MY HEART TRULY CARES

We met for a reason, one which is not totally clear to me yet.
But I know I have a clue.
We are both young,
We had and have things going for us in our individual lives.
We have our ambitions and future plans.
We both are working so hard to create the future we desire.
We've had and have our share of challenges; some are peculiar others are not.
We are so different from each other.
Our backgrounds, tribe, personality and sex.
But one thing is very common, we are united by Love.
This love is universal and we both agree to it.
But this love is personal also and we both are aware of it.
My heart goes all out for you.
I love you so much.
I respect your person.
I cherish every single thing that makes you who you are.
And you know what? I want you to be happy.
I mean every single word I say.
Even if your happiness requires me being outside the picture, its very fine as long as you are cool with it.

I think about so many things, but
A thought of you comes a lot often since we met.
I want to be there for you as a friend.
Let me be that guy whom you can call at any time and he answers,
Let me be that guy you can talk about anything and everything with and not feel any restraints,
Let me give you a hand to hold anytime you need one.
Let me give you a shoulder to lean on,
Let me give you an arm to hug when you need it.
My heart is open to you whenever you need to pour yours out.
Let me sit by your side when everyone else is gone or far away.
Let me be there smiling with you when that's all we could do.
Let me be that guy that you can always run back to when every other thing doesn't look like it.
I will sit with you by the sea side feeling the wave of the wind and the beauties of the waters.
I will write you a song even if my voice won't permit me to sing it to you.
I will stand by you no matter what happens.
Don't push me away because my heart is pure and sincere towards you.
Let you heart's desires be my drive.
Let me help you in any and every way I can.
Let me walk you down the street when you need to clear your head,
Let me be there for YOU.

I thank God every single day for making our paths cross.
You've thought me so many things even if you don't know it.
Working with you has given me a memory that can never be erased.
You are just an interesting person,
You have a good heart.
Well tutored and mannered.
Respectful, Loving, Driven, and of strong character. You are just one of a kind.
This could put a smile on your face, making you blush while reading it, but that's 
not just my intentions for writing this.
Let it guard your heart and have you knowing that someone somewhere truly cares.
I need you to know this one last thing...
I AM YOUR NUMBER ONE FAN.

Written by Dan Okezue.

That Beautiful Moment: A Love Story (Part 2)

I asked her to go to the shopping mall with me. I had a little girl give her a fresh rose flower the moment we walked into the mall. Angela was so thrilled at the little girl’s generosity, coupled with the fact that her mum encouraged her to receive the flowers. There was a note inside the flower that she didn't have to see yet. The flower was never too far from her nose because she loved the fragrance.
Walking further into the mall, I had arranged another little boy to write on the back of her left hand, ‘YOU’. She was so delighted at the love kids were showing her in the mall, but was a little surprised at why the boy who ran to her with such excitement would only write YOU on the back of her hand with a marker.

I had also arranged a shop to play me Banky W’s latest hit Yes/No while we walked to my primary destination in the mall. “Let’s do some jewelry window shopping,” I asked. We walked into the shop and I took her to the ring section and there was a banner hanging just in front of me with the inscription ‘marry’. I had to connect the dots, I asked her to look inside the flowers for a note which read ‘will’. She was still wondering what it meant when I removed my jacket and ‘ME’ was written on my white T-shirt. I asked her to connect them all.

The note in the flower read ‘WILL’ her hand read ‘YOU’, the inscription on the wall read ‘MARRY’ and my shirt read ‘ME’.  I pulled a ring I’d paid for from the counter, went on my knees, and presented it to her.

With tears of joy she said YES in every language she understood. At this point, she couldn't wait to update her pm and dp on bbm. My heart was still pounding; I had been thinking, “What if she had said no?” Well, like the popular TV series “Played by Fame”, I got everyone she met on our way into the mall to come in to the shop. There was excitement and love in the air.

