Oh well…forget the struggle of finding “the one” – Nigerian Gen Z and Millennials are rewriting the love story.
We’re talking polyamory and open relationships, and it’s not just some fringe trend from those “woke” folks over yonder.
Young Nigerians are exploring love in a way that feels true to them, and some say it is pretty darn exciting!
Imagine this: You and your partner are at that fire Afrobeat concert, the energy is electric, and you lock eyes with someone who gets your whole vibe. In a traditional relationship, you’d bottle it up, right? But in an open relationship, you can be upfront with your boo, explore that connection, and come back to a partner who’s hyped for you.
For 26-year old Lade (real name withheld) polyamory isn’t just about wild flings; it’s about having multiple committed, loving relationships, with everyone’s knowledge and consent. It’s about open communication, emotional maturity, and redefining what a fulfilling relationship looks like. It’s like having a squad of amazing people who fulfill different parts of your life, all while supporting your connections with each other.
Think of it as a delicious plate of pounded yam – there’s room for egusi soup, and maybe some succulent beef on the side, as long as everyone’s cool with the menu.
Sounds pretty lit, right? Don’t get it confused with “open relationships” though, which are more about casual flings.
But why the shift? Well, the world is changing, and so are our ideas of love. Maybe you crave emotional intimacy with one person but want to explore a different kind of spark with another. Maybe you and your partner are on the same page about sexual exploration outside the relationship. The beauty of consensual non-monogamy is that it allows you to design a love life that truly reflects your desires, not societal expectations.
Sounds messy, doesn’t it? Not necessarily! Chinonso (real name witheld), a 28-year-old artist in Lagos, shares, “Polyamory has brought a newfound honesty to my relationships. Jealousy used to be a monster under the bed, but open communication has become a breath of fresh air.” It takes work, for sure, but the rewards can be incredible.
Of course, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. Societal stigma is still a hurdle. “Explaining polyamory to my parents is like trying to explain the offside rule during a Super Eagles match,” laughs Lekan, a 32-year-old IT professional in Abuja. But with more open conversations and online communities, acceptance is growing.
The beauty of this movement is the freedom it offers. For some, it’s about exploring sexuality without limitations. For others, it’s about finding deep emotional connections that don’t fit neatly into a monogamous box. It’s about breaking free from societal pressures and defining love on your own terms. The most important thing is to find love that feels true and fulfilling for you.
So, is polyamory or an open relationship right for you? Only you can answer that. But one thing’s for sure: the conversation is happening, and it’s about time. Let’s keep it open, honest, and full of amazing vibes. After all, love is a beautiful thing, and there’s enough to go around!
Dear reader, on request, TheLink News withheld the real names of the individuals who shared their ideas and experiences in this lifestyle piece.
Having explored relationships with multiple partners myself; I think this whole idea is a seed for future disaster.
Intimacy is not necessarily about multiple options, it more about depth, focus and the willingness to invest for growth.
Polyamory is a requisite for depleting energy. One will get spread out over time, at the end they’ll crave to find themselves back but it might just be too late.
Having too many people in your head in a bid to explore intimacy and sensuality is the worst spiritual and mental hazard any could wish on themselves.