Marriage intrusion: When the entire clan is betrothed

For a very long time, Joyce*, a light skinned baby faced mother of three always sang songs of joy in her marriage. This couple has been together for four years and is always used as an example during marriage meetings in her church. Much as her days were sprouted with happiness and sunshine, she was saddened when her calm sea of marriage turned into a heavy storm when her mother in-law visited. “My husband was the most loving man I knew. We were so happy that I can’t believe that he is the one acting like this,” she says. “My mother-in-law used to come to our house and stay for a night, but this one time, when there was a wedding and introduction, she stayed longer. Even after both occasions, she stayed.”