Few minutes later, our phones started ringing. Everyone wanted to congratulate us.
The realities of a marital relationship started to set in. I started thinking for two knowing that I was now engaged. We had to give her church at least a six months notice before our wedding. We started to plan for the big day; we just wanted everything to be perfect. We contacted vendors to confirm prices and then we drew up our budget.

Our attention gradually moved from caring about each other to caring about the success of our wedding day. We disagreed on some things and then I knew that marriage was a lot of work. We had to submit our relationship to a couple we both respected for counsel. We had arguments at times but we never fought to win arguments because we both knew that we had a golden relationship to uphold instead.

With the big day here, it was with quick response that I said “Yes, I do. Let’s get this over with, I needed to take my wife out of here.”
At this point, I thought to myself that there were several processes in a wedding ceremony that should just be scrapped. But we had to patiently wait till the end of the service.

Anyway, all anxieties were gone. That beautiful moment when it hits you that “we are married now”… More than the Shakespeare love stories, we knew that forever began today and we walked out of the church hall with that excitement. The reception had started before we reached the venue. We were to dance in last after the chairman was called up to his seat.

I was overwhelmed by the love shown us by our friends and family during our wedding. The “paparazzi” were in full force as there were ‘phonographers’ everywhere taking picture of my wife and I. DPs were flying and we had lots of well wishers. The reception went on as normal until the MC announced something very surprising to both of us. It was a surprise gift as a friend of ours walked in to perform his hit single ‘Obimo’ it was Isaac Geralds. With joy and much excitement, we stepped out to dance with him. Isaac was on an international music tour and he had flown in from the States to grace our wedding. That was thoughtful of Him and it was dear to our hearts.

We had to let our guest go and it was with hearts full of gratitude to God and every one present that I thanked them for taking out time to attend our wedding. I’d planned to sneak out through the back door after my vote of thanks. Whew! Honeymoon calls. My wife and I disappeared immediately I dropped the mic. It’s been fun all the way and I bless God daily for giving me such a lovely wife.

That Beautiful Moment: A Love Story

And my heart went all out for her the moment I saw her walk into the hall. Tears gradually filled my eyes and even my handkerchief got soaked. “What did I do to deserve this?” I cried. The beauty was so overwhelming, the glamour was stunning and even the ambiance made it look like a real-life Hollywood love story. Still, I had to quickly catch my breath the moment I realized that I was in a hall filled with a host of people, friends and loved ones who came all the way to grace this awesome occasion.
God, I know You planned this and I want to take a moment to say “Thank You”
one more time. As she proceeded in her beautiful gown (God bless the fashion designer), I felt my legs shaking right on the spot. “What’s this supposed to mean? It’s my wedding day so this should not be happening to me.” I quickly reached out for my uncle’s hand and asked him if he had a similar experience on his wedding day.
“Relax my boy,” he said. “You are just a little nervous; you’ll get over it pretty soon.
Just wait while she walks closer to you.” he added. It was like I regained my confidence the moment she stood in front of me.
“You may unveil your bride,” the preacher said. “Wow!” was the only word I found to say as I repeatedly muttered the word under my breath. The makeup artist, Dainty Affairs, did a good job too. Trust me when I say this, no single word the preacher said got into my head as I was busy admiring the amazing work God had done on the awesome young lady standing in front of me. Sounds flew over my head like overhead waves, so much so that I had to be tapped by an officiating minister to get back my consciousness. Just like the movies, I gradually flashed back to the very first day I met her.

“Her name is Angela Otunba,” Femi Nuga said, asking me if I was attracted to her.
“Hahaha…love at first sight is not really my thing you know, and perhaps I don’t know her yet.”
“There is always a first time,” Femi insisted as he called her attention.
“Angela, meet my friend Dimeji.” “And Dimeji – Angela”… And so the conversation began.
“So Dimeji what do you do?”
“Oh, I’m a photographer and a multimedia consultant,” I replied.
“Wow! That’s good,” she said with a big smile.
“What’s that smile? Or do you smile for a living?”
“The camera is actually my best friend,” she said.
That was all I needed to hear. My heart grinned as I immediately said “Wow! We could do something together then.” And we immediately exchanged Blackberry PINs and phone numbers. “You are very beautiful woman,” I said, before leaving the conversation.
“Thanks Dimeji” she replied.

