Obaa Yaa
Stepson comes with blessings
Dear Obaa Yaa,
We have been married for five years without a child and as usual people gave us names and tried to ridicule us.
Though we were in hard times and it was extremely difficult to obtain a square meal, l was more surprised to learn that in the midst of all these problems, my husband had gone to impregnate a young lady and the parents had threatened to report the matter to the police.
Following this incident, an elderly woman in the area came to whisper into my ears that though difficult to bear, l should not get angry since this unfortunate incident could bring about a turning point in my marriage. Initially, l considered the piece of advice from the old woman a trash.
While some blamed my husband for the mess he had caused, others were quick to say that he was justified because l could not conceive.
I lost appetite for food and the whole world seemed to be crumbling over my head. Under the circumstance, several issues came to my mind and the idea of divorce stood tall among the options.
There was no peace in the house a few days following this shocker from my husband. Having thought about it, l could not believe it and contemplated divorce in order to have my peace.
One early morning, I was surprised when the old woman came to our house again and asked me to forget about divorce, and ended with these words, “Treat this child with love and one day you will reap the immense benefits”.
After this child was fully integrated into the family, my husband got a job, l became pregnant and ever since there is absolute peace in the family. Thanks to the good counsel of the old lady who calmed the raging tempers in the family.
I wish to use this column to advise wives to remain patient when matters go bad.
Faustina, Accra.
Dear Faustina,
I am extremely glad about this wonderful piece of information which will help calm raging tempers in families when such issues occur.
My conviction is that it is always advisable to listen to good counsel whenever there is a problem and take the right decision.
This should not be misconstrued as supporting husbands who indulge in extra-marital affairs.
I wish to commend Madam Faustina for the demonstration of tolerance and love for the little boy. Having gotten a child, she must not change her attitude towards this boy.
Obaa Yaa
In-laws are the problem In-laws are the problem
Dear Obaa Yaa,
Thank you for publishing my article with the heading above. I am back to answer your two questions.
Luckily, my in-laws are in their family house whilst we are in our own house. It all started when my husband started building a house.
I didn’t know they disliked me. I’ve always tried to play my role as an in-law.
But upon an attitude they developed, I have stopped.
Now, they come in groups to my house to insult me for no reason. My step daughter who is in Junior High School (JHS) 3 has been turned against me.
Now the girl only visit the house just to disrespect me and return to her aunties.
My husband mostly get angry over his family’s behaviour and exchange words with them sometimes. They insult him in turn, claiming I have cast a spell on him.
They are under the impression that my husband has transferred all the household properties to me, including two cars he has already registered in my name.
The situation is very painful and distressing. We are both worried.
My children are much worried because they can no longer visit the family house.
Obaa, let me hear from you soon, as this man needs to bless the marriage at the church.
Cecilia Antwi,
Mampong
Dear Cecilia,
Thanks for responding to our letter. The situation calls for a family meeting to resolve the issue once and for all.
Make a formal complaint to your family head and let him summon both families for a formal arbitration so that both parties can air their grievances to pave the way for differences to be ironed out.
You may also complain to your pastor to act in concert with the family head to make the summons a more effective one.
Obaa Yaa
My wife does not appreciate me
Dear Obaa Yaa,
I overhead my wife talking to someone on the phone. I still don’t know who that person was but it could be any of her friends.
In her conversation, I overheard her telling someone how lucky the person was. She said “Do you know how much he gives me to keep the home? I am even tired of the marriage.”
These words from my wife shocked me. In her conversation, he insulted me to her friend, describing me as a lazy person.
Our marriage is only two years old and we don’t have a child. I work very hard but I earn little.
When I confronted her, she told me she was just joking and for that matter is not something serious.
I didn’t want to drag it but the more I think of it, the more I get hurt knowing the woman I married doesn’t appreciate my effort.
What hurt me the most was when she said her friend should give her husband to her.
I am lost, I feel she doesn’t need me in her life. How can I forget about this?
Abraham, Takoradi
Dear Abraham,
Have you considered having an open and honest conversation with your wife about how you are feeling?
In my opinion, it is possible that she is not aware of the efforts you are making.
Communication is key in any relationship, and talking things through can help clear up misunderstandings and strengthen your bond.
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