Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

Why should anyone decide to suffer wrongly in silence all in the name of love? Why should anyone lose his moral standards and give up dreams just to please another? These questions crossed my mind today after listening to Joy’s story.

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The story so far…

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Joy, aged 26, was a young ambitious woman. She was married to Alfred, an accountant in ABC company.

Yeah, are you wondering why I used “was” (past tense) instead of “is” when addressing Joy?

Yes, Joy died this morning at the cold hands of death. Our mutual friend, Simi who was just returning from the hospital with tears in her eyes met me and couldn’t help sharing her friend’s story.

So, according to Simi my dear friend…

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Joy and Alfred holding hands

Joy and Alfred were always seen as the best couple in town and most newly wedded couple always prayed to be like them. They became the sweet couple referenced in every counselling meeting held in town. Hmmm, I mean, every young boy and girl sang their praises especially with how beautiful Joy always looked wearing her sweet smile anytime she was around her husband Alfred.

No one could understand what went wrong. What happened to all the beautiful moments and public display of affections?

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Things began to fall apart when Alfred was promoted to the Head of Accounting department in his company. Yes, it was a well-deserved promotion because Alfred really worked so hard to get there. His colleagues at work decided to throw a small celebration party for him and invite few friends over after working hours.

Later that evening, everybody gathered round at the hotel for the celebration. Alfred after giving his opening speech, saw an old friend, Jessie. By Old friend, I meant his University’s Crush back in Bells University. She came along with her friend who works with Alfred. Alfred was so happy to see her, he introduced her to his wife and later went to a cool spot to catch up on old times with her.

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Jessie, is a divorced, single mother who was also very beautiful. She had this down-to-earth personality that always got Alfred crazy. Alfred was so happy to still see she still had that spark, little wonder he didn’t care to ask if she was married or not.
Alfred started hanging out with Jessie for Old time sake, at least that was his excuse. They hanged out most times after his work time at bars and eateries. In no time, Alfred became so fond of her.

Meanwhile, Joy just had a miscarriage and needed all the emotional support she could get. She was always moody and bitter, looked lean and different. She was worried that the one person who should hold her hands through this tough time was always coming home late and sometimes secretive. Alfred had suddenly changed. He was no longer too concerned but Joy felt it was his way of getting over the miscarriage too.

After some months, his late night habits became unbearable after promising to change and Joy decided to confront him for it. He clearly told her nothing special was going on between him and Jessie. Joy complains became consistent and Alfred started calling her a NAG. One very unfaithful day, Alfred hit her so hard on her face just to shut her up.

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Joy looking depressed and helpless

It dawned on her that she had to reach out to someone close maybe her parents or a counsellor for help. The beating and slaps became consistent and unbearable. Joy was totally depressed.
This thought kept playing in Joy’s head. She later concluded that she opening up to anyone would ruin her marriage. According to her, “Why expose her marriage secrets and spoil their perfect image in public. All marriages have their own secrets.”

Things went on this way till when Joy found out her husband was already having an affair with Jessie. She was so angry that she swore to end his life. While confronting him and crying, Alfred pushed her in annoyance and she fell down from the staircase.
He didn’t quickly notice his bleeding wife on the floor until he saw that she wasn’t moving. Things began to fall apart and the scales in his eyes cleared. He rushed her to the Hospital but it was too late. Joy died due to many complications.

Very sad story right?

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LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE STORY…
This same story and many other versions are happening in our world today. Many of us are suffering in silence for no just reason.

It’s okay to maintain silence on certain things but there are exceptions to it. There is nothing wrong in asking for help when you actually need it.

“No man is an island.”

Yes, I know that sometimes it feels easier to hide in silence but its deadly. Most suicidal cases could have been avoided if they talked to someone and even had trusted people willing to listen.
Some would argue and say they can’t talk to anyone based on their previous experience trying to reach out, but the truth is we all at some point need people we can lean on, friends who will say the truth no matter what and still love us regardless.

Are you struggling with anything? it could be addiction, pressure from family and friends, suicidal thoughts and many others. Get a confidant today and share, go for counselling sessions. Make an attempt to make the right moves.

Nothing truly good comes the easy way so go all out and ask for help from the right people.

SAY NO TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS!
SAY NO TO THAT LONE WOLF MENTALITY!
SAY NO TO RELATIONSHIPS BUILT ON WRONG FOUNDATIONS!
TRUE LOVE DOES NO HARM! LOVE RIGHT!
SAY NO TO SUFFERING IN SILENCE!

I hope we have learnt from this final blog post on “PLEASURES OF FEBRUARY SERIES”.

Much love

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