A young lady has stirred a wave of online reactions after sharing a humorous yet relatable observation about modern relationships, claiming that being in love or dating someone in today’s world can sometimes feel like having a full-time job. Her lighthearted comment has since gone viral, sparking a mix of laughter, debate, and introspection among social media users about the emotional demands and expectations of relationships.
The lady, identified as Chidera Chukwu, made the post on X (formerly Twitter), where she jokingly complained that dating in this generation requires too much effort, patience, and emotional labor. Her post was short but instantly resonated with thousands of users who could relate to the feeling of being emotionally drained by the ups and downs of romantic relationships. Many said her words perfectly captured how relationships now involve constant communication, understanding, compromise, and emotional support — all of which can sometimes feel like actual work.
‘Dating is so much work’
In her viral post, Chidera wrote: “Dating is so much work, when your boyfriend is sick you have to pretend you’re sad.” The remark, though humorous, reflected a deeper frustration shared by many young people who feel that dating often comes with unspoken emotional expectations — the need to always act caring or sympathetic even when one’s feelings may not fully align with the situation. The playful tone of her message was intended as a joke, but it quickly ignited a debate about honesty and emotional authenticity in relationships.
The post gained massive traction within hours of being shared, amassing hundreds of comments, likes, and reposts. While some users laughed and agreed that relationships today can feel emotionally exhausting, others criticized the statement, arguing that true love and care should never feel like pretense. The discussion soon expanded into a broader conversation about how modern dating dynamics, social media expectations, and performative affection have made relationships seem more complicated than ever.
Mixed reactions trail her comment
Reacting to the viral post, a user named Adewale supported Chidera’s point with a serious undertone, writing: “No be lie. If you are not ready to support your partner, you have no business with relationship.” He explained that relationships demand effort and consistency, which often feel like responsibilities similar to having a full-time commitment. Adewale’s response struck a balance between humor and reality, emphasizing that dating requires genuine effort from both partners.
However, not everyone agreed. Another user, Mystical Rose, openly disagreed, saying: “My man cannot be sick or going through sht and I pretend with my emotions. How can your partner be sick and you pretend to be sad? God forbid na una know wetin una dey date.” Her comment reflected the view of people who believe that relationships should be built on sincerity and empathy, not obligation or emotional performance.
A third commenter, Your Sire, echoed this sentiment, writing: “My dear, if you have to pretend when your boyfriend is sick, then you’re not in a relationship as you don’t love him. Love doesn’t need pretence.” His response drew attention to the importance of emotional authenticity, suggesting that real love should come naturally and not feel like acting a role just to please one’s partner.
David, another user, added a more philosophical take, saying: “That’s what dating is all about when there’s no purpose. Pretence all throughout.” His statement hinted at the belief that relationships without direction or shared goals often end up becoming emotionally draining, as partners may feel compelled to fake certain emotions to maintain harmony rather than face the truth about their connection.
Meanwhile, Crystals offered a softer, more romantic perspective on the matter. She wrote: “It’s not pretense. If you really like someone, when they are down, it affects you too. Do you know how sweet it is looking at his face with those teary eyes whenever one get cramps? Or whenever one falls sick? Love comes with a lot of drama but it is sweet fr.” Her comment reminded readers that relationships, while challenging, can also be emotionally rewarding when both partners care deeply for each other.
Beyond the humor, Chidera’s post sheds light on the emotional exhaustion many young people experience in relationships today. With constant communication demands, social media comparisons, and unspoken expectations, love has, for many, become more complicated and mentally demanding than ever before. Yet, her playful tone also served as a gentle reminder that despite its challenges, love remains an essential and beautiful part of human experience — one that requires effort, honesty, and balance to truly thrive.
As the conversation continues to trend online, it’s clear that Chidera’s simple joke has touched a nerve, sparking a deeper reflection on what it truly means to love and be loved in the age of social media, where emotions are often performed as much as they are felt.