Former Big Brother Naija star Seyi Awolowo has stated that love in this generation has become transactional across the board, while urging Nigerian youths to prioritise self-love as the foundation for healthy relationships.
Speaking on the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, the actor addressed the shift in modern romance.
When asked if love has become largely transactional, Seyi replied without hesitation:
“Yes. Across board.”
He then offered clear advice on the one habit every young Nigerian should develop.
“I want Nigerian youths to have self love. If you have self love, you’ll understand what love coming to you should feel like. If you truly love and respect yourself, you can tell when you’re being disrespected or respected.”
Seyi explained that genuine self-love helps people identify red flags and green flags early.
“You’d recognize what a red flag is. You’ll know how to treat a red and green flag. It’s not rocket science. Because you truly care about yourself, you won’t let yourself get into toxic relationships. You’ll understand it because your core values are on check.”
He added that people who love themselves know the levels of disrespect and insults they cannot tolerate. They also avoid disrespecting others unless provoked.
“You’ll understand what balance truly is. You’ll be able to see reason when it is presented to you and not be arguing when you are given facts to a truth. When you hear a fact, it will resonate with you.”
According to Seyi, self-love also teaches emotional maturity, including the ability to admit when one has been beaten in an argument without launching personal attacks.