“I married your father to survive, not because I loved him” – Mother tells daughter

A mother has stirred conversations on marriage and generational values after revealing that her union was built more on survival than love, highlighting shifting priorities between older and younger generations

The woman, whose remarks surfaced in a private conversation shared online, explained why she has remained in her marriage despite emotional dissatisfaction.

The disclosure has reignited debate over traditional marriage expectations in Nigeria, where economic stability often outweighed romantic attachment in past decades, particularly among women.

Marriage built on survival, not affection

“I am only married to your dad because I am managing him. It is not even mainly because of love. Back then, things were different — you could marry any man you had the opportunity to marry. You didn’t have to be deeply in love with him. As long as he could take care of you and provide for the family, that was the most important thing at the time.”

Staying for family despite dissatisfaction

“Your father has not changed till today. He is still the same man I married years ago. But what can I do? I am already deep into the marriage. We have seven children together. At this stage, I cannot just leave him. I have to stay and manage the situation.”

Her remarks mirror long-standing cultural realities in Nigeria, where, as far back as the 1980s and 1990s, marriage was largely influenced by economic security rather than emotional compatibility, a trend now evolving among younger generations.

Watch the video below…