The first week of September witnessed a surge in the number of young couples ending their marriages, sparking conversations across social media platforms. Notable Kenyan model and influencer, Shorn Arwa, recently weighed in on this growing trend through an Instagram post, sharing her thoughts on the delicate matter of young marriages ending in separation. Arwa’s comments came shortly after Thee Pluto, a popular content creator, revealed his separation from Felicity Shiru, and just a week after Marya Okoth confirmed her divorce from comedian YY.
Arwa’s reflections highlighted a shift in societal attitudes towards marriage and mental health. “Hello everyone, I’ve been thinking a lot about young marriages lately. It’s really sad to see so many of them falling apart. But on the other hand, it’s encouraging to see this generation becoming so aware that they have the courage to prioritize their mental health and walk away when things aren’t working out,” Arwa expressed in her post. She acknowledged the pain of seeing young couples, often deeply in love at the start, deciding to part ways within a few years of marriage. Yet, she also praised their courage in making the tough decision to prioritize their mental well-being over societal expectations to stay together at all costs.
Arwa extended her heartfelt support to young couples facing marital challenges, saying, “My heart goes out to all the couples going through these challenges. I send them all my love and support.” Her words resonated with many of her followers, reflecting a broader sentiment of empathy and understanding towards those navigating the difficult terrain of young marriage.
The wave of separations that Arwa refers to has been notable in recent months, with several high-profile couples announcing their breakups. This trend began in May with the split of Khalif Khairo and Cera Imani, followed closely by the separation of Teleh Pacbro and Martina. June saw the end of the relationship between musician Kagwe Mungai and his partner Sharon Mwangi. July brought the announcement of Chris Kaiga and Joana Kinuthia’s breakup, and in August, the news of gospel artist Size 8 and DJ Mo’s separation further fueled discussions around the state of young marriages.
While each couple’s circumstances are unique, the common thread in many of these separations is the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health and personal happiness. Younger generations are becoming more aware of the impact that staying in an unhappy or unhealthy relationship can have on their overall well-being. As societal norms evolve, there is a growing acceptance that ending a marriage, while painful, can sometimes be the healthiest choice for both parties involved.
Arwa’s comments reflect a shift in cultural attitudes towards marriage and mental health. In previous generations, staying in a marriage, regardless of personal happiness or mental health, was often viewed as the norm. However, today’s young couples are more inclined to make decisions that prioritize their emotional well-being, even if it means enduring the social stigma associated with divorce.
This trend also raises questions about the pressures faced by young couples in modern relationships. The influence of social media, the pursuit of personal goals, and the evolving expectations of marriage all contribute to the complexities that young couples must navigate. The visibility of high-profile breakups in the public eye can serve as a reminder that even seemingly perfect relationships are not immune to challenges.
As Arwa poignantly highlighted, the decision to end a marriage is never easy, but it can be an act of courage in prioritizing one’s mental health and happiness. Her support for young couples struggling in their marriages serves as a reminder that while separation is painful, it can also be a step towards healing and self-discovery. The growing trend of young couples choosing to end their marriages underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the courage it takes to make difficult, life-altering decisions.
