Gabrielle Union Opens Up About Early Challenges with Dwyane Wade's Family
NBA legend Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union have long presented a picture of marital bliss to the world. Their decade-long relationship has inspired many with its visible affection and mutual support. However, Union recently revealed that this perfect image faced significant resistance at the beginning, particularly from Wade's own family.
The Protective Sister and Skeptical Mother
During an appearance on Michelle Obama's IMO podcast several months ago, Gabrielle Union shared candid details about her initial encounters with Dwyane Wade's family. She described how Wade's older sisters, who are closer to her in age, were immediately accepting. "We're good in the hood," Union remarked about that relationship.
But the situation was different with Wade's sister Tragil and his mother. Union explained that Tragil had served as Wade's protector and gatekeeper for years, keeping him focused and shielded from interference. When Union first entered the picture, this protective instinct created tension.
"Before I got to the wife stage, when we were just at the very beginning," Union recalled, "I think Tragil and his mom were like, 'What do you want? Who are you, you older lady? What do you want?'"
Addressing Concerns About Age and Intentions
The age difference between the couple likely contributed to this initial skepticism. Gabrielle Union is nine years older than Dwyane Wade, a fact that raised eyebrows within his family circle. Both individuals had also recently gone through divorces when they began dating, adding another layer of complexity to their new relationship.
Union found herself needing to reassure Wade's family about her genuine intentions. She directly addressed their concerns during those early conversations. "I was like, 'Actually, we both just got divorced, so we're kind of in the same space," Union recounted. "I didn't have a kid at 20, I'm still childless, and I'm not racing to do that, so I'm straight. I got my own bank account, so I'm good. I just like him, we'll see where it goes.'"
From Skepticism to Marriage
Despite these early challenges, the couple's genuine connection ultimately won over Wade's family. Dwyane Wade proposed to Gabrielle Union at the end of 2013, and they married in 2014 in a beautiful ceremony that celebrated their love story.
The couple has been open about the fact that their marriage, like all relationships, continues to face challenges. They emphasize that they approach these difficulties as a team, working through issues together rather than allowing them to create division.
Their journey from initial family resistance to a strong, decade-long partnership serves as a testament to the power of genuine connection and perseverance in relationships.
