The Disadvantages of Being Single in Nigeria

Staying single in Nigeria is not advisable for anyone (especially women) because Nigeria is still quite a conservative society and staying single by choice is never encouraged, in fact, it is frowned upon by the older generation.

Here are some of the disadvantages of staying single in Nigeria:

The Subject of Constant Gossip

Most single people are the constant subject of gossip, some people will even go as far as making up stories about why you are still single and why you should be ashamed of yourself because most of your mates are married and are in their in matrimonial homes.

Women are the most hit when it comes to gossiping about single people in Nigeria, most people will say "oti fi oko se ale (she has misused her opportunity to marry while she was younger)". The men are not spared too; people will say that he is irresponsible that is why he has chosen to remain single. Many Nigerians believe that marriage is meant for responsible people and will never understand why anyone will choose to remain single.

The Annoying Pitiful Glances

Single people of a certain age are often pitied in Nigeria. Just because you are single, everyone automatically assumes that you are miserable and would for that reason pity you! If you are lucky, they will leave you alone, if you are not, they will come up to you and suggest that you visit a strong spiritual pastor or imam who will pray for you and help cast out the demons that are preventing you from getting married. Some would take you to a "baba alawo (native spiritualist)" who will cast spells and or give you some herbal concoctions to drink, all in a bid to get you a husband or wife.

Believed To Be A Bad Influence

Most married conservative Nigerians think that single people are a bad influence on married people, so they warn their husbands or wives to keep their single friends at arms length. Single people who choose to be single are bad news! And therefore should not be allowed to corrupt their matrimonial homes. It is widely believed by many Nigerians that single people are secretly jealous of married people and would therefore sabotage any marriage if given the opportunity.

No Respect!

If you choose to remain single in Nigeria, you can say goodbye to being respected by many people, especially if you are a woman. Single unmarried women are the prime target of mean remarks and shows of disrespect. If you are a single Nigerian woman, the best bet is to keep your head low and just ignore those rude remarks. Some people would even imply that the reason why you are unmarried is because you must have been driving all your suitors away with your attitude.

Anytime single people get into an argument with other people, the first insult they throw at the single man or woman is the "you are too ugly, poor, and stupid, that is why nobody will marry you!" or (this is the most common insult) "go to your husband's house because I am in my husband's house!"

Choosing to remain single is a decision that very bold Nigerian men and women make, because staying single in Nigeria takes a lot of guts.