 Now, it was like I’d never seen a girl in my entire life as thoughts of her kept running through my head. Who says the beautiful ones are not yet born? Please rethink it because I just found one. We went on as just friends for a long while, even though we only communicated just a few times all the while. That beautiful moment when your mind is completely off everything and then you get a call that eventually starts something new…
“Dimeji, can you create a picture brief like the one I sent to your bbm?”
“Sure I can. That’s what I do, and know how to do best.” She wanted the pictures for a modelling and ushering job she wanted to bid for. “Ok,” she said, and asked how much a photo shoot session would cost her. I felt a little sceptical about telling her how much we offered such services for, as I didn’t want to scare her away. “Let’s talk about this later,” I said, while I asked to drop the call because I was in a class for a leadership training programme.
I thought about it for a while and came to the conclusion that I would do it for free. I called her back and told her to get ready for the shoot at my next call. It took about 3 weeks before I eventually did give her that call. I had an exhibition somewhere in Oregun so I asked her to come. I got a makeup artist to work on her face and we went into the studio.  Coming out about an hour later, she asked me again how much her bill was.
“50k,” I replied, explaining to her how the package goes. Thank God she enjoyed our processes and procedure. “Hahahaha, Dimeji, this was the reason I wanted to know before showing up at all ooo. Now I don’t have that kind of money at all.” So I had to quickly tell her that the service I just gave her was for free, and then she caught her breath back. “Thanks so much, Dimeji.”

Now it didn’t look much like it, but I knew I didn't want it to end there; the relationship just had to move to the next level. She was busy loving the pictures, they were stunning to her and she wanted more, while I was busy falling in love with her.
“Dimeji I want to build a picture portfolio.”
“Sure,” I replied, “but it will cost you the norm.”
Never minding whatever it would cost her, she signed up for it. Like we do, I developed briefs for her and she liked them. It was going to take several shoots, several days, different concepts and several locations. She was absolutely ready, because she expressed happiness when she saw the brief.
With high expectations, she asked when we should start the shoot.
“Well, when I get the first alert,” I replied.
To further confirm her readiness, she made a deposit into my account within 24 hours and so we had to shoot. I assigned a creative stylist to her, got my makeup artist on board, and also got my fashion designer to make some costumes for our briefs. A few days later, everything was ready. We got on board and the process began. We traveled to several places in order to achieve some of our set briefs, and we got along with each other a lot more. We talked about mundane things; our pasts, present realities and our future prospects. She gradually moved from client to friend and then to a family friend (you know what I mean).

I started to visit her house, met her mum and siblings and even all her immediate neighbors got to know me.
We started going out on a personal note after I’d asked her for a date about twice with no response. It became normal, like we men do sometimes; I started giving her pointers wanting to know if there was a parking space for me. With lots of nails pierced through my head at different times, I got few positive green lights. Now I had to make a move regardless of the positive and negative response margin.
I went back into my thinking room trying to find new and more creative ways to pop the 1 billion dollar question. I was so much in love with this girl, so I got all my friends to help me out. I had an idea and I needed to play it out…

To be continued…

Top 12 Things a Gentleman Would Not do When he is toasting you... key word 'toasting'!

Top 12 Things a Gentleman Would Not do When he is toasting you... key word 'toasting'!

The fact that he's a gentleman does not mean he's perfect, don't date a guy cos he's a gentleman cos thats not a substitute for real character, but all the same, being a gentleman is an added bonus. Ladies, we've compromised on a few of these things before, I definitely have but it's time to say no! A couple of things on the list are excusable though', all in all, have a good laugh at all d boys who used to call themselves gentlemen!
Enjoy...

