A Nigerian man, Ifeanyi Eze, has opened up about the cultural differences he experienced after marrying a Caucasian woman.
Sharing his story on Facebook, he explained the challenges, adjustments, and lessons he believes other Nigerian men should keep in mind before marrying outside their culture.
He recalled his first visit to his wife’s family home where he witnessed something unusual. During a family gathering, her uncle was the one cooking for everyone, even though his wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and his fiancée were around.
Surprised by the scene, he told her that such a thing could never happen in Enugu, where men rarely enter the kitchen when women are present at family events.
Eze warned that Nigerian men marrying white women must be ready to accept cultural clashes and responsibilities they might never tolerate from Nigerian women.
He explained that marriage abroad often means letting go of the “free labour” Nigerian men usually expect from their wives, as men are also expected to take part in household chores.
He shared that in his wife’s culture, men helping out in the kitchen, cleaning, and even hosting is not strange, while in Nigeria it would raise eyebrows. He also revealed that his wife had to adjust to Nigerian customs too, especially when it came to showing respect.
For example, he corrected her when she greeted traditional women’s groups casually, teaching her to use respectful cultural greetings instead.
Eze then humorously listed the many roles he has taken on since marrying a white woman.
According to him, he now serves as a singer, cheerleader, massage therapist, part-time chef, dog walker, cleaner, storyteller, laundry man, trash disposer, shopping assistant, handyman, driver, and financial planner.
He concluded by saying that marriage across cultures requires compromise and open-mindedness.
While both partners will have to make adjustments, Nigerian men especially must be ready to unlearn some cultural expectations and embrace new responsibilities if they choose to marry outside their race.
