As a Nigerian adult, you understand that December isn’t merely a festive season—it’s the ultimate billing battlefield. In this case, knowing how to avoid billing this December can be your financial lifeline.

The month transforms into an elaborate financial obstacle course where every social engagement becomes a potential wallet-draining experience.

Picture this: you’re suddenly expected to match expensive aso-ebi for your partner’s distant cousin’s wedding, shell out cash for elaborate office hangout festivities, purchase thoughtful gifts for an extensive network of friends and family, grab concert tickets for the hottest “detty December” events, and somehow maintain some semblance of financial sanity.

Each commitment is strategically designed to empty your bank account, with Sapa waiting eagerly in the wings to completely demolish your January savings.

The universe seems to have conspired with social expectations to orchestrate a complex financial challenge, transforming December into an unofficial billing Olympics where your wallet is the primary competitor.

But here’s the good news: you can become a strategic “shege survivor” by mastering how to avoid billing this December with calculated precision and smart financial manoeuvres.

In this comprehensive survival guide, we’ll explore tactical approaches to navigate the treacherous December spending landscape, ensuring you emerge victorious without sacrificing your financial stability or social reputation. Prepare to become the ultimate December financial ninja!

1. Always Complain Like It’s Your Birthright

Nobody wants to bill someone who complains every five minutes. If you consistently make a point of complaining about your financial situation whenever you get the chance, the likelihood of being asked for money will drop drastically.

The only exception is if you have people around you who are heartless and completely audacious—if that’s the case, there’s a solution in step two.

2. Trade Your Flashy Phone for a ‘Torchlight’

Do you see that iPhone 14 Pro Max of yours? That big phone that attracts unnecessary attention? It’s essentially a billboard screaming, “I’m open for billing!”

To avoid billing, sell it and invest the money in preparing for next year’s challenges. No one will suspect you of being a “billionaire in transit” if you’re using a humble Nokia torchlight or an old-school TECNO phone.

Picture this: someone asking you for money while you’re holding a phone that looks like it belongs in 2003. They might even feel sorry for you and give you some spare change.

The goal here is to avoid billing by making it clear you’re not the person with deep pockets.

3. Buy Okrika Clothes

As the saying goes at the “Okrika” stores, “na mumu dey go boutique.” Avoid billing by steering clear of designer clothes that scream wealth and immediately mark you as a target for requests.

Instead, buy “Okrika” (secondhand) clothes and proudly share how much you paid when people compliment you. Tell them, “You won’t believe how much this outfit cost; it was just 500 Naira!” and make sure to add, “I’m making do with the little I have…”

This strategy helps position you as the king or queen of thrift, ensuring that nobody dares to ask you for money or extravagant contributions.

4. Avoid Calls Like a Pro

Screen all your calls, and be strategic about who you answer. The call from your cousin in the village? We both know it’s not “Merry Christmas” they’re about to say—it’s more likely “I need money for the New Year.”

To avoid billing, activate your Do Not Disturb (DND) mode and only return calls from people who won’t ask for a handout.

If you must respond, use WhatsApp messages so you can carefully craft your excuses without feeling pressured.

5. Go Solo: Break Up With Your Partner

Let’s be real—being in a relationship is one of the major sources of billing in December. To avoid billing and enjoy some peace of mind, consider going solo this season.

Enjoy your money without worrying about shared expenses, and enter the New Year without emotional or financial baggage. You deserve it!

When you want to avoid billing in December, it isn’t just about saving money—it’s about preserving your sanity and entering January without the financial hangover.

These strategies will help you avoid billing and ensure a peaceful, financially secure holiday season. When you’re sipping zobo in the comfort of your home instead of crying over debt recovery meetings, remember to thank me.

If you found these tips helpful and want more, visit here. And remember not to fall in love this December!

Support your partner intentionally through daily actions and authentic expressions of care. Learning how to be a supportive partner demands dedication and regular practice to strengthen your relationship bonds.

In your journey to discover how to be a supportive partner, focus on developing habits that nurture emotional connections and foster mutual understanding.

Your presence, active participation, and genuine interest in your partner’s well-being create foundations for lasting happiness. Commit to showing up consistently, whether during challenging times or moments of celebration.

Understanding how to be a supportive partner involves recognizing and responding to both spoken and unspoken needs with empathy and patience.

