If you’re in Nigeria, you’d know that specific questions have become almost ceremonial at family gatherings, weddings, and even casual encounters. Chief among them is the infamous, “When will you marry?”

This question, often posed with a smile, carries layers of cultural expectations and societal pressures. Well, answering the question takes tact and a good level of courage.

In case you’ve been constantly asked this question and other relatively silly questions, but don’t know how to answer, here’s a guide.

ALSO READ: How to deal with Nigerian aunties when they ask ‘When will you marry?

Hold on, and let’s walk you through how to deal with this annoying question.

The Weight Behind the Question

In many Nigerian communities, marriage is not just a personal milestone but a societal expectation. Unmarried individuals, especially women over 30, often face undue scrutiny and are sometimes viewed as incomplete or irresponsible.

This cultural lens places immense pressure on individuals to conform, sometimes at the expense of personal happiness and readiness.

While this is unfair to such individuals, society seems to have accepted it as a norm, and that’s why you must learn how to answer and stop people from constantly asking you such questions.

Crafting Your Clapback

Responding to such questions requires a blend of grace, humour, and assertiveness. Some answers won’t come off as disrespectful, yet assertive enough to warn the asker to desist from asking such questions again. Here are some of them:

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• Humorous Deflection:

“I’m waiting for the perfect Nollywood script to play out in real life.”

• Assertive Response:

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m focusing on my personal growth and happiness right now.”

• Redirect the Conversation:

“Speaking of milestones, did you hear about the new project I’m working on?”

These responses help maintain your boundaries while keeping the conversation respectful.

Diverse Perspectives

For queer Nigerians, the question of marriage can be particularly challenging. Societal expectations often clash with personal identities, making family gatherings uncomfortable.

One individual shared, “Returning home for Christmas and being at family gatherings was fun when I was much younger.

As an adult, however, it became harrowing… Then talks about marriage started creeping in.” Well, the truth is that decisions like this should be left to the real people in it. Older people shouldn’t go about intruding into people’s business.

ALSO READ: Real Stories: ‘We dated for 6 years, but I’m not so sure I want to marry her’

We all must recognise that personal fulfilment doesn’t solely hinge on marital status. Society’s traditional benchmarks are evolving, and individual happiness should take precedence.

Embracing Your Journey

Ultimately, the decision to marry or not is deeply personal. While cultural norms have their place, they shouldn’t dictate one’s life choices. Embrace your journey, set your own timelines, and remember that societal expectations don’t define your worth.

In today’s digital world, virality is often seen as the pinnacle of success. Yet, many creators find themselves at a crossroads: chasing trends to gain visibility while striving to maintain their authentic voice.

Striking this balance is not only possible but essential for long-term success. But attaining this level of growth requires intentionality. So, how can you?

Here, let’s review practical tips you can leverage to navigate virality without compromising your identity.

1. Define Your Core Identity

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Before aiming for virality, solidify your unique perspective. Authenticity fosters trust and sets you apart in a saturated market. As LinkedIn highlights, staying true to your core values while engaging with your audience in relatable ways is key to maintaining authenticity in viral content. So, while it’s good to pursue popularity, you must also create an identity that you’ll be known for.

 2. Prioritise Value Over Popularity 

Instead of chasing fleeting trends, focus on delivering consistent, high-quality content that reflects your brand’s voice. Most smart social media marketers emphasise building a strong creative strategy that captures your brand’s essence and leverages market trends. This not only helps you conquer your target market, but it also sets the stage for sustainable growth.

3. Craft Clear and Impactful Content

To capture attention, your content must be concise and compelling. The best content creators are the ones who can be direct and purposeful. Eliminate fluff as much as possible and ensure you deliver value with every part of your content. Remember also to incorporate eye-catching visuals, since they can make your content neat and attractive.

4. Engage Through Conversations

Virality isn’t solely about numbers; it’s about meaningful engagement. No wonder experts often advise creating content that invites discussion and fosters community, rather than just seeking views. You want your audience to trust and always return to you, knowing they’ll get authentic content at all times.

5. Stay Grounded Amidst Success

Going viral can be exhilarating, but it’s essential to remain grounded. A Reddit discussion highlights that virality doesn’t equate to lasting fame or financial gain; it’s a momentary spotlight. Focus on your long-term goals and continue nurturing your authentic voice, even when you’re enjoying success and everything seems to be working.

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ALSO READ: Top 5 most followed Nigerian celebrities on Instagram

6. Align Trends with Your Brand

Engaging with trends can boost visibility, but ensure they align with your brand’s identity. We recommend adapting trends to complement your unique voice, maintaining consistency and authenticity at all times, even when you’re desperate for your content to do well.

Virality is a powerful tool, but its impact is fleeting without authenticity. By staying true to your voice, delivering consistent value, and engaging genuinely with your audience, you can achieve meaningful success that endures beyond the viral moment.

Hey! It’s about your wedding day; seriously, it will be your biggest day yet. We know how you’ve dreamed of this day since you were younger and planned to make it the most memorable one.

But while you’re planning all these, have you considered the cost implications and rollercoaster of emotions that they entail?

The vibrant colours, energetic dances, and abundance of food can sometimes become overwhelming, especially for your emotions and wallet. But don’t worry—we have you covered.

Here’s a guide that can help you navigate the day with joy, and a wallet that’s not depleted.

ALSO READ: 20 Asoebi style inspirations for your next wedding

1. Embrace the Cultural Extravaganza

Nigerian weddings are renowned for their lavishness and large guest lists. Due to the communal nature of the celebrations, it’s common for the number of attendees to swell beyond initial estimates. It’s natural to feel concerned when you think about how it can affect your budget. But the best way to beat this is to accept the possibility of unexpected guests and focus on enjoying the festivities rather than stressing over the crowd.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

The costs of Nigerian weddings can be substantial, often running into millions of naira. But there’s no law anywhere forcing all weddings to be the same. Determining what you can comfortably afford to spend on attire, gifts, and other expenses makes sense. And once you’ve decided what you can spend, stick to it to avoid post-wedding financial strain.

3. Opt for Cost-Effective Attire

While traditional outfits like aso-ebi are beautiful, some can be expensive. You’re already spending so much on one or two clothes changes here. We typically recommend renting or purchasing affordable versions of traditional attire. Some vendors offer discounts for group orders, so coordinate with friends when possible.

4. Participate with Joy

Engage in the dances, enjoy the music, and savor the food. Your enthusiastic participation contributes to the celebratory atmosphere. Don’t worry about perfecting every dance move; your genuine enjoyment matters most.

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5. Manage Your Expectations

Despite meticulous planning, some aspects may not go as expected. Knowing this helps you handle disappointments better. One tip that always works is maintaining a flexible attitude and focusing on the joyous occasion rather than minor hiccups.

6. Be Mindful of Additional Expenses

ALSO READ: 6 weddings aren’t enough, I wanted to marry Priscilla everywhere – Juma Jux

Beyond attire and gifts, consider other potential costs like transportation and accommodation. If traveling for the wedding, book accommodations early to secure better rates and consider carpooling to reduce transportation expenses.

Nigerian weddings are delightful experiences filled with culture and celebration. Planning ahead and setting clear boundaries allows you to enjoy the festivities without emotional or financial stress.