Abstract:
This study explores the relational dynamics in marriages as a result of the
expectations couples had before marriage. An exploratory qualitative research
design was employed. Ten (10) couples, making twenty (20) participants from
Madina and Ashiyie were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide.
From this study, it has been revealed that all couples have expectations for
marriage before they get married. These expectations however can either be
conscious or unconscious. Couples‟ expectations are mostly conceived
through childhood socialization, the influence of media and the influence of
religion. Some of such expectations include „having frequent communication
with their partners‟, „getting gifts from their partners‟, „getting to spend
quality time with their partners‟, „getting all kinds of help and assistances from
their partners‟, „expecting a God fearing partner, a humble partner, a
submissive partner‟ and many others. The study continually reveals that when
couples‟ expectations are met, they breed positive relational dynamics in the
form of happy communication, exchanging of gifts, having quality time for
each other and many others which brings joy and resultantly, marital stability.
On the other hand, unmet expectations in marriage breed negative relational
dynamics in the form of silent treatments, quarrels, fights and other negative
actions towards each other which causes distress and marital instability.
However, the situation of distress and marital instability can be curbed or
reduced if couples are educated on the pros and cons of marital expectations
prior to marriage.
