Tamunokubie Launches New Book, ‘Conversations Before I Do’

Sunday Ehigiator
Family-life advocate and author, Maureen Tamunokubie, has released her debut book, Conversations Before ‘I Do’, a relationship guide designed to help singles, engaged partners, and married couples navigate foundational issues that often determine the success or strain of a marriage.

The book, launched recently at an event in Lagos, reflects two years of writing, research, and observing the struggles faced by couples in their early years of marriage.
Tamunokubie, who has been married for three years, said her motivation came not from the length of her personal experience, but from the recurring challenges she witnessed among young couples around her.

“I’m young in marriage, so you may wonder why I’m writing this book,” she said during the launch. “I have people around me; young people, young marriages; and I see them struggling with things that I don’t even have issues with. I’ve seen people come to me with financial issues, like not knowing how much their spouse earns. And I’m like, did you guys not talk about this before you got married?”

She said, “Conversations Before ‘I Do’ aims to help couples address critical discussions early, serving as a guideline for those preparing for marriage and a reference for those already in it. “I feel like this book is going to speak to people about what they should really talk about before they say ‘I do’,” she added. “Yes, it’s also for those already married.”
Tamunokubie also introduced a companion workbook designed to deepen self-reflection and partner engagement. The workbook features questions, prompts, and spaces for both partners to document their expectations and shared goals.
“Even five years into marriage, you can pick up this book and look at what you both agreed on or what your goals were,” she explained.

Offering a glimpse into one of the core themes of the book, the author stressed the importance of couples discussing their past before committing to marriage.
“In the book, there is a part where the duo should unveil their past,” she said. “What you have been through shapes who you are now. Some people believe you shouldn’t talk about your past, but I want readers to have these conversations with someone they respect and truly see a future with.”

Conversations Before “I Do” is positioned as a practical tool for fostering transparency, emotional bonding, and informed decision-making among couples seeking stronger, more intentional relationships.