1.) Expect you to come over to his house ... especially when he knows he's going to b alone

2.) Complain that you don't call him... excuse me??? Who is toasting who? Doesn’t mean I shouldn’t call you, but don't complain if I don't!

3.) Call you frequently on Starcomms/Mtn/Celtel/Whatever free call and doesn’t call with his credit either... cheap skate

4.) 'Scope' other girls in front of you... gosh, if u marry him, he'd prob'ly cheat

5.) Give you two days or less notice for a date... err, just in case you didn’t know, I have things to do too!

6.) Act like, or expect you to act like you're going out when he hasn’t even asked, that includes among others frowning when other guys call you, or even asking you not to go out with other guys... believe me, guys do this all the time, and it’s so not right!

7.) Try to kiss you or make out with you when no commitment has been made... that's lack of respect!

8.) Get you nothing for your birthday/vals day... except you're jobless, broke or stupid that’s automatic disqualification! those are the 2 most important days in a girl’s life.... c'mon, even a N1,500 Victoria's Secret spray would do.

9.) Read your text messages ... show a lack of trust

10.) Use swear words... that's so 'ungentlemanly'!

11.) Be inattentive when you talk, or interrupt you while you are talking...shows he doesn’t regard you, prob'ly more interested in your physical appearance

12.) And please, what happened to the basics of opening the door for you, helping you with your seat, or even giving up his seat for you? .. These things may be old fashioned, but they go a long way

P.S. This list is not at all exhaustive, just my thoughts, Please feel free to add yours!

by Oreoluwa MrsDiva Adekoya

THE WORLD IS MINE

The world is mine
just step back
dont even try to resist
do you know who's got my back?

The very land you walk upon
its my inheritance
you don't need to be upset
understand my stance

After creating me
He said now take over!
everywhere u step upon
this authority'll cover

You see I was born out of divinity
check my DNA
with the X and Y, you'll see the Z chromosome
yeah that stands for ZOE
The very life of God that trancends the ordinary
its eternal and world dominating, darkness discipating
yeah extraordinary...

I operate in a realm above the limits and confines of time,
when i speak, time stops and comforms to produce a result

The world is mine
the Maker gave it to me
Then he crowned me King,
so he could call himself King of Kings

One day I'll leave this throne to face his throne and then I'll see
One question He'll ask; 'How well did you run things?'


I dont need you to have a good impression about me,
I need God to have a good impression about me
But God has a good impression about me

He's so good at production that instead of producing in mass
each product of his is custom made,
custom made for life, purpose n destiny!

I am custom made,

a perfect blend of will, talents, gifts, purpose, skin colour, head shape, nose length, eye size, walk style, laughter pitch, voice tone, fun preference, tear drop size, finger length, height, sleep mode, stomach size, heart beat rate, fingerprint, DNA, handwriting, temperament ....
all a mysterious harmony in my person, just me
not to talk of the other people alive and those yet to come and those that have come and gone.
Not only is He too much,
I'm too much n whats more...
You're too much.

If you were the only one in the world he'll still have given what mattered the most to Him, his son, to have you back.

I mean what is Detowun that you are mindful ( His Mind is full of me) of the son of man that you visit him ( we spend time together every morning)
He made me only a little lower than Himself and crowned me with glory and honour and put me in charge of every other thing he created!

I'm jealous of me already

Thank you for creating me,
I know you were just showing off when you did!

Written by Roleola Adekoya

Overcoming Barriers in Communication Part 1 of 2

Overcoming Barriers in Communication
Part 1 of 2

We all know that good communication is key for a successful marriage. But good communication doesn't always come easily. So, for the next two weeks let's examine how to overcome the barriers in communication. This week we will tackle the two very important issues: the silent spouse and valid anger.
The Silent Spouse:
So your spouse is the silent type. This can make communication very difficult. But are you spurring on this behavior? Let me give you some suggestions. 

