Heartfelt Advice Village

01/01/2026

NOT EVERY SMILE IS LOVE. SOMETIMES, IT'S SIMPLY CUSTOMERS SERVICE.

One beautiful Friday like that, I received a call from Uche, my former colleague. He just said, “Kunle, come downstairs. I dey wait for you.”

Since work no too set that day, I just grabbed my phone and bounced downstairs. We exchanged small pleasantries, and he said I should follow him to one nearby mall. No car, nothing... we just jejely trekked like patriotic Nigerians.

When we got to the mall, we waka enter one Indian clothing shop. My brother, as we entered, na there I see her…

Fine girl. Calm smile. Well-spoken. The kind person you’ll just look and say, “God, I’m ready to behave.”
Nothing too loud, just natural beauty with confidence sprinkled on top.

I shook hands with her while Uche...this guy no get joy ... ignored everything and headed straight to the T-shirt corner like man on a mission.

The lady introduced herself as Funmi, and before I knew what was happening, she had already carried me to the jeans section.

The way she was attending to me ehn, I started thinking: “Maybe this is how love starts. Inside ordinary clothing shop, destiny can still locate somebody.”

She was suggesting sizes, asking me questions, laughing at my dry jokes... everything was flowing. Even POS machine no dey swipe like that.

At one point she said, “Sir, I like this one on you. You look very gentle.”

That’s how my head began to swell like bread inside hot oven. I started calculating wedding venue...Ibadan or Lagos? Honeymoon Dubai or just manage Lekki?

Next thing, Uche shouted from the other side:

“Kunle, abeg hurry. Make we dey go. Her fiancé dey come.”

My spirit paused.

“Fiancé ke?”

I smiled small, thinking Uche was joking… until one tall guy entered, greeted her, and pecked her gently.

Funmi turned to me and said with that same sweet smile:

“Sir, meet my fiancé. He just came back from Canada. Please, if you need more jeans, just let me know.”

My brothers and sisters…
That’s how my love story ended in the denim section, before it even started.

I quietly paid for my jeans, collected my nylon, and followed Uche out like a humble choir member.

Since that day, I learned one deep lesson:

Not every smile is love. Sometimes, it’s simply customer service.

😂😂😂

06/06/2023

"WHEN LOVE ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH"

In the realm of love, where emotions intertwine and hearts beat as one, it is often said that love alone has the power to conquer all. And indeed, love possesses an extraordinary capacity to uplift, inspire, and heal. Yet, there are moments when love alone is not enough.

Love, in its purest form, may guide us towards happiness and connection, but it cannot single-handedly sustain a relationship or resolve all of life's challenges. Love, unaided by certain essential elements, may falter in the face of adversity. Thus, it becomes crucial to recognize the importance of accompanying love with other qualities to nurture and fortify its foundation.

Firstly, understanding and empathy are vital companions to love. Each person brings a unique set of experiences, perspectives, and needs into a relationship. While love may create a profound bond, the ability to truly understand and empathize with your partner's joys and sorrows fosters a deeper connection. It allows you to navigate conflicts with compassion, respect, and an open mind, ensuring that love thrives amidst the ebb and flow of life.

Secondly, effective communication is an indispensable ally to love. Love can be an exquisite symphony of emotions, but without the harmonious exchange of thoughts, feelings, and desires, misunderstandings may arise. Honest and open communication promotes trust, encourages compromise, and enables growth both as individuals and as a couple. It is through communication that the seeds of love can bloom into a profound and enduring connection.

Thirdly, commitment and dedication complement love in sustaining long-term relationships. Love may begin as a passionate flame, but as time passes, it transforms into a steady warmth that requires nurturing and dedication. Commitment is the pillar that supports love through the trials and tribulations of life, reminding us that relationships demand effort, sacrifice, and unwavering support. It is in moments of doubt or hardship that the commitment to love serves as an anchor, ensuring that it endures through the stormiest seas.

Lastly, personal growth and self-care form the bedrock on which love can flourish. It is crucial to recognize that love does not require us to abandon our individuality or compromise our well-being. By investing in our personal growth, pursuing our passions, and prioritizing self-care, we bring our best selves to the relationship. When we cultivate our own happiness and nurture our own dreams, we enhance the love we have to offer and create a space where both partners can thrive.

In the tapestry of love, let us remember that love alone is not enough. It thrives when accompanied by understanding, communication, commitment, personal growth, and self-care. By weaving these elements together, we create a relationship that not only endures but flourishes—a relationship that is truly built to withstand the tests of time.

13/05/2023

Love is a beautiful thing. It has the power to bring people together, to heal wounds, and to inspire us to be our best selves. Love is not just an emotion, but a force that shapes our lives in profound ways.

When we love someone, we become vulnerable in a way that allows us to connect with them on a deeper level. We open our hearts to them, and in doing so, we create a space for mutual trust, respect, and understanding.

Love teaches us to be patient, kind, and compassionate. It helps us to see the beauty in others, even when they may not see it in themselves. Love encourages us to be selfless, to put the needs of others before our own, and to strive for their happiness and well-being.

Love also inspires us to be better people. It challenges us to grow, to learn, and to become the best version of ourselves. It encourages us to let go of our fears and insecurities, and to embrace life with an open heart and a sense of wonder.

Whether it's the love between partners, friends, family members, or even strangers, love is a beautiful thing that enriches our lives in countless ways. So let us all cherish the love in our lives, and celebrate the beauty and wonder of this incredible force that brings us together.

