It’s not easy being a man especially in this part of the world where money is regarded as arguably the number one element needed to make a relationship thrive. As if dealing with billings from your siblings and, sometimes, parents isn’t enough, it also seems that our lovely women are the weapon fashioned against us. Please laugh if you have to because this is as funny as it gets.
For many Nigerian men, the weight of being the primary breadwinner can be overwhelming, often leading to stress, tension, and even conflicts within the relationship. But the good thing is it doesn’t have to be the way. With the right tips, you can effectively manage your finances and have a healthy and blissful relationship. You may be wondering how, but don’t worry.
It’s our job to show you. So grab a popcorn, take a seat, and keep scrolling as we begin with the causes of financial pressure in relationships.
Understanding the Root Causes
- Cultural expectations and societal norms: this is Nigeria and here, there’s an unspoken code about which gender should handle certain obligations. We didn’t write the rules, we were simply born into a society that has such strongly established norms and as such, we’re wired to also see things that way. As Nigerian men, we don’t have to like it, but we must.
- Overwhelming financial responsibilities: Nigerian men handle virtually all the financial responsibility in the home and this comes with so much pressure to meet expectations. And as the sole provider, you can’t afford anything going wrong with your source of income because that will lead to feelings of inadequacy and not feeling man enough. We’ve heard countless stories of men going into crime because of mouths to feed and bills to pay.
- The economic challenges in the country: sadly, we live in a country with a not-so-great and stable economy where the price of things can double within a week. When you add the scarcity of job opportunities and the harsh business terrain to the mix, it’s a hostile setting for anyone to earn a sustainable income.
- Lack of financial literacy and planning: you can’t adequately handle financial pressure in your home or relationship without knowing a thing or two about money management. Without proper planning, you may find yourself waist-deep in bad debts, unpaid bills, and a chaotic household.
That’s enough with the problems that come with being a Nigerian man in a relationship or marriage. Let us show you how to navigate your way through the murky waters of financial pressure.
Helpful Tips for Nigerian Men to Manage Money in Relationships
- Openly communicate with your partner: it may seem wise to hide your finances from your woman, but that’s doing more harm than good. What you should do instead is discuss your financial goals and expectations with your partner and encourage her to do the same. This promotes honesty and transparency and eases the burden or pressure on you. When your woman knows the state of your finances, she will be your number one pillar of support unless you’re dating a gold digger.
- Don’t downplay your financial struggles: we understand that as men, we’re supposed to be stoic in the face of our struggles but hiding these struggles or watering them down to your partner is not the way to go. It’s a relationship not a game of cat and mouse and telling your partner that everything is fine when it’s not is just plain dishonesty. They deserve to know if you’re going through a downtime and that’s when you’ll really see them for who they are.
- Cut down on unnecessary spending: to properly manage money in your relationship, it’s important that you know what to prioritize and what to cut out. Those day-to-day expenses and bills that you can’t skip are what should be at the top of your list while others take the backseat. It makes no sense to live like a baller for a week or two and then spend the remainder of the month in self-inflicted penury.
- Increase your income: one thing is for sure- the bills won’t stop coming so there will always be a reason to spend money. What you can do to make things easier for yourself is get additional sources of income.
- Improve your financial literacy: this is the most important tip which is why we saved it for the last. You can improve your financial education by reading books or seeking advice from experts. The knowledge you’ll gain will make you better-equipped to handle financial pressure. With some swag if we may add.
So that’s it, folks. Being a Nigerian man has to be a superpower but you can’t be the hero your woman or family wants if you crumble under financial pressure. After all, it’s adversity that makes a man and his ability to overcome is what makes him great. And that’s what you’ll be if you adhere to these tips and put them into practice. Until next time!
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