Obaa Yaa
Should l accept his proposal?
We have been good friends from primary school through to the tertiary and a lot of friends predict that we are good couples in the making.
My friend has been in a stable relationship for many years and friends have concluded that the two love birds will definitely make a good couple.
Unfortunately, close to the end of our studies in the university, my friend suddenly allowed herself to be influenced by a rich man who visited the son on campus.
From the beginning, l thought this interaction would not cause any problem, but it has degenerated into a serious amorous affair.
Now, my friend has decided to leave her longtime friend for this rich man. My repeated appeals and pieces of advice could not help change her mind.
Secondly, her boyfriend who knows me as her best friend, continues to spend sleepless nights on the telephone with intermittent sobs, pleading with me to talk to her to rescind her decision and return to him.
Aware that all his efforts would not work and that my friend was determined to go ahead with the proposed wedding with the rich man, the boyfriend’s attention is now on me.
According to him, having observed me all these years, he has come to the conclusion that l will be the best replacement for my friend. He has promised to see my parents in the shortest period should l accept his proposal.
When l objected, he said it was my friend who abrogated the friendship and that he has decided to pick me as a good replacement, adding that l should not disappoint him either.
Meanwhile, this is a serious gentleman who is capable of becoming a good husband in the future.
Should l accept his proposal?
Nancy, Cape Coast.
Dear Nancy,
This is a thought-provoking issue which ought to be handled by an objective mind and better management for a good result.
I can envisage the pressure on you and the confused state in which you find yourself.
Though you are not responsible for the break in their relationship, you should not accept the offer from this gentleman because it will come with unexpected problems.
Judging from how close she was with this gentleman, one cannot rule out an intimate relationship, a situation which has the potential to break your friendship with your best friend.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
When I got pregnant with our first child, my husband and I agreed for me to stay home, at least until the children were a bit older.
I had a good job in banking, but childcare in our city was expensive, and his salary alone could cover us. I said yes without hesitation, because that’s what you do for your family.
“A bit older” became 12 years. Three children, three different schools, endless sick days, school runs, cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, managing the house when he travelled for work, all of it fell on me.
I never complained, because I told myself this was my contribution, even if it didn’t come with a pay cheque.
We had a discussion about it and my husband told me I was stressing him because I was a housewife.
Twelve years of my life, my career, my independence, reduced to “nothing” in one sentence. That night, after he fell asleep, I sat in the living room and opened my old laptop. I started updating my resume for the first time in over a decade. I don’t know the future, but I know I can’t keep living as someone whose entire existence is considered worthless.
Eyram, Keta.
Dear Eyram,
Your husband’s words were painful and unfair. Raising three children, managing a household, and supporting a family for 12 years is a significant contribution. The fact that it did not come with a salary does not make it any less valuable.
Before making any major decisions, try to have a calm conversation with him when emotions have settled. Explain how his statement affected you and why it made you feel that your sacrifices and contributions were being dismissed. Sometimes people say hurtful things during arguments without fully considering the impact of their words, but that does not excuse them.
Updating your résumé is not an overreaction. Rebuilding your financial independence, confidence, and career options can be a healthy step for your own security and self-worth, whether or not your marriage improves. Having choices is important.
Pay attention to how your husband responds when you share your feelings. A partner who values the relationship should be willing to acknowledge the hurt, apologise sincerely, and recognise the work you have done for the family. If these conversations continue to be dismissive or disrespectful, consider seeking marriage counselling to help address the deeper issues.
Most importantly, do not allow anyone—including your spouse—to convince you that caring for your children and managing your home for 12 years was “nothing.” Your contribution helped make his career and your family’s stability possible. You deserve respect, appreciation, and a voice in your own home.
Dear Obaa Yaa,
I am a 30- year-old doctor by profession. I have been happily married to a teacher for the past two years without a child.
Though we haven’t been married for long, we have always prayed for the fruit of the womb.
Gladly, my wife has taken seed but she didn’t tell me herself. Instead, one of her friends told me through a gossip that I’m the one responsible.
Her friend said she confided in her but doesn’t want me to know. Should I ask her about it, or should I keep pretending I don’t know she’s pregnant and see what comes out of it?
In my opinion, this shouldn’t be a secret and what prevents her from telling me.
I am so excited and I believe this calls for celebration. But the feedback from her friend is keeping me in suspense.
Abrefa, Aburi.
Dear Abrefa,
Don’t play games or wait to see what happens. If there’s any chance the child is yours, the best approach is to talk to her directly, respectfully.
Gossip is often incomplete or inaccurate, and her friend’s comments may not reflect the full truth. Ask her privately if she is pregnant and whether you are responsible.
Give her the opportunity to explain her situation rather than relying on information from others. An honest conversation will give you clarity and help you decide the next step based on facts rather than relying on second-hand information.
An honest conversation will give you clarity and help you decide the next steps based on facts rather than assumptions.
