Last week, my friend and I were discussing what she should buy for her boyfriend on Valentine’s day. The conversation reminded me of the time I was in the University when a girl in my hostel broke up with her boyfriend because he bought her ‘cheap’ wristwatch on Valentine’s day. What was funny about it was that she liked the wristwatch, but then friends came and said, “ah, look at this cheap-article thing he bought for you. This wristwatch is Aba made now. If this is how he shows his love then he does not value you etc etc.” That is how the girl started feeling ashamed and hurt then she went and broke up with him. Now, I don’t know the inside details of their relationship, maybe things were already going wrong, but the idea of breaking up with your boyfriend because of a ‘cheap’ gift, isn’t that absurd? Why do we equate love with expensive things?
I remembered this incident because when I was talking with my friend, she said there was something her boyfriend really liked, but the thing was not too expensive like that… But this same person bought birthday present, Christmas presents and small gifts through the year. She does acts of service for him too. So why does all her love have to rest on one gift on Valentine’s day?
I have heard stories of people who borrow money just to impress their partners. If your partner is not satisfied with what you can afford, are you sure you should be with that person?
I know that Davido said, “love is sweet o, but when money enter love is sweeter.” But we need to take the pressure off Valentine’s day. Give your partner what you have. Give them thoughtful gifts. Not every time perfume and chocolate. Maybe buy a book, pay for a course, something they want or something they’ve been eyeing. You can also cook and have a candlelight dinner at home, watch a movie or play games. It’s not that serious o.
As we enter Valentine’s day this year, please don’t go and give yourself hypertension. Don’t let society press your neck. Do what you can, and if you don’t have, leave it. Person wey love you, go still love you.