1. Stop saying "I wish you'd talk more."  This is condemning and does not stimulate conversation.

2.  Ask specific questions.  "How was your day?" is much too general.  "What did you have for lunch today?" is much better.  Start with soliciting facts, later you can move to feelings.

3.  Check your own output.  If you are talking too much, your spouse will never talk more.  Did you hear about the little boy who asked his father for help in writing a paper on "garden Clubs"? His father said: "Son, I don't know anything about Garden Clubs, go ask your mother."  To which the little boy responded, "Dad, I don't want to know that much." 

4.  Replace criticisms with compliments.  "John, I really appreciate you taking out the garbage."  Is much better than "About time you took the garbage out, the flies were going to carry it out for you."  Compliments encourage talking.  Criticism closes the door.


Valid Anger:
          
Valid anger grows out of a concern for right, but much of our anger comes from a self-centered heart.  Our spouse rubbed us the wrong way, or we didn't get what we wanted, so we got angry.  This is distorted anger and reveals our own selfish attitude.  So we sulk, and withdraw in silence, or we lash out with hurtful words.  
A lady said to me recently, "My husband gets mad about the least little thing.  I can't talk to him because I'm afraid I will say something that will trip his anger."   On the other hand, he complained, "She never wants to spend any time with me."  Hey guys Wake Up.  If she is running from you, there is a reason. 
Why not sit down and say, "I know I'm not a perfect husband, but I want to improve.  Can you tell me what bothers you most about my behavior?"  Then hold on to your chair and listen.  When she says, "Your angry outburst really hurt me."  Believe her, and ask for her advice on how you can manage your anger.  Having lived with you, she has read the books and will have some good advice. 
A husband said to me: "My wife is so fragile emotionally; I don't want to hurt her, so I keep all my feelings inside, but sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode."  Do you think this husband is doing his wife a favor?  I think he's destroying his marriage.  The Bible says that we are to speak the truth in love.  Both of these are important: speak the truth and do it in a loving way.
Remember love edifies.  Love builds up.  Love seeks to do what is best for the other person.  Holding your frustrations, hurts, and pain inside is not for the good of your mate or your marriage.  In fact, it is extremely unfair.  Your spouse cannot respond to your pain if they are not aware of it. 
You might say: "Darling I love you very much and I realize that I have wronged you by not sharing this with you sooner.  I didn't want to hurt you, but that's no excuse.  Please hear me; I'm not trying to put you down.  I'm trying to let you know how I feel."  Then tell the truth.  Now your spouse has a chance to help.  You might be surprised at their response.

Adapted from The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman.

ARE THE LADIES LOST?

ARE THE LADIES LOST?

Ever heard of “slumber party”?

Yes, the all-night get together party that ladies have. Let me tell you the other things that go on in the party. There is a session in which the ladies bare their heart out concerning hearty issues.

The story of a friend kept me thinking, wondering and digging.

            She liked, really liked a particular guy, after a few months of playing the waiting game, she decided to let her heart out. Hmm… courageous I must say. Turns out the guy doesn’t feel the same way about her. And the guy took her for his testosterone trip for a couple of years before he met the girl that appealed to his eyes. And his excuse was: “I didn’t ask you out, you did. Be grateful”. Anger boiled in me so much I had to keep mute. What a jerk! Now, this became a question for the ladies, should a girl ask a guy out? But we must understand whoever did the asking does not guarantee the sanity of the guy.

My opinion:

Basically, you can test the maturity of a person by his actions in a situation.

I’d rather a girl not ask a guy out, though I’ve seen some ladies do that and they ‘ve made a success out of the relationship but does it make it ‘doable’? NO!, putting the strong African culture background aside of course. Every problem is a wisdom problem. I see it as a two-way thing, you can imply or let the feelings die (it is not impossible)*winks.

