Wanna the truths that can save your love life? Listen up, my people! Over the years, there have been all sorts of love issues. Trust me, it’s not been small at all.

From people getting ghosted like they’re invisible, to those dealing with partners who aren’t serious, to the headache of deciding whether to leave a relationship that’s just okay but not quite right.

Finding love? Abeg, it can be messier than Oshodi traffic on a Monday morning!

Now, I can’t give you one simple formula or catchy phrase that’ll solve all your love problems like magic. But best believe, I’ve picked up some valuable lessons along the way that can save your love life.

I will drop five big truths about love and relationships that you need to hold tight. These truths, I’m telling you, can save your love life if you take them seriously. They’ll help you navigate this crazy love thing we’re all trying to figure out.

Remember, finding true love is a journey, not a quick trip to the corner store. So take it easy, learn as you go, and always believe that your own love story is coming. These truths will save your love life if you let them, so keep them close to your heart, okay? Let’s go!

1. Be open about who you meet, but very selective about who you invest in.

Many single people approach dating like this: they swipe through profiles, attend parties, and go to singles’ events. Meanwhile, there’s this constant “NO” voice in their heads, telling them why they shouldn’t talk to someone. The voice says things like:

“Is he really wearing those shorts with that shirt?”

“She reads that silly book?”

“His smile looks too cocky.”

“I don’t trust anyone who wears beanies. She must be one of those annoying hipsters.” And on and on it goes…

Now, we all have standards, and that’s perfectly fine. But maybe that voice—the one that’s always giving us reasons not to engage—doesn’t have our best interests at heart. Because when that voice keeps you from talking to people, you end up meeting hardly anyone at all.

In fact, you meet so few people that when you finally meet one person you like, your brain jumps into overdrive, shouting, “This is it! They’re perfect!” as if you’ve found some magical solution to everything. Never mind that this person might vanish for weeks, stop responding, and then suddenly pop up again with a half-hearted “Hey, you up?” (Yes, in this flimsy metaphor, people are like bananas).

The smart way to date is to reverse this mindset: be open to talking to different people, even if it’s just for a short while. But when it comes to investing your emotions, that’s where you should be extra selective.

2. Value character as much as you value chemistry.

Hollywood and romantic novels have conditioned us to believe that if love isn’t making your heart race and leaving you breathless at every encounter, then you’re not doing it right.

Now, I’m all for that intense, passion-filled excitement that comes with the honeymoon phase of a relationship. It’s thrilling, and we all enjoy those moments of pure chemistry. But too often, we let this intoxicating excitement overshadow the more important qualities of the person standing in front of us.

Do they keep their word and follow through on what they promise? Can they truly be loyal? Do they lift you up, encouraging you and making your life feel lighter? Or do they constantly complain and leave you out of their plans?

The sooner we recognize that character and chemistry deserve equal weight, the more fulfilled and content we’ll be in the relationships we choose to build.

3. If it’s a choice between being respected and being liked, choose being respected.

Of course, you can achieve both—you can be respected and liked at the same time. But there are moments when you face a choice: do you give in to your people-pleasing tendencies and say what the other person wants to hear? Or do you stand your ground, respect yourself, and express your true needs or opinions, even if it might rub them the wrong way at that moment?

It could be setting a boundary, asking them to take the initiative and plan the next date, calling someone out on their bad behaviour, or simply ensuring that your other priorities in life stay balanced.

Whatever the situation, if you handle it with honesty and thoughtfulness, both your sense of self-worth and the way others value you will grow.

4. Disinterest is a turn-off. When someone gives you less, you should be less interested.

We’re often told that great love must come with challenges. And yes, challenges can be exciting if they come from someone who pushes us to become better versions of ourselves. But when someone is showing clear disinterest or outright ignoring you, that should always be a red flag, not something you chase after.

If there’s one lesson that could save countless people from wasting time longing for the wrong person, it’s this: someone not wanting you should instantly make you lose interest.

Why? Because, no matter how amazing this person seems on paper, they simply cannot meet your needs. They’ve failed one of the most basic requirements of loving you: the desire to be present and show it.

Start valuing how someone treats you just as much as you value chemistry and connection, and you’ll find that dating becomes a lot less complicated.

5. Choose a partner you can have a 50+ year conversation with.

Credit goes to writer David Brooks who once said, “Marriage is a 50-year conversation.”

When you truly understand the depth of that statement, it changes how you choose who to spend your life with. You begin to see the mistake of picking someone based purely on their status, looks, job, or seemingly glamorous lifestyle.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want a partner who brings you joy in various ways, but it’s a reminder that beyond the Instagram-perfect moments of trips to Dubai and ice cream on the beach, there’s the real, everyday life you’ll share.

The dinner table conversations. Relaxing together after a long day. Taking a lazy Sunday stroll. Long car rides. Raising children. Spending time with each other’s family and friends.

So, the real question becomes: Can I spend “that” much time with this person? Am I in love with their soul? Do I enjoy hearing their thoughts? Can they connect with my mind? Do they understand me and make me feel at home?