As you explore how to be a supportive partner, remember that small, thoughtful gestures often carry more weight than grand displays.

Build trust through reliability, demonstrate respect through active listening, and maintain emotional availability even during busy periods.

Transform your relationship by implementing positive changes that reflect your commitment to growth and mutual support. Take a look at five of them below.

1. Master Active Listening

Put down your phone when your partner speaks. Turn your body toward them and maintain comfortable eye contact. Notice their body language and tone of voice.

Practice reflective listening by repeating key points in your own words. Say things like, “What I’m hearing is…” or “It sounds like you felt…” This shows you’re truly processing their words.

Ask clarifying questions instead of making assumptions. Avoid planning your response while they’re still speaking. Focus completely on understanding their perspective before forming your reply.

Don’t rush to offer solutions unless they specifically ask for advice. Sometimes people just need someone to hear them out. Create a safe space where your partner feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

2. Show Up Consistently

Support extends beyond major life events. Remember small details about their day-to-day life. Ask about that work presentation they mentioned or their friend’s health situation.

Mark important dates in your calendar. Remember deadlines, appointments, and events that matter to them. Send encouraging messages before big moments.

Share the mental load of running your household. Take initiative with chores and responsibilities. Don’t wait to be asked for help.

Be reliable with your commitments. If you say you’ll do something, follow through. Your consistency builds trust and security in the relationship.

3. Validate Their Feelings

Accept your partner’s emotions without judgment. Avoid dismissive phrases like “You’re overreacting” or “It’s not that bad.” Their feelings are valid, even if you don’t fully understand them.

Use validating statements such as “That must be really difficult” or “I can see why you’d feel that way.” Show empathy even when you disagree with their perspective.

Create space for all emotions – positive and negative. Don’t try to force cheerfulness when they’re down. Let them process feelings at their own pace.

Share in their joy and excitement too. Celebrate their wins, no matter how small. Your genuine enthusiasm strengthens your bond.

4. Support Their Growth

Encourage your partner’s goals and dreams. Ask about their aspirations and help brainstorm steps to achieve them. Offer practical support where possible.

Give them space to explore new interests. Don’t make them feel guilty about time spent on personal development. Their growth benefits your relationship too.

Challenge them gently when needed. A supportive partner balances acceptance with encouragement to overcome limiting beliefs.

Stand behind their decisions, even if they differ from your preferences. Trust their judgment and ability to make choices for themselves.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Maintain your own emotional health. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Regular self-care helps you show up better for your partner.

Set healthy boundaries. Being supportive doesn’t mean sacrificing your own needs. Communicate your limits clearly and respectfully.

Develop your own interests and friendships. A well-rounded life makes you a better partner. Don’t rely solely on your relationship for fulfilment.

Seek help when needed. Consider couples therapy or personal counselling to work through challenges. There’s strength in knowing when to ask for support.

Practical Tips for Daily Support

Create daily connection rituals. Set aside time each day to check in with each other without distractions. Even 15 minutes of focused attention makes a difference.

Use positive touch when appropriate. Hold hands, offer hugs, or give a gentle pat on the back. Physical affection can communicate support without words.

Express gratitude regularly. Thank them for specific things they do. Appreciation helps partners feel valued and motivated to continue supporting each other.

Step up during stress. Notice when your partner feels overwhelmed. Take extra responsibilities off their plate without being asked.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Don’t keep score. Support shouldn’t be transactional. Focus on giving without expecting immediate returns.

Avoid comparative suffering. Never minimize their struggles by pointing out how others have it worse. Pain is relative and personal.

Don’t make assumptions about what they need. Ask directly how you can help. Different situations might require different types of support.

Resist the urge to fix everything. Sometimes being present and listening is more valuable than finding solutions.

The Long-Term Impact

Consistent support builds relationship security. Partners who feel supported are more likely to take positive risks and pursue personal growth.

Mutual support creates a stronger bond. When both partners commit to supporting each other, the relationship becomes more resilient to challenges.

Supportive relationships contribute to better mental and physical health. Partners in nurturing relationships often report higher life satisfaction.

Remember that becoming a supportive partner is an ongoing journey. Practice these steps daily, learn from mistakes, and keep growing together. Small, consistent actions build the foundation for a strong, lasting relationship.

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