Love & Life

Navigating the Modern Dating Scene In Nigeria: Essential Dating Etiquettes for Gen Zers

Whether you’re a Gen Z baddie, or just a regular Gen Zer, there’s just some dating etiquettes you should know

• written by Joy Onu
• 5 min read
• 18 Oct, 2023

It’s crazy how the dating landscape has changed a ton in this digital age, dating has evolved dramatically, especially if you’re Gen Z, and Nigerian all in one. The dynamics of dating have shifted heavily from good old traditional courtship to a whole new realm of online interactions that can be quite hard to navigate. 

It’s one thing to throw yourself in the dating pool, and yet another, to put yourself out there in the messy digital-dating pool we all know now. Keeping up with these changes, it's quintessential to know, understand and embrace modern dating etiquettes tailored for everyone, from Gen Zers to Zillenials, and Millenials. We’re going to break down essential rules and etiquettes that guide the dating scene for today's tech-savvy young adults.

Respect Online Boundaries

Everybody's personal business is online these days, it’s so easy for people to overstep and give in their two cents, the trick is to be respectful of your boundaries and the boundaries of others as well. 

Modern dating happens online 99.9 percent of the time, especially for Gen Z younglings in Nigeria who frequently meet potential partners through dating apps and social media platforms. It's crucial to respect each other's boundaries and consent in the online space. Avoid invasive questions or unsolicited advances, and always seek permission before diving nose deep into personal topics.

Clear Communication is Key

Everybody talks too much these days, so no one’s really listening. In a digital age where noise is everywhere, remember that communication is part talking, part listening, and entirely comprehending.

Open and honest communication should be the cornerstone of modern dating. If there’s one thing Gen Z Nigerians love and appreciate, it is directness and clarity in expressing feelings, intentions, and expectations. Whether you're interested in a casual relationship or something more serious, communicate your desires openly to ensure both parties are on the same page.

Mindful Social Media Presence

We live and breathe social media in unhealthy doses, and it’s so important to be conscious of our social media footprint. It is so important to be highly conscious of your online image and what it reflects about you, not saying you should hold back and not have fun, just saying you should be a bit mindful of what you put out there. 

Most importantly, do not troll people or be negative towards people, maintain a positive and authentic social media presence, as potential partners often snoop around on each other online before pursuing a relationship, especially during the talking stage.

Timely Responses and Acknowledgments

We’re all guilty of leaving people to read or replying after every three to five business days, but if you’re going to make it out alive, and not single, you have to put in the time, effort, and the graft.

Prompt responses and acknowledgments to messages and calls are a sign of respect and interest. You need to show people you’re interested in that you value timely communication and they will appreciate that you’re showing enthusiasm in maintaining a conversation.

Empathy and Understanding

Being kind has become a buzzword these days, people run at the first chance they get to give witty, savage responses without remembering to actually be kind.

Empathy is a vital trait in modern dating. If there’s one dating advice Gen Zers need more than anything, it’s this. You need to be understanding and considerate of people’s feelings and experiences. Show genuine interest in understanding your date's perspective, and always be supportive in challenging situations.

Date Planning and Organization

Planning a date for someone you care about shouldn’t be an extreme sport, it doesn’t matter who planned it, or how extravagant it is, all that matters is the thought behind each date.

Take the initiative to plan and organize dates, put effort into arranging enjoyable and thoughtful experiences. Whether it's a simple coffee date or a fun outdoor activity, thoughtful planning leaves a lasting impression.

Consent and Boundaries

A no is always a no, whether it is an audible or verbal no, if you don’t get the green light, do not make any moves without permission from any parties involved. Respecting consent and boundaries is paramount in modern dating for everyone. We cannot overemphasize the importance of mutual consent and understanding each other's limits and comfort zones in all aspects of a relationship.

Equality and Inclusivity

This entire generation is about equality and inclusivity, and it also applies in the dating aspect as well. Promote equality and inclusivity in your dating life, people value partners who treat them as equals and respect their opinions, regardless of gender or background. Embrace each other, quirks and all, be open to diversity and do not hesitate to learn from each other.

Whether you’re a Gen Zer, a Zillenial or a Millennial, all of these rules apply, we all have to navigate dating in the modern world, and at some point we’re going to have to trade stories and help each other out, especially if you’re tired of being single.