'Reduce the words; give more gifts to your women'

KAMPALA - In a world where love has become loud on social media but quiet in real life, one message stood clear at the 2025 Bride & Groom Expo: ‘Words are not enough; give something tangible.’

Dr Mariam Nagujja, a counselling psychologist, did not mince her words during her lecture on love languages and communication.

Addressing a packed room of couples, singles, and soon-to-be-weds, she said, “Men, reduce the words of ‘I love you’ and accompany them with gifts if your love is to endure.”

This wasn’t just talk; it was a wake-up call.

Too many relationships are ending, not because love is absent, but because people do not know how to communicate it.

 According to Dr Nagujja, “Love languages are different. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it is so important to know what your partner actually needs.”

She said, while some people need words to feel the love, others need a touch. But many, especially in Uganda and across Africa, feel love through giving. A simple gift, no matter how small, can say what a hundred "I love you’s can’t say.”

“We see people posting their partners all over their social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok,” she noted. “But six months down the road, they end up separating. Why? Because their partners did not understand their love language.”

Nagujja did not shy away from calling out the cultural reality: “Flowers and sweet words might work in Europe. But in Uganda, where poverty is real, people connect with what you do and give, not just what you say.”

In African households, she explained, submission is expected of women, often without support. But relationships are not one-sided.

“Men must learn to give. Women must speak about their needs. If both parties understand what the other wants and give it, there will be less fighting,” she said.

 According to Dr Nagujja, “Love languages are different. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it is so important to know what your partner actually needs.” (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Women old to stay youthful

Nagujja also spoke about appearance and energy, reminding women that while education and achievement are important, many men are visual.

“Men are attracted to youthful energy and looks. Stay fresh, stay vibrant, mentally, emotionally, and physically.” And while women often carry emotional weight silently, men are mostly just trying to make money. That mismatch leads to miscommunication.
“Bitterness ages you,” she warned.

“Stay happy. Take care of your spirit. Be around positive people. Make counsellors and spiritual leaders your friends.”

She went on to stress that love is spiritual, and marriage is one of the most fought unions in life. The real battle starts after the wedding. Keeping a home functional spiritually, emotionally, and physically is not easy, but necessary. “Every home must be protected. Understand the forces against it. Fight for your family.”

The 2025 Bride & Groom Expo, served as a platform to remind couples that although weddings are beautiful, it is what comes after the vows that truly matters.

With sponsors Pepsi, Bella Wine and The Looka Bespoke and partners Café Javas, Entikko Safari Lodge, Crazy Deals and Roke Telkom, the event was a glamorous affair.

It was a reality check and a blend of inspiration and practical wisdom.

Dr Nagujja stressed that if you are in a relationship or hoping to be in one, love with words but seal it with action. Even a simple handkerchief means more than empty promises.