Our society can be very critical. People are often judged not by who they are but by how well they fit into what society expects. If you are quiet, introverted, or simply minding your business, you are likely to be called proud, jobless, or even strange. There is a lot of pressure to behave a certain way just to avoid being talked about.
Take VeryDarkMan, for example. When he became popular during the Mohbad issue, many influencers attacked him. Not because of what he was saying, but because of how he looked, his financial status, and the fact that he did not try to impress anyone. But he stood firm. Today, he is one of the most influential young Nigerians simply because he refused to be shaped by public opinion.
Here’s the list, you can add your own too:
Leaving the house and walking around aimlessly just to avoid being seen as jobless:
You know you are not lazy. You know you are just taking your time to rest or figure things out. But because you do not want people to say you are doing nothing with your life, you go out to the house and begin to move around Lagos like Igbono without any real purpose.
Forcing yourself to associate with people who do not add value to your life:
You stay close to people who gossip, insult you, or do not respect you, just so they will not say you are proud or antisocial. You would rather tolerate nonsense than be misunderstood.
Borrowing money to buy things you cannot afford just to impress others:
You take loans to buy a car, rent an expensive apartment, or wear designer clothes, not because you need them, but because you want people to think you have made it. Meanwhile, you are under pressure financially.
Taking a longer route home just to avoid being seen by olofofo in your area:
Instead of passing your normal street, you go the long way just to avoid people who sit outside and turn everyone into a topic of discussion. You are avoiding unnecessary attention.
Over-respecting people who constantly disrespect you:
You greet someone who talks down to you, allow them to speak to you anyhow, and keep quiet, all because you are hoping that one day they will realize who you are and start respecting you. That day may come, but why go through all that?
Getting married just to avoid pressure from family and society when you are not ready:
You have not found the right person. But because everyone keeps asking when you will marry, you rush into a marriage just to avoid being the topic of discussion.