Start with those questions, and you’ll find it much harder to make the wrong choice.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to explore more about love and relationships, visit this page.

In recent years, smoothies have become increasingly popular in Nigeria, known for their refreshing taste and health benefits. However, they can often be expensive and time-consuming to prepare. If you’re seeking alternatives that offer the same nutritional value and convenience, you’re in the right place. Fortunately, several beverages in Nigeria are easy to make, affordable, and just as delicious.

Below are five beverages in Nigeria that can serve as excellent substitutes for smoothies.

1. Zobo (Hibiscus Tea)

Zobo, made from hibiscus petals, is a well-loved Nigerian drink. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals and has a tangy, slightly sour taste. Often, people add ginger, pineapple, or cloves to enhance the flavour, making it not only tasty but nutritious as well.

Zobo packs a powerful punch of antioxidants, including Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. The drink actively lowers blood pressure and supports heart health, benefiting many who consume it regularly.

Just like smoothies, you can customize Zobo by adding different fruits or spices for extra flavour and nutrients. It’s a great option if you want a refreshing and healthy beverage that’s easy to prepare in bulk.

How to Make It

1. Boil hibiscus petals in water.
2. Add ginger, cloves, or other spices for flavour.
3. Sweeten with sugar or honey.
4. Strain and refrigerate.

Zobo is versatile, budget-friendly, and can be served chilled or hot. Whether you’re at home or on the go, it’s a perfect substitute for smoothies.

2. Kunu

Kunu is a traditional Nigerian beverage made from grains like millet or sorghum. It’s popular in Northern Nigeria but is enjoyed throughout the country. Depending on the region, people might add spices like ginger and cloves to give it a spicy kick.

Kunu is a rich source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It provides a good amount of energy due to its high carbohydrate content, making it a great option for a quick pick-me-up. It can be made in batches and stored for a few days with convenience.

How to Make It

1. Soak millet or sorghum overnight.
2. Blend with spices like ginger and cloves.
3. Strain the mixture and refrigerate.

Kunu is smooth, refreshing, and nutritious. It’s an excellent alternative for those who want a beverage with a creamy texture similar to smoothies.

3. Tigernut Milk (Kunun Aya)

Tigernut milk, also known as Kunun Aya, is made from tigernuts, small tubers rich in fibre and nutrients. This drink has been enjoyed for centuries in Nigeria, especially for its creamy texture and natural sweetness.

Tigernut milk is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent source of energy. It’s also dairy-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant. You can add other ingredients such as dates or coconut for extra flavour and nutrients.

How to Make It

1. Soak tiger nuts overnight.
2. Blend with water, dates, or coconut.
3. Strain and serve chilled.

Tigernut milk is a smooth, creamy, and nutrient-dense alternative to smoothies. Its sweet flavour makes it a delicious and satisfying beverage.

4. Soya Milk

Soya milk is a plant-based drink made from soybeans. It has gained popularity in Nigeria due to its health benefits and is a great alternative to dairy milk.

Soya milk is high in protein, making it an excellent drink for those who need a protein boost. It also contains essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

Soya milk can be consumed on its own or blended with fruits, just like smoothies. It’s perfect for people looking for a lighter, high-protein alternative to smoothies.

How to Make It

1. Soak soybeans overnight.
2. Blend with water.
3. Strain and boil to remove the raw taste.

You can easily sweeten or flavour soya milk with vanilla or cocoa to create a richer taste. Its creamy texture and high protein content make it a perfect smoothie substitute.

5. Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a simple and refreshing beverage made from fresh ginger root. It’s widely consumed in Nigeria for its health benefits and warming properties.

Ginger tea boosts the immune system effectively. It improves digestion for many people. The beverage also reduces inflammation in the body. Drinkers often experience these health benefits after regular consumption.

Also, it is a fantastic drink for those who prefer something warm and soothing instead of a cold smoothie. You can add lemon, honey, or mint to give it more flavour and nutrients, making it just as customizable as smoothies.

How to Make It

1. Boil fresh ginger slices in water.
2. Add honey, lemon, or mint to taste.
3. Strain and serve hot or chilled.

Ginger tea is easy to prepare and provides numerous health benefits. People seeking a simple, warm beverage can easily adjust this great option to suit their individual tastes.

Exploring Alternative Beverages in Nigeria

Smoothies are fantastic, but sometimes you need quicker, more affordable options or simply a change in flavour. The beverages in Nigeria mentioned above—Zobo, Kunu, Tigernut Milk, Soya Milk, and Ginger Tea—bring a variety of tastes, textures, and nutritional benefits that make them excellent substitutes for smoothies.

No matter what you’re craving; maybe something creamy, refreshing, or warming, these beverages in Nigeria offer an exciting range of flavours with the same health benefits you’d expect from smoothies.

Incorporating these beverages into your daily routine allows you to enjoy the same refreshing, nutritious advantages while in Nigeria, but with a fresh twist. Whether you need to stay hydrated, boost your energy, or improve digestion, these drinks are perfect for achieving your health goals.

The next time you’re in the mood for a smoothie but want to try something different, consider one of these fantastic Nigerian beverages!