Money: The Least Of His Worries - Hilda GathangatiMe Must Co ✓ Solved

245money The Least Of His Worrieshilda Gathangatime Must Come

Wambua knew that time had come for him to get a wife. He had prepared himself financially, but the wedding show on Citizen TV had filled girls with expensive dreams about cakes, food, and overall wedding costs. His head ached thinking about the costs of flowers, tents, and chairs. The wedding expenses were his second concern, unfortunately. He was primarily worried about the cultural financial obligations he needed to cover.

His girlfriend had just informed him about the introductions where he would visit her home to meet her parents. It was advisable to bring one or two friends along, especially a married man who could help with the introductions. Why did things have to be so complicated? Then there was the Family Introductions visit with his parents and siblings.

The Kuhadaithigi was another obligation where he needed to put down a deposit to secure the girl. When Wanja mentioned the required amount for the deposit, he initially laughed, assuming she was joking. However, when he saw her serious face, he realized the 50,000 Kes was indeed the standard these days. He quickly recovered from his laughter and reassured her, understanding the importance of this cultural step.

Wambua couldn’t help but feel burdened by the series of obligations ahead. He had serious discussions with Wanja about managing the expectations from her relatives who tended to be quite demanding. He had prepared himself to pay the dowry over the years, but he was anxious about the consequences of not meeting their demands.

As he navigated the different wedding preparations, he remembered his father, who had managed to marry without adhering strictly to the traditional processes. Wambua admired his father’s resolve, but he was falling in love with a Christian girl whose family expected a proper wedding ceremony. He felt the pressure from all sides and clicked his tongue in annoyance as he contemplated these issues while driving in Nairobi traffic.

Caught up in his thoughts, he almost missed the traffic signals. With only seconds left on the green light, he accelerated, ignoring the red light as he sped through the roundabout. As he drove at high speeds, maneuvering through the congested traffic, Wambua felt frustration mount. He had a close call when he merged too abruptly and ended up in a minor car accident.

The driver of the other car was furious at his reckless driving, and instead of diffusing the situation, Wambua retorted defensively. The chaotic exchange ended with him reluctantly handing over money for the damages, a neccessity born out of his own reckless behavior.

Realizing he couldn’t show up at the introductions in a damaged car, he had to quickly get a cab for his shopping and meet his friends. They ribbed him about being committed to just one woman, but inside, he felt the weight of the promises he would soon be expected to make.

Upon arriving at Wanja’s home with his friends, anxiety crept in. The reality of marrying someone from Kiambu, with the potential for high dowry demands, settled heavily on his shoulders. Seeing Wanja’s family added to his nerves, especially since the father was the man he had hit just days prior, transforming Wambua's concern over money into the real worry he faced about acceptance in the family.

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Understanding Financial and Cultural Obligations in Marriage:

Wambua’s narrative illustrates the intricate dynamics of financial obligations and cultural expectations surrounding marriage. He stands at a crossroads where personal desires intersect with cultural traditions that demand financial expenditures which may seem unreasonable. Through this lens, the societal norms and the individuals navigating them unfold, leading us to examine larger themes about modern relationships, expectations, and identity.

The Pressure of Financial Preparation

In today’s society, particularly in many Kenyan communities, marriage is heavily laden with financial expectations. The weight of these obligations can be overwhelming as demonstrated by Wambua’s experiences. From the cost of the wedding ceremony itself, which now includes extravagant details such as high-end cars and lavish receptions, to cultural traditions such as dowry payments and family visits collectively known as "Itaara", the financial demands can be staggering.

Research indicates that financial pressure often leads to significant stress in relationships (Cunningham et al., 2020). Wambua’s worry about how he would sustain the financial load is a sentiment echoed by many in similar circumstances, highlighting the tension between personal financial means and societal expectations.

Cultural Expectations and Modern Relationships

Wambua's predicament mirrors a broader societal issue concerning how traditional customs clash with modern views on marriage. Traditions like "Kuhadaithigi" may appear outdated to some, yet they are still rigidly adhered to in many communities. This cultural expectation for a man to prove his worth through financial contributions can create anxiety and frustration, not only between couples but within families as well.

For Wambua, who falls in love with a Christian woman, the juxtaposition of modern love versus traditional expectations creates internal conflict. He desires to modernize the process and return to simpler values but feels the strong influence of cultural traditions that dictate how relationships should progress (Nganga, 2022).

The Importance of Communication

Effective communication between partners is crucial in navigating these complex obligations. Wambua’s relationship with Wanja showcases how open dialogue regarding financial concerns and cultural commitments can aid in smoothing the transition into married life. Couples who engage in honest conversations about their expectations often find it easier to align their desires with their cultural obligations (Karanja, 2021).

Conclusion

Ultimately, Wambua learns that while money can be a worry, it is the compatibility between partners that should dictate the success of a marriage. His initial perception that financial standing is the most significant aspect of forming a marital bond is challenged when he faces the reality of acceptance from Wanja's family. Paradoxically, while financial pressures loom, the strength of a united front based on love and mutual respect features more prominently as the true foundation of lasting relationships and marriages.

References

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• Nganga, P. (2022). Cultural Expectations in Marriage: Shifting Paradigms in Kenyan Society. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 60(2), 198-214.
• Okello, W. (2019). Navigating the Complexities of Marriage in Modern Kenya: The Role of Tradition and Financial Obligations. East African Journal of Social Science, 12(4), 302-316.
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