Online Reporter
Laina Makuzha
LOVE by DESIGN
When love is tested, who can stand? I was inspired to delve in this topic this week as I reflected on several love stories I came across, which reminded me that relationships are a journey of ups and downs and every couple faces challenges that test their love and commitment.
In the excitement of new love, couples often make promises they believe they will keep forever. The traditional marriage vows: “In sickness and in health, for better or for worse . . .” carry a weight that many never anticipate they will be tested on. Yet, life is full of seasons and some are heartbreakingly hard. When tragedy strikes — be it a life-altering injury, a chronic illness, the loss of a child or even incarceration — love and the bond between partners can be severely strained, stretched and in some cases, lost.
But it does not have to be this way.
Love does not fail people as some might feel; people often forget to nurture it when it is needed the most. Couples do not just need affection in the good times — they need it even more in tough times, along with resilience, empathy and intention when the world feels like it is falling apart.
Faced with adversity, couples often find themselves navigating uncharted territory. The stress, grief and uncertainty can take a toll on even the strongest relationships. However, with the right mindset, support, and strategies, couples can emerge from it all stronger and more in love than ever.
In a moving story reported by H-Metro, two Zimbabwean men who had been incarcerated for life for a crime they did not commit, were finally released after a Supreme Court appeal.
What made their story even more compelling was what awaited them outside those prison gates — their wives who had chosen to wait for them during the incarceration. The joy and gratitude was palpable. This story is a reminder that when one partner is in crisis, the other’s steadfastness can be a lifeline.
On the other side of the world, a love story that caught my attention was in the football superstar Paul Pogba’s heartfelt exclusive interview with Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, where he reflected on the mental toll of his doping ban and his wife, Maria Zulay’s unwavering support.
“My wife was like, sitting me down and saying you’re gonna go, you’re gonna get through this, and you’re gonna go and play again,” Pogba shared, recalling how her strength helped him push through moments when he considered quitting football altogether.
“People were avoiding me and my wife. My wife was the one cheering me up during that difficult period,” he added, emphasising how her belief in him became a lifeline when the world seemed to turn its back.
In another international love story, tennis stars Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa — once dubbed the sport’s golden couple — announced their breakup after both suffered early exits at Wimbledon. Their relationship, once celebrated under the nickname “Tsitsidosa,” had captured fans’ hearts with its warmth and public affection.
But behind the scenes, both were battling injuries, career setbacks and emotional exhaustion. A source close to the couple told ¡Hola! magazine:
“They were going through a rough patch professionally, with injuries and that affected their relationship… They had started the year very well and their dream has been shattered.”
Their breakup was described as “healthy” and “amicable,” but it still underscores a painful truth: even love that seems strong can falter when both partners are overwhelmed and unable to support each other through personal storms.
Lessons for couples navigating crisis
These stories offer contrasting but equally valuable lessons:
Loyalty — like I often say about love or submission — is a choice, not a feeling. The young wives who waited for their imprisoned husbands did not do so because it was easy, obviously but a deeper sign of commitment, ‘come what may’.
Emotional burnout is real. Like Tsitsipas and Badosa, couples can drift apart when they are both struggling and no one has the strength to carry the other.
Communication is everything. Couples must talk about what they are feeling and what they need.
Support does not always look like solutions. Sometimes, just being there you know — physically, emotionally or spiritually — is enough to keep love and hope alive.
Some ways couples can stick together:
First of all, you have each other! Acknowledge the ‘earthquake’ together.
When tragedy hits, it is easy for couples to retreat into their own private pain as individuals, assuming the other does not understand or share the grief in the same way. But the first step in staying together is naming the storm — together.
Talk honestly about what is happening: Suppressing emotion can lead to resentment or emotional distance or even unfounded mistrust, kungofungirana zvakashata. Say the hard things that must be said to kickstart the inner healing process, let it out — cry the real tears as experts would say.
Validate each other’s pain: Pain does not always look the same. One partner may be silent, the other vocal. One might feel guilt, the other might feel anger. All of it is valid and none of it means someone’s coping “wrong.”
Supporting each other
Consider taking on additional responsibilities, being present for each other, or simply offering a listening ear. Small gestures like cooking meals, running errands, or offering words of encouragement can go a long way in showing support. Also bear in mind everyone grieves and copes differently. One partner might need more space, while the other needs more closeness. By understanding and respecting each other’s needs, couples can support each other effectively.
Seeking outside help
Sometimes, additional support from outside sources is needed, eg counselling, therapy, or support groups.
Your turn: What is your story? Have you or someone you know faced a relationship test during a crisis? What helped you hold on — or what do you wish you had done differently?
Share your thoughts, stories or advice. Your voice might be the encouragement another couple needs to hear today.
I leave you with this thought: Seek God’s wisdom and trust Him for answers and guidance. See Proverbs 3v5-6; James 1v5; Jeremiah 33v3.
Whatsapp/SMS:+263772102572/Email: lainanaledimakuzha@ gmail.com
