicine in Lagos, a time when they were unaware of the marital future that awaited them in 2014. Their initial connection was formed through a mutual friend and a shared campus fellowship, though they were not actively conversing. Dr. Dami's persistent observations during evening walks, where he noticed Dr. Funmilayo taking a different route, eventually led him to initiate a conversation. This impromptu meeting, prompted by an inexplicable nudge for Dr. Funmilayo to go for a walk that evening, marked the genesis of their profound love story. As Dr. Dami fondly recalled, "We started talking seriously during one of those night walks, and we’ve been taking plenty of walks ever since."

Upon marrying, the couple faced several adaptation challenges rooted in their distinct upbringings. Dr. Funmilayo, who grew up as an only child, was accustomed to having her own space and belongings, finding it initially difficult to share her life with another person. However, this adjustment paled in comparison to the significant hurdle of time management. Dr. Funmilayo confessed to having a "huge problem with time consciousness," often arriving late, while Dr. Dami was meticulously principled about punctuality. This disparity culminated in a deeply emotional moment when Dr. Dami, a pastor at the time, required them to be in church in Lekki by 7 am from Gbagada shortly after Dr. Funmilayo had given birth. Both broke down crying, leading to a pivotal resolution where they sought to understand each other's perspectives, particularly acknowledging the new mother's struggles. This initial "flashpoint" eventually transformed into a testament to their mutual growth, as Dr. Funmilayo proudly noted her improved punctuality.

Dr. Dami's background as the first child, coupled with a military family influence and boarding school education, meant he wasn't particular about individual ownership, contrasting sharply with his wife's experiences. As a family life practitioner, Dr. Dami later understood the critical importance of examining people's backgrounds, temperaments, and personalities. This insight allowed him to view life through Dr. Funmilayo’s lens, fostering empathy for her experience as an only child accustomed to a specific way of life.

Another significant challenge for the couple early in their marriage was managing finances, largely due to their differing "money personalities." Dr. Funmilayo identifies herself as the spender, enjoying thoughts of vacations and immediate spending, while Dr. Dami leans towards saving, suggesting investments, and prioritizing practical expenses like school fees and rent. Despite these differences, "foundational trust is very key when it comes to finances," Dr. Dami explained, highlighting that their mutual trust prevented questions of financial recklessness or stinginess. He acknowledged his own logical approach to finances but revealed how marriage has facilitated his personal growth, helping him embrace his spouse's perspective. Over the years, he has re-evaluated expenses like trips, recognizing them not merely as costs but as "huge investments" in health and memories. This shift is evident in their annual goals, which have included vacation trips since 2020.

Dr. Dami also shared his perspective on the role of a husband, rejecting the reductionist mindset that equates being a man of the house solely with providing money. He asserts that "money is important, but it is just a tool," and advocates for a desire to see one's wife out-earn them, provided there is trust. After over a decade of marriage, the couple continues to learn and evolve. While they have found a balance in financial management, they are actively working on other areas to ensure their marriage's longevity.

When asked to pinpoint one beloved quality or memorable moment, both Dr. Funmilayo and Dr. Dami struggled, emphasizing that their love is a continuous action built on consistently memorable deeds. Dr. Funmilayo deeply values Dr. Dami's exceptional kindness, noting his compassionate responses even in frustrating situations, such as a car accident. She also praised his immense patience, recalling how he successfully taught her to drive after others had failed. This influence has led her to become less emotional and reactive, processing things more thoughtfully, much like him. The couple's current focus is on "what’s next" – exploring all possibilities, gifts, graces, and talents in their life's journey. They believe in constant change, evolution, and becoming better versions of themselves, ensuring neither partner is left behind. God and faith serve as fundamental pillars in the Adeniyis' household, shaping their mindset and guiding them in raising their three children to be God-loving, compassionate, solution-oriented producers.

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