“It is not good for a man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him”. Note the word “helper” meaning the man is the head and he has a help mate. And ladies, you are suitable.

“He who finds a wife has found a good thing and has received favor from the Lord.”

Guess you are wondering what I’m getting at..

So ladies as a helper what do you do? You help the guy find you. It is high time the ladies stopped being passive about their lives just because they are thought of as ‘weaker vessel’ or ‘kitchen use’ or ‘bed attendee”. I have learned that some guys are shy, so they may not speak up, even the ones that are not need help too. Less I divert too far, ‘how do you help?’

It is many, and they can’t all be adapted in a situation. Here are a few I’ve learned from men:

·         Pay extra attention to the guy and let him know it.

·         Ask him to lunch and pay… there’s no rule against that. Lunch please not dinner.

·         Stroke his ego. It doesn’t take a pound of flesh or dignity from you. Know the extremes. Etc..

My point is “help” him find you. You are not lost.

Songs of Solomon 2:7­- I charge you daughters of Jerusalem by the Gazelles and by the does of the field, do not awaken love until it so desires… I wonder why the charge was to the daughters and not the men. I’d have loved to go on and on about why and how you should passively ask him out, but I know you’ve gotten the gist already.

Disclaimer: pay attention to the limit…. If he is not interested, another man will be…life goes on.

Ciao.
Written by: Dami Ige

www.mediagenius.com.ng

A Perfect Story of Romance

HOW I MET HER

Ok before you think what sort of dude puts up a picture of a woman on a 43" plasma screen," like I just did, let me explain.

Adedayo Owoade's entrance into my life can pass as one of those fairytale stories...but more apt, I consider it as a story God had written and just allowed it unfold in our lives...so this is my side of the story.

8.10pm, January 8, 2012, Kayode Taiwo Street, Magodo GRA. I reversed my car to park next to my friend Dipo Sonaike and the tall, dark woman beside him. In my jovial mood, I walked to them and prostrated half-way to greet the woman he had told me was his HOD in church. "Eka le ma," I said as I 'formed' prostrating. Little did I know she had jokes too! Before you could say 'Adeleketemidayo', this woman goes fully on her two knees to say 'Eka le sir!" I didn't see that coming so I quickly stood up and begged her to stand up too...lol! No spoil my ministry abeg!

But I was impressed. She got me with her attitude - not taking yourself too serious.

Let me back up a bit so you understand better. A couple of months before meeting her, I had prayed to God on wife matters and He gave me what I considered a funny answer back then: "Go and do my work." I prayed three times and got the same answer. In my mind I was like, what does woman have to do with work (work in this case being Present Fathers Ministry). Well, I got the message and went about doing the work. December 2011 was upon us and we were planning a prayer meeting for January 2012 when tragedy struck my family. My sister's husband died. It was a trying period for us. As a way of comforting her, I put my house under lock and moved in with them in Magodo - until things stabilized a bit.

Dipo Sonaike then comes to our house to extend his condolences to my sister on the afternoon of January 8. This is where things took a turn in Dayo's direction. He showed me her picture and gave a brief profile on her and says "Egbon, you guys will fit each other gan! I wan make you meet am." I liked what I saw in the picture and thought meeting her won't be bad...well, looking back, it was a smart thing to do.

So we met that evening and I also invited her for the prayer meeting we were organizing...that gesture confirmed one of her request to God on the kind of man she wanted - that he be a man of prayer....before we sound all spirikoko, we exchanged PINS and so began our journey together.

I bless God for the evening of January 8th, 2012. There I was being a helper to my sister's family not knowing all was part of a bigger picture of Him sending my helper my way. I had no business in Magodo if not for my sister's family. Come March 23rd, 2013, I'll reap the fruit of obedience.

I'm sure you will get a better picture from reading her version of how we met.

