When dating a Nigerian woman, a man should be prepared to cover her domestic expenses, in addition to meeting frequent financial requests for data, transportation, call credit, food, hair, nails, and other personal upkeep.
In this cultural context, many women monetize relationships as a lifestyle and view financial support as an entitlement in romantic affairs. Consequently, in marriage, financially unstable women often place immense pressure on their husbands—unless the men are wise enough to transform them from liabilities into assets.
To foster marital stability, a man should avoid marrying a financially distressed woman unless he has the means and strategy to empower her, shifting her mindset from dependency to self-sufficiency.
Many women believe that once married, their husbands should assume full responsibility for their needs, as well as those of their struggling parents and extended family members. In our culture, this expectation is not only accepted but actively encouraged. While it may be unfair, it remains an undeniable reality.
A prospective husband must recognize that many women enter relationships or marriage as an escape from poverty or as a means to alleviate their financial struggles. Love, in such cases, is often treated as a commodity to be leveraged for personal gain. While this mindset is problematic, it is a reality that must be addressed with wisdom.
The most practical approach when dating a financially distressed woman is to guide her toward financial independence. A man should encourage her to develop self-reliance and discourage her from placing undue faith in prosperity miracles preached in churches—where many Nigerian women invest their time instead of pursuing self-development and empowerment programs.
For a family’s financial growth, women must contribute to the household economy in a meaningful way. Wealth does not fall from the sky, despite the misleading messages of prosperity gospel preachers who promote financial miracles as a substitute for hard work. True financial empowerment comes from diligence, skill-building, and self-reliance, not wishful thinking.
*Ladi Ayodeji is a life coach, marriage counselor, author,speaker and On Air Personality. He can be reached on 09059243004(WhatsApp only).
