Husband, wife agree to end 14-year-old ‘loveless’ marriage

Husband, wife agree to end 14-year-old ‘loveless’ marriage

An Upper Area Court, Kubwa, Abuja on Tuesday, dissolved a 14-year-old marriage between a housewife, Salamatu Halilu and her husband, Ibrahim Sumaila.

The Judge, Muhammad Wakili, dissolved the marriage according to Islamic Law, following Halilu’s prayer for divorce on grounds of lack of love.

Wakili also ordered Halilu to observe “Iddah”, which is a-three month period of observation after the judgment before contracting another marriage.

Earlier, the petitioner told the court that she got married to Sumaila under Islamic law in December, 2010.

She said that her marriage had been characterised with series of marital problems which forced her to move to her family home since July, 2018.

“I pray to the court to dissolve the marriage on the said ground by way of redemption. I do not love him anymore,” she said.

The husband also consented to the divorce request.

What is Loveless Marriage

A loveless marriage is a situation where the emotional connection and affection between spouses have significantly diminished or disappeared altogether. It can be characterized by feelings of loneliness, resentment, dissatisfaction, and lack of intimacy within the relationship. In a loveless marriage, partners may stay together for various reasons such as societal expectations, financial dependence, fear of change, or concern for children.

Causes of a Loveless Marriage: There are several factors that can contribute to the development of a loveless marriage. Some common causes include:

Communication Issues: Poor communication or lack of effective communication between partners can lead to misunderstandings, unresolved conflicts, and emotional distance.
Unmet Expectations: When one or both partners feel that their needs and expectations are not being met in the relationship, it can create feelings of disappointment and resentment.
Lack of Emotional Connection: Over time, couples may drift apart emotionally due to busy schedules, stress, or neglecting to nurture their bond.
Infidelity: Betrayal through infidelity can severely damage trust and intimacy in a marriage, leading to a loveless relationship.
Different Priorities: If partners have diverging goals, values, or priorities in life, it can strain the relationship and diminish emotional closeness.

Effects of a Loveless Marriage: Living in a loveless marriage can have significant emotional and psychological effects on both partners. Some common effects include:

Emotional Distress: Feelings of sadness, frustration, and loneliness can take a toll on mental well-being.
Physical Health Impacts: Stress from an unhappy marriage can manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, or digestive issues.
Low Self-Esteem: Constantly feeling unloved or unappreciated within the marriage can erode self-esteem and self-worth.
Impact on Children: Children raised in a loveless household may experience emotional distress and struggle with forming healthy relationships in the future.

Addressing a Loveless Marriage: While navigating a loveless marriage can be challenging, there are steps that couples can take to address the issues and potentially rebuild their connection:

Open Communication: Honest and open communication about feelings, needs, and concerns is crucial for understanding each other’s perspectives.
Couples Therapy: Seeking professional help through couples therapy can provide a safe space to work through issues with the guidance of a trained therapist.
Rekindling Romance: Making an effort to spend quality time together, show appreciation, and engage in activities that foster emotional intimacy can help reignite the spark in the relationship.

Ultimately, addressing a loveless marriage requires both partners to be willing to invest time and effort into rebuilding their emotional connection and prioritizing their relationship.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

American Psychological Association (APA) – The APA provides research-based insights into marital relationships, including information on communication strategies and the impact of marital distress on mental health.
Mayo Clinic – The Mayo Clinic offers expert advice on maintaining healthy relationships and coping with marital challenges such as communication issues and infidelity.
Psychology Today – Psychology Today publishes articles written by mental health professionals that explore various aspects of relationships, including tips for improving communication and fostering intimacy in marriages.