When Love Meets The Cost Of Living: How Money Is Reshaping Relationships Among Young Nigerians

Love has always been described as one of life's greatest emotions.

Songs, movies and books often paint it as something powerful enough to overcome every obstacle. But for many young Nigerians today, love is no longer standing alone. The harsh economic reality, rising cost of living and unemployment have forced many people to ask a difficult question: Is love enough without financial stability?

On university campuses and beyond, conversations about relationships are increasingly centred on money. Young people are not just asking whether someone is kind or trustworthy; they are also asking whether that person can afford the realities of modern life. While many insist that genuine love still exists, they admit that financial security has become an important part of choosing a partner.

Francisca Unutame, a 200-level Journalism and Media Studies student at Delta State University, Abraka, believes financial stability is one of the qualities she considers in a partner. According to her, good communication, intelligence, a pleasant personality and financial stability all matter. She also argued that love alone cannot sustain a relationship. In her view, couples need to spend quality time together, communicate effectively and make deliberate efforts to keep their relationship healthy. Asked whether she would date a hardworking man who earns very little, she said she would only do so if she was already financially comfortable herself. Otherwise, she admitted she would rather wish him well than begin a relationship that could become difficult because of financial challenges.

Another female student of Delta State University, who requested anonymity, offered a slightly different perspective. She said character remains her top priority when choosing a partner. To her, honesty, loyalty, respect, kindness and emotional maturity are more valuable than wealth. While she acknowledged that financial stability is important, she believes ambition and a willingness to improve one's situation are even more important. She added that she would consider dating someone who earns little if the person is hardworking and determined to build a better future. Reflecting on today's dating culture, she said social media and everyday experiences have influenced people's expectations, making many relationships more complicated than they used to be.

Efenure Favour, also a 200-level Journalism and Media Studies student at Delta State University, believes healthy relationships should be built on trust, respect, communication and emotional maturity. She said money matters, but it should never replace good character. According to her, dating someone with a low income is not necessarily a problem if both partners are committed to growing together. She observed that the current economic situation and the glamorous lifestyles often displayed on social media have raised expectations, causing many people to place greater importance on financial security than they might have in the past. For her, the ideal relationship is one where love, respect and shared goals exist alongside a realistic plan for financial growth.

While many women acknowledged the importance of money, the male perspective revealed another side of the conversation. Uhunmwangho Eric Osayi, a 200-level Journalism and Media Studies student and hairstylist, believes many women are attracted to financial security because of the difficult economic situation in the country. He said many young men feel pressured to become financially successful before thinking seriously about relationships. Although he has not personally experienced rejection because of his financial situation, he said stories shared by friends have convinced him that many women prefer financially stable partners. Even so, he advised young men not to lose confidence because of their current financial condition, encouraging them to focus on building their future and enter relationships when the time is right.

The interviews reveal an interesting pattern. Contrary to the common belief that young women only care about money, most of the female respondents repeatedly mentioned honesty, respect, communication, maturity and shared values before discussing financial stability. However, they also admitted that surviving in today's economy makes financial security difficult to ignore. At the same time, the male respondent highlighted the pressure many young men feel to meet financial expectations before pursuing relationships.

Nigeria's current economic challenges have undoubtedly influenced how young people think about love. Rising prices of food, transportation, rent and other basic necessities have made financial planning an unavoidable part of everyday life. For many students and young professionals, relationships are no longer judged solely by emotional connection but also by the ability of both partners to face economic realities together.

Yet, despite their different opinions, all the interviewees agreed on one important point: money alone cannot build a lasting relationship. Trust, communication, commitment, respect and shared goals remain essential. Financial stability may make life easier, but without these qualities, even the wealthiest relationship can fail.

Perhaps this is the lesson many young Nigerians are beginning to learn. Love may still be the foundation of every meaningful relationship, but in today's economy, it often needs the support of financial responsibility, mutual understanding and a shared vision for the future. As the cost of living continues to rise, the challenge for young couples will not simply be finding someone to love, but finding someone willing to grow, struggle and succeed together.

Author's Bio: Daniel Othegbemeh (full name: Othegbemeh Daniel Omokhape) is a 200-level student of Journalism and Media Studies at Delta State University, Abraka. He is passionate about feature writing and human-interest stories, with a particular interest in issues affecting young people and Nigerian society.

×