By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Renowned marriage counselor, Theresa Wiafe-Asante, has raised concerns about the growing trend of young couples entering marriage without a clear understanding of why they are making such a life-altering decision.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on 99.7 MHz, Mrs. Wiafe-Asante noted that about 60% of young couples preparing for marriage are uncertain about their reasons for tying the knot.
“The question you are asking is exactly what happens sometimes at premarital counseling,” she said. “The first question you ask is: Why do you want to get married? And I think I’ve said it here before perhaps 60% of the young couples seated before you are not sure why they want to get married.”
According to her, many individuals cite reasons such as having a good job, owning a home, or simply responding to societal or parental pressure. “They say, ‘Well, I have a job. I have my own place. My parents think I should get married to be responsible.’ But that’s not a good enough reason,” she emphasized.
Mrs. Wiafe-Asante criticized the cultural perception that equates marriage with maturity and responsibility, especially for men. “There’s a dangerous notion out there that if you’re not married, especially as a young man, you’re not responsible. So they think marriage will automatically make you responsible which is not the truth,” she warned.
The counselor urged young people to critically examine their motives before walking down the aisle. She stressed the importance of genuine love, emotional maturity, shared values, and long-term compatibility over societal expectations or peer pressure.
Her comments have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many calling for more robust premarital counseling systems and public education on the realities of marriage.
As marriage rates continue to rise among the youth, experts like Mrs. Wiafe-Asante believe it is crucial to shift the narrative and ensure that couples are better prepared for the lifelong commitment marriage entails.
Video Credit: joyFm
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