Reality TV star and media personality, Tacha Akide, has publicly voiced her strong support for a woman who criticised a man for failing to pay for her meal after collecting her phone number at a restaurant. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, sparked debates on modern dating etiquette and expectations regarding gestures of interest and respect.
The controversy began when a lady shared her experience of being approached by a man at a restaurant. While the man collected her contact details and seemingly intended to initiate a romantic connection, he allegedly failed to pay for her food. The lady expressed her disappointment and frustration online, highlighting what she perceived as an emerging trend among some men to avoid customary courtesies in dating situations.
Tacha Reacts to the Restaurant Incident
In a video shared on her social media accounts, Tacha passionately defended the womanâs reaction, emphasising that men should actively demonstrate their intentions and be willing to âimpressâ when approaching a lady. She argued that if a woman is financially independent and able to pay for her own meals, a man should at the very least be able to cover the costs of both meals as part of a genuine effort to show interest and respect.
âYou see this girl right here? I am standing with her ten toes,â Tacha stated. âWhy? Because as a man, you need to be able to impress. If youâre not going to impress, Iâm sorry, just keep your distance. For this girl to be at the restaurant, obviously she does have cash to pay for her food. And if youâre going to approach her, ask for her number, you should be able to at least pay for your own food and pay for her own food. And you must do it now.â
Tacha Slams Men for Avoiding Dating Gestures
Tacha further criticised what she described as a new wave of âwokenessâ among men who attempt to avoid traditional gestures of appreciation and romantic interest. She warned that these attitudes not only undermine respectful interactions but also fail to acknowledge the natural expectations of women in social and dating contexts.
She elaborated on her stance, drawing an analogy with animals in nature: âWhat is this new wokeness you people are trying to just push? Let me just make it clear that you men, no matter how angry you decide to stand, you are not going to stop women from being women. You will not do it because even animals impress. Go and watch Nat Geo Wilde. Youâre going to see the bird bringing food to the female bird, performing, dancing with his friends, and if sheâs not impressed enough, sheâs going to fly off. So if birds can clock it, how about you? How can you not clock it? You have the opportunity to say, oh, is this how you people behave in Nigeria?â
Tacha also referenced her own experiences in social settings, stressing that men who are unwilling to demonstrate genuine interest through gestures such as paying for meals should refrain from approaching women. She added that even as a Guinness World Record holder and public figure, she expects men to follow these basic principles of respect and attentiveness.
âIf you see me at a restaurant or you see me at a club as a Guinness World Record holder two times, if youâre not going to buy me a bottle, Iâm sorry, donât come close to me. Wait. When Iâm exiting the club, when Iâm leaving the restaurant, close to my car, you can come say, Hi, I need your number. Iâm going to give you my number. Yes, Iâm going to be very much receptive. But do not gaslight women to stop being women. No, it just doesnât make sense. You need to be able to impress as a man. And if youâre not going to do so, if you donât have any intent to do so, keep your distance, be on your mobile phone, donât speak to nobody if you donât want to spend money.â
Tachaâs comments have reignited conversations about dating etiquette, respect, and the balance between financial independence and romantic gestures in modern Nigerian society. Many social media users praised her stance for encouraging men to act responsibly and respectfully, while supporting womenâs right to expect such courtesies without compromise.
Watch video below âŠ
stop gaslighting women! https://t.co/jBhAUnlvni pic.twitter.com/Q1hSZAYeKV
â TACHAđ±đŹđ đłđŹ (@Symply_Tacha) December 11, 2025