In Nigeria, here are 3 downsides of dating your neighbour

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

While most people believe that there are benefits of dating one’s neighbour such as regular or free food, no issue with transport fare, free entrance or intimate moments, and every other thing in between, there are downsides or negative aspects of dating one’s neighbour.

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1. Lack of boundaries/privacy

The more you see each other, the more it becomes difficult to establish boundaries. The other partner thinks he or she has access to your life always or at all times. He enters your room the way he likes, questions you on how you live your life, monitors your movement, and takes or uses your stuff at will. But because of what you are getting in return, you keep silent and enjoy the downsides.

2. Other girls/boys are seen as a threat

Since you don’t have any privacy and no established boundaries, you cannot welcome other girls/boys into your own room so easily. If you do it secretly and it gets exposed, you will no longer have access to your neighbour, and most times you are afraid of taking this risk because you don’t want to lose your neighbour yet. This means that when you start dating your neighbour, you have already agreed that your options are extremely limited.

3. After a breakup, things become awkward

If one partner summons the courage to break up, things can get really awkward and intense. If the situation is not managed well, it can degenerate into conflict and regular fights and all the dirty linens both partners have kept are now being washed outside.

However, if you think the benefits outweigh the downsides, you can continue enjoying the ride.