09/05/2023

There are several signs that may indicate that you are in a wrong relationship. Here are a few common ones:

Lack of communication: Communication is essential in any relationship, and if you and your partner are not communicating effectively, it can lead to misunderstandings and unresolved issues.

Feeling unhappy or unfulfilled: If you feel like your needs are not being met in the relationship, or if you are unhappy more often than not, it may be a sign that the relationship is not working for you.

Lack of trust: Trust is crucial in any relationship, and if you feel like your partner is not trustworthy or if they have betrayed your trust, it may be a sign that the relationship is not healthy.

Constant arguing or fighting: While disagreements are a normal part of any relationship, if you and your partner are constantly arguing or fighting, it may be a sign that the relationship is not working.

Feeling unsupported or unappreciated: If you feel like your partner is not supportive of your goals and aspirations, or if they do not appreciate your contributions to the relationship, it may be a sign that you are in a wrong relationship.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether you are in a wrong relationship. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to talk to a trusted friend or a professional counselor for guidance and support.

24/03/2019

20/02/2018

Poverty is not a native of Africa, but a traveller that stays ONLY where it is welcomed. Baba God, sannu fun mi; ma je ki n fi osi saye.

02/10/2017

THE MAD COUPLE IN MY VILLAGE

A Story Written By Ayodele Adeoye

Samade was a graduate of applied physics from Nigerian university, Nsukka before he ran mad. Samade was a fan of every villager for his abilities and talents. Abilities and talents madness could not sn**ch away from him. His dancing steps and melodious voice cannot be ignored by passersby. He sings and dances without musical instruments yet those who listened and watched him wished he was not mad for the ecstasy he gave to them.

His love life and marriage to Cynthia, another mad woman in the village was an envy of many couples. Samade and Cynthia had lived together in a self built self-contained under the popular bridge at Orile junction for 22 years. There were several times the villagers saw them quarreling but no one knew how they settled their differences. Unfortunately Samade and Cynthia do not speak the same language. While Samade was from my village, Cynthia was from the Eastern part of the country. They lived together for 22 years without a long separation.

How they consented to live as couple and had 3 children is a riddle no one is yet to solve. They lived under same roof in quote, they had no source of income other than begging, they have no common sense, lacked counselors, never attended marriage classes, yet they lived together for 22years uninterrupted.

Samade and Cynthia were the Romeo and Juliet of their world, a perfect match to a fault. Mad but proud of each other and their union. They were seen severally kissing, hugging, caressing and sharing romantic moments together in the village. They shared all things in common, they bathed together, played together, ate together, entertained their guests together, fought together, smiled together etc. Samade and Cynthia were an epitome of uncoordinated romantic folks. If they were not mad, they would have won the best couple of the year's award.

The lesson in Samade and Cynthia's romantic story is this; "If the insane can sustain a romantic relationship, the sane should be able to do better". Unfortunately, most sane couples with common sense cannot stay together as husband and wife for 10 years without divorce or separation. Yet they have access to the good things of life. They have good shelter, good food, sound education, spiritual helps, finance etc.

The story of this mad couple inspired me when growing up in the village as a young boy. With this I made a covenant with my maker that I will have an enviable marriage. I told myself when I was 17 that "if a mad man can do it, I can do it better because I am at better advantage".

Unfortunately, Samade died on 24th July 20... and Cynthia died too on 3rd September of the same year of depression and loneliness. Their children were adopted by 3 different families whose lives were inspired by the romantic life of the mad couple.
They were mad together
They lived together
They died together

If the mad couple can do it, I can do it better because i can do all things through Christ Jesus....

Happy New Month and Happy independence....

09/09/2017

*SAVE OUR HUSBANDS!*

Why do husbands in Africa die most times before wives? A husband in Africa in most cases is under intense tension because he is responsible for:

● *Children school fees*

● *house rents*

● *Electricity bills*

● *Medical bills*

● *Generator fuel & repairs*

● *Car fuel and repairs*

● *Feeding of family*

● *Clothes for children*

● *Sallah or Christmas and New year bills*

● *Furniture &House maint*

● *In-laws wahala/demand*

● *His own aged parents*

● *His siblings most times*

● *His wife's demands*

● *Vigilante bills*

● *Erecting Building*

● *Religious demands*

● *Family social bills*

● *Electronics bills*

● *Recharge cards*

● *Extended family bills*

● *Community demands*

On top of the above, he also faces:

● *Wife stress/insults*

● *Boss stress at work*

● *Police stress on the way*

● *Area boys stress*

● *Kidnappers fear*

● *Friends stress*

● *Economy stress*

● *Fear of job loss*

● *Unemployment pains*

● *Armed Robbery stress*

● *Children misbehaviour*

● *Neighbours stress*

● *Bank loan paymnt stress*

● *Enemies stress*

● *Demonic attack stress*

● *S*x stress*
.and so on! OMG!!

Are these reasons not enough for all African Wives to understand and give their husbands peace at home? Are men not trying? How can an African man with these kind of loads be romantic like an American man?
Women, please give *us* your husband's peace at home. Encourage *us*your husband's. Stop being sarcastic to *us*. Except if you like to join the widows club early! Note:
That club is not funny. Ask members. Help your husband. Contribute to the family. Be a helper. Be submissive. Stop nagging. Build your home and marriage. It is not greener outside there. Don't be deceived!!
Let us live longer like you. *We dey beg una*

FORWARD THIS TO EVERY WOMAN IN YOUR CONTACT LIST UNTIL EVERY WOMAN IN AFRICA READS IT. LET US PROLONG THE LIVES OF OUR MEN!!