Online Reporter
Laina Makuzha
Love by Design
Last week, we explored the emotional foundations of a thriving relationship — how emotional stability, empathy, and self-awareness can transform the way we love and live together.
This week, I want to turn our attention to something just as vital, yet often overlooked until too late: our physical health.
I truly reckon health is a gift to your partner. It is a responsibility couples owe each other.
Let me ask this — when was the last time you took a moment to truly care for your own health? Not just a passing thought, or nursing a nagging flu bug, but a deliberate act of love for your body’s full health? And when was the last time you noticed any changes, concerns, or habits in your partner’s health and paid attention? Have you ever gone for a medical check-up together, or encouraged each other to do so even separately?
These questions are not meant to alarm or discredit your efforts. They are meant to remind you of some critical things we sometimes take for granted. Because here is the truth: good health is not just a personal responsibility — it is a relational one. When we neglect our bodies, we do not just risk our own wellbeing, we risk the future we have promised to someone else, be it a partner or children. We risk the joy of growing old together, strong and vibrant. We risk the stability of our homes, the legacy we hope to leave and the love we have worked so hard to build.
“You are what you eat” may seem like a cliché but there is a point there, and it spills to your relationship. Many people live on autopilot when it comes to food and lifestyle. I do not know if you can relate to this: We eat what is convenient, drink what is popular and move only when we must. But every bite, every sip, every sedentary hour is a choice. And those choices add up.
Healthy eating is not about perfection, because truth be told, we can never know it all — it is rather about intention. Learn the nutritional value of what you consume. Hydrate well. Choose whole foods over processed ones as much as you can. Cook together. Share meals that nourish not just your bodies, but your bond.
Activity is another important factor. It is affection in motion. Physical activity is not just for gym enthusiasts — whatever your preference, it is for lovers who want to live long enough to dance at their grand-children’s weddings. Walk together. Stretch together. Try a new sport or dance class. When was the last time you did something together, even kungobatana zvenyu maoko horaiti, muchifamba mese? Movement is known to release endorphins. It reduces stress, and builds a beautiful connection. I see it as a love language that does not need words.
Check-ups too, are acts of love.
Regular medical check-ups are not signs of paranoia — they are signs of wisdom. The older we get especially, the more necessary they become. Do not wait for a crisis. Prevention is kinder than cure. Go alone, go together, but go. Your partner deserves a healthy you, and you deserve the same. Health is easier for you both to manage when handled before disaster strikes. Consider it a gentle nudge to you as much as to myself. We can all do better, I believe.
Substance abuse: A silent saboteur
Now let us talk about something difficult but necessary: substance abuse. Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or even excessive sugar or caffeine, or in recent times, social media chaiyo, overindulgence can quietly erode a relationship. It is not just about addiction — it is about the imbalance. When appetites control us, we lose control of our choices, our moods and our ability to show up fully for our loved ones.
If your partner is struggling, do not shame them. Do not ignore it either. Speak in love. Say, “I care about you and I am worried.” Offer support, not ultimatums. Suggest professional help. Be patient but be firm. The earlier you intervene, the better the chances of healing.
Tips for loving intervention on your partner, not confrontational or accusatory:
Choose a calm moment to talk, not during heated conflict.
You probably already know the importance of using “I” statements: “I have noticed . . . ” instead of “You always . . . ” that helps to ease into the discussion and maintain a constructive tone
Highlight the impact: Discuss how their behaviour is affecting your relationship and their health.
Offer to go with them to a doctor or counsellor — decide together which professional help to seek.
Celebrate small wins — every step toward better health matters.
Set boundaries if necessary, but always with compassion.
In my view, it is never too late to start, as long as you still have breath and are willing to try. So, maybe you have neglected your health. Maybe your partner has. Maybe you have both been too busy, too tired or too afraid. That is okay. What matters is what you do next. Start small. Start today. Your relationship deserves a future that is not just long, but strong.
I write this column because I care deeply about relationships and marriages. And I believe that love, when paired with health in its various forms (including emotional, physical, financial), becomes unstoppable.
If this message has stirred something in you — if you feel inspired to take action, or if you have more tips, stories, or questions — I would love to hear from you. Let us grow together.
Whatsapp/SMS: +263719102572/ Email: lainanaledimakuzha@ gmail.com
