In many Nigerian communities, it’s common to see pregnant women wearing a safety pin on their garments or undergarments.

Safety pins were invented by Walter Hunt in 1834, patented on April 10, 1849, and has since evolved from a simple fastener to a symbol of solidarity and tradition. 

In Nigeria, it is believed that a safety pin serves as a spiritual shield for both mother and unborn child, helping to ensure safe delivery.

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This age-old practice is rooted in cultural beliefs and passed down through generations. But how much of this is true, and is it safe?

Cultural Beliefs Behind the Use of Safety Pins

According to a study carried out by Kola M Owonikoko, Aramide M Tijani , Olarewaju G Bajowa  and Oluseyi O Atanda on the Use of Safety Pin on Garments in Pregnancy: A Belief and Cultural Practice with Potential Harmful Effect at Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in 2014, over half (54.2%) of the 419 pregnant women surveyed reported using safety pins during their current pregnancy.

The most common reasons included:

• Protection against demons (56.8%)

• Protection of the unborn child from evil spirits (19.8%)

• Cultural tradition or no specific reason (23.4%)

The study revealed that 78% of women learned about this practice from family members — including grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and mothers-in-law. Religious institutions (churches, mosques, traditional religion homes) accounted for 14.1%, while 4.8% learned from fellow pregnant women.

Interestingly, women with tertiary education were least likely to use safety pins during pregnancy, while those with secondary education were more likely.

Are There Any Health Risks?

While no studies have directly linked the use of safety pins to pregnancy complications, their use is not without risk. In the same study:

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• 91.5% of safety pin users reported being pricked by the pin

• Nearly half (46.3%) had experienced multiple pricks, often on the hands or abdomen

These injuries, though small, carry risks of:

• Infection

• Skin abscesses

• Dermatitis

• Scarring

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So, Does a Safety Pin Really Protect Against Evil?

There’s no scientific evidence supporting the claim that wearing a safety pin can ward off evil spirits or protect the fetus. Its protection is purely symbolic, rooted in cultural and spiritual beliefs rather than medical science. However, in a context where access to healthcare may be limited or trust in formal systems is low, these practices often serve as a form of psychological comfort or perceived control.

But with Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates, healthcare workers must acknowledge cultural beliefs without dismissing them. Providing culturally relevant care could mean respecting traditions, educating patients on safe health practices, and gently discouraging harmful practices while offering safe alternatives.

Other Cultural Pregnancy Practices

The study also highlighted other cultural practices adopted by pregnant women:

• Avoiding the sun to ward off demons and wizards (51.1%)

• Not eating snails to prevent sluggishness in the baby (48.6%)

• Avoiding cold water to prevent convulsions in the baby (44.9%)

• No salt intake, fried plantains, or catfish for various cultural reasons

Wearing a safety pin during pregnancy may not be backed by science, but it’s a reflection of long-standing cultural beliefs. If it doesn’t harm the mother or baby, then perhaps the best approach is to live and let live.

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Love isn’t always perfect. Sometimes, we mess up, say the wrong things, forget important dates or act in ways that hurt the person we care about.

If you’ve done something that upset your boyfriend, the best thing you can do is own up to it and apologize genuinely, sincerely, and lovingly. If you want to go further to say “I’m sorry” in a romantic way that goes beyond just words, here are some heartfelt ideas to help you make it meaningful and memorable.

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1. Start With A Sincere, Heartfelt Message

Before anything else, your apology must come from the heart. Whether you’re sending a text, writing a note, or saying it in person, speak from your soul. Let him know you understand what you did wrong and how it made him feel.

Example: “I know I hurt you, and I hate that I did. You’re important to me, and I never want to be the reason you feel sad or disrespected. I’m deeply sorry, and I’m ready to make things right.”

2. Write Him A Love Letter

Sometimes, putting your thoughts on paper helps express what your voice might struggle to say. A handwritten letter makes it more personal and thoughtful. You could even slip it into his bag, leave it on his pillow, or give it with his favourite snack.

In your letter:

• Acknowledge what happened

• Take full responsibility

• Express your regret

• Remind him of how much you love him

• End with hope for healing and moving forward

3. Surprise Him With A Sweet Gesture

Pair your apology with something he loves—his favourite meal, a thoughtful gift, etc. Small gestures can speak loudly when they come from love.

4. Say It With Touch

Sometimes, no words are needed. A tight hug, holding his hand, or resting your head on his shoulder while saying “I’m sorry” can be powerful. Physical closeness can soften tension and show your vulnerability.

5. Plan A Romantic Date

Put your money where your mouth is and set the mood for reconciliation. Plan something special just for the two of you — watch a movie he loves, or cook dinner at home with candles and soft music. Use the moment to talk honestly, laugh, and reconnect.

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6. Use Voice Or Video Messages

If he needs space and you can’t apologize in person, send a voice note or a short video. Seeing your face and hearing the emotion in your voice can make your apology more touching and personal than a simple text.

