Dating in Lagos is a hustle! It’s a city of energy, traffic, and high expectations. Because of this, there are certain unwritten rules and social cues you have to understand if you want to find love without getting lost in the “talking stage” or your bank account.
Let’s break down some of the most important rules of dating in Lagos that everyone knows but nobody talks about.
The Power of “Have You Eaten?”
In many other places, “How are you?” is the main way to show you care. In Nigeria, especially Lagos, it’s “Have you eaten?” This simple question is so much more than just asking about food. It is the Nigerian way of saying, “I care about you,” “Are you okay?” and “I am thinking about you.”
If you forget to ask this question, especially when you are just getting to know someone, they might feel like you are not serious about them. And if they answer “no,” you better be ready to send food!
The Cost of Dating is Real
Dating in Lagos is not for the “weak” or the “broke.” This is a city where first dates are often in nice restaurants, and expensive outings are a major part of the game. People feel a lot of pressure to spend money to show they are serious.
This can be a big problem for young people who are still trying to figure things out financially. It’s important to be honest with your partner and find creative, affordable dates that are more about the time you spend together than the money you spend.
You can read more about the cost of dating in Lagos and what people are saying here.
The Great “Talking Stage” Escape
The “talking stage” is a big thing in Nigerian dating. It’s that period where you text and call all the time, but you are not officially boyfriend and girlfriend. So, how do you know when it’s real? The answer is consistency and public appearance.
If you are always invited to meet their friends, and they are proud to introduce you as their partner, that is a good sign. When you start to appear on their social media, that’s an even bigger sign that you have left the talking stage and entered a real relationship. This is one of the most important rules of dating in Lagos.
These rules can be tough to navigate! For more on the pressures of modern relationships, check out our post on the Nigerian Gen Z dating challenges.
Navigating the rules of dating in Lagos can be a wild ride, but understanding these unwritten rules can save you from a lot of heartache and confusion.
What other rules of dating in Lagos do you think are important? Share your thoughts below!
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