HOW I MET HIM

Jan 8 2012, 8.10pm prescisely on Kayode Taiwo, Magodo Estate was when I laid eyes on him. It was a sunday evening, I had just made my hair and was walking my dear friend and "son" Dipo to the gate.

Let me back track a bit. Earlier in the day, Dipo had come to pay me a visit and basically hang out with me whilst I made my hair. After like an hour he told me he wanted to go visit a "good friend" of his who was a couple of streets away staying with his sister who had just lost her husband and then he decided to show me a picture of the friend. A good looking guy I said and that was it. So he went to visit and came back.

On our way out of the house, he kept telling me I want you to meet my friend and I was wondering, which one be this again o as he made me walk to the friend's house. on getting there, the friend wasn't home. Oya let's go o! He sha kept insisting and called the friend who said he will meet us on the way.

So we walked out of the street and got on Kayode Taiwo we realized that the friend had apparently drove past us. Anyway, he turned back, parked his car, got down from the car, and said, "Ekale ma". Me wey i get kolo, I just knelt down and said, "Ekale sir". After all, two can play at that game, right?

So that was how I met him and like they say, the rest is History! LOL!

Okay, for those who are itching for more gist, the story continues.

There we were, two strangers, me I stood aside and allowed Dipo to introduce us. Of course, in his very 'proud' fashion, Aladekoba Adeleke Segun is my name. And then he mentioned he had a ministry, Present Fathers (PF), and was telling me about it and how they were organizing a prayer meeting for the 21st of the month. Nice one, I thought to myself. Anyway, whilst we were talking, my brother passes by and as he was a new father in town, I called him over to meet my new friend, Leke and told Leke to invite him for the prayer meeting. Afterwards, we said our goodbyes, but for me, somewhere in me, he had registered!

So the week began, Occupy Nigeria week and I was home one day when Dipo pinged me, Leke asked for your PIN. I replied, why o? Abeg o, I no want any drama. LOL! Anyway, the excuse, he wants to invite your brother for the PF meeting. Indeed, I thought to myself. Anyway, you can give him, I replied. So he added me and didn't chat with me all through that week till the following tuesday when we resumed at work from the strike.

Well, that was where the communication began and here we are...on the journey to join ourselves as one.

PUTTING A RING ON IT

The proposal wasn't just a matter of 'when' but 'how.' Being the creative head I am, I had loads of options in my head - some simple, others what you'd call crazy (for instance, deploying a banner on 3rd mainland bridge during the traffic rush hour which said 'Marry Me Adedayo'). It became a clash of ideas so I did what I usually do in times like this...I let everything go and let the idea come to me.

I started proposing way back June. I dropped her off at home one Saturday evening and got down from the car to open the door for her. I took her hand, took of the ring I was wearing, went on my knees, put the ring on her finger and said these words "...this is not a proposal...call it a pre-proposal but the next time I go down on my knees...I want to know that you will honour me by saying 'Yes'" Sh nodded in affirmation and whispered 'Yes.' All I wanted to see was the look on her face and it was beautiful - she didn't see it coming!

Then again in September - 26th to be precise - when I sent her flowers at work. We had an argument the day before so I used it as a means of showing how much I cared for her. Then in that moment, it hit me - My Babeem would become God's perfection of a woman for me (my number 7 woman) so I sent her 6 stems of flowers with a note that said "...there are 6 stems for a reason."

The 7th stem would have something to do with the ring. Furthermore, the ring has to tie into what we believed and liked. I found just the perfect one - a white gold ring with three clusters of crystals that represented 'Dee and I with God in the center - meaning the more we leaned on God, the closer we become and put together, our true beauty comes out for all to see.

So when I bought the ring at 3.45pm on the 11th of December and asked for a case, I was shocked when they brought out a rose shaped case. Boom! it was settled...I had made the right choice.

At the root of things, I'm a simple man so on the 15th of December, 2012, at exactly 7.15pm, I opted for the simple proposal (she says it best in 'Opening the 7th Stem').