7. Say It With A Song Or Poem

If you’re creative, write him a short poem or dedicate a song that expresses your emotions. Even sharing a song with the message “This made me think of you and how sorry I am” can be incredibly moving.

8. Give Him Time, But Stay Close

Even after you apologize, give him the space to process it. Don’t rush his forgiveness. But be gentle, consistent, and open to further conversations when he’s ready.

Here are various categories of sorry messages to help bridge the emotional distance between you and your boyfriend.

ALSO READ: 40 apology messages to tell her you’re sorry

Emotional Apology Messages for Boyfriend

1. My love, I’m deeply sorry for the pain I caused you. I regret my actions and hope you can forgive me.

2. I apologize for my behavior and the hurt it caused. Your happiness means the world to me, and I want to make things right.

3. I’m truly sorry for my mistakes. Please give me a chance to prove my love and make amends.

4. I regret my actions that caused you pain. I promise to learn from this and be a better partner.

5. I am sorry for hurting you. I never meant to cause you any pain, and I deeply regret my actions.

6. My heart aches knowing that I caused you pain. I am truly sorry and will do everything to make it up to you.

7. I apologize for my mistakes and the hurt they caused. Please find it in your heart to forgive me.

8. I am deeply sorry for my actions. I love you and am committed to making things right between us.

9. My love, I am sorry for my behavior. I promise to work on myself and be the partner you deserve.

10. I regret my actions that hurt you. I am truly sorry and will do everything to earn your forgiveness.

Romantic Apology Messages for Boyfriend

1. My love, I am deeply sorry for the pain I caused. I want to make things right and fill our days with love and joy.

2. I apologize for my mistakes. Your love means everything to me, and I will do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness.

3. I’m truly sorry for my actions. Please give me a chance to show you how much I care.

4. I regret hurting you, my love. I promise to make amends and fill your heart with happiness.

5. I am sorry for my behaviour. I want to make it up to you and shower you with all my love.

6. My heart aches for the pain I caused. I am truly sorry and want to make things right between us.

7. I apologize for my mistakes. Please forgive me, and let’s create beautiful memories together.

8. I am deeply sorry for my actions. Your love is my greatest treasure, and I will do everything to protect it.

9. My love, I am sorry for hurting you. I promise to be more loving and considerate from now on.

10. I regret my actions and the pain they caused. I am truly sorry and want to make amends.

ALSO READ: 50 romantic nicknames to call your boyfriend

In the dance of romance and connection, words often take a back seat to the subtler, more powerful language of unspoken gestures.

For women, femininity is not only expressed through appearance and speech, but also through body language, energy, and graceful movements that capture attention and evoke deep emotion. Sometimes, it is the small, instinctive things like a look, a touch or a smile that can leave a lasting impression.

Here are five unspoken feminine gestures that, while subtle, have the power to mesmerise and captivate a man’s attention in unexpected ways.

1. The Lingering Eye Contact

Eye contact is one of the oldest and most effective forms of non-verbal communication. When a woman holds a man’s gaze just a second longer than usual, it communicates interest, confidence, and warmth without uttering a word.

It’s a look that lingers, not in an intense, challenging way but in a soft, inviting manner that makes him feel seen and desired. That momentary connection can send his imagination into overdrive.

2. The Playful Touch

A light touch on the arm during conversation or a soft brush against his hand can have a surprisingly strong effect. It feels natural, effortless, and yet deeply personal.

These gestures often go unnoticed on the surface, but they register subconsciously, signalling comfort, trust, and closeness. When done with genuine warmth, this kind of touch is both reassuring and alluring.

ALSO READ: 7 things men find attractive in women, according to science

3. The Subtle Hair Play

Playing gently with one’s hair might seem like a casual or even unconscious habit, but in the context of flirtation, it becomes a symbol of femininity and softness.

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Twirling a strand, tucking hair behind the ear, or smoothing it over the shoulder draws attention to the face and neckline while conveying a sense of ease and self-awareness. It’s an age-old gesture that remains surprisingly effective.

4. The Warm, Genuine Smile

A woman’s smile can be disarming. It’s one of the simplest, most beautiful gestures that communicates kindness, positivity, and approachability. But not just any smile, one that is genuine, reaches the eyes, and seems to glow from within has a charm that words cannot replicate. It makes a man feel instantly at ease and deeply appreciated, often without her even realising it.

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5. The Feminine Posture and Presence

How a woman carries herself can be more telling than anything she says. A straight posture, graceful movements, and calm confidence can make her presence magnetic.

Whether it’s the way she walks into a room, gently crosses her legs, or tilts her head while listening, these unspoken cues reflect elegance, poise, and a deep sense of self-respect qualities that captivate masculine energy.

The most enchanting gestures are often the ones that aren’t planned or rehearsed, but come naturally from a place of authenticity and quiet confidence. Feminine energy speaks volumes without saying much, and in the presence of such subtle allure, many men find themselves enchanted.

By leaning into these unspoken gestures, women can embrace their innate power to connect, charm, and leave a lasting impression effortlessly.

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