A man’s social media post has stirred widespread reactions after he shared an unexpected and awkward encounter with a lady he met at Festac Mall in Lagos, igniting conversations around dating expectations, entitlement, and modern social interactions.
The story, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians who weighed in with personal experiences, humour, criticism, and broader reflections on dating culture in the country.
Encounter at Festac Mall Sparks Online Debate
In the now-viral post, a man identified as Prince Adewale narrated how a casual outing at the popular shopping centre took an unexpected turn.
According to him, he had approached a lady he found attractive, hoping to strike up a friendly conversation.
He explained that after paying her a simple compliment, the interaction immediately shifted in a direction he did not anticipate.
He wrote: “I met a lady at Festac Mall recently. She was very beautiful, so I approached her and complimented her. She smiled and said, ‘This one that you like me, you’ll pay for some of what I bought o.’”
Surprised by her response, Adewale said he was momentarily confused, unsure whether she was joking or being serious.
He added that he instinctively responded in Yoruba, questioning the statement.
“As how?” he asked, before following up with, “Ṣogbadùn?”[/p>
The short exchange ended there, but Adewale’s decision to share the moment online opened the floodgates for public commentary.
Social Media Users Share Strong Reactions
Following the post, many social media users flocked to the comment section to express their views, with opinions sharply divided.
Some criticised the lady’s comment, describing it as inappropriate and a poor way to respond to a compliment from a stranger.
Omo Ogun reacted harshly, writing: “Nigerian ladies with beggy beggy attitude. Look at how she ruined the conversation between the two of you. Very horrible human being.”[/p>
Muanya took a more sarcastic approach, joking about the situation.
He said: “You have to pay tax to her for complimenting her😛 Next time u won’t admire another person.”[/p>
He wrote: “Good response. Everything about them is billing. They are walking opportunists.”[/p>
Simsbury also shared a similar experience, suggesting that such encounters are becoming increasingly common.
“It’s always the case you say hello boom the next conversation that pops up is her problems…” he wrote.[/p>
Broader Reflections on Dating Culture in Nigeria
Beyond jokes and criticism, some users used the opportunity to reflect more deeply on dating culture, social expectations, and how money has become central to many interactions.
One user, Deelord, offered a detailed comparison between dating experiences in Nigeria and abroad.
He wrote: “Often made to believe back home. Meeting a decent and responsible woman does not require money. In most cases, it has little or nothing to do with money at all—it is about your ability to communicate effectively, carry yourself with confidence, and conduct yourself.”[/p>
He further stated that exposure to other societies can change one’s perspective.
“I wish more young men had the opportunity to visit developed countries. When you do, you quickly realize how Nigeria can negatively shape one’s thinking in many ways,” he added.[/p>
Deelord also pointed out differences in social standards and expectations.
“One of the first things I noticed after traveling abroad is that women are not as difficult to approach as well as responsible man,” he said.[/p>
He continued: “Another realization I had is that personal hygiene and cleanliness are taken more seriously in many developed societies, and this standard is something we still need to improve on back home.”[/p>
Humour and Relatable Experiences Close the Conversation
Others chose humour as their way of engaging with the topic, sharing relatable stories from their own lives.
Man_Friyo concluded the discussion with a lighthearted comment that resonated with many readers.[/p>
He wrote: “😂😂 There was a time I stopped asking ladies ‘How are you doing’? The answer was always ‘I’m not fine’…and I’ll be asking what’s wrong with you.”[/p>
He added: “To be honest, not until a friend told me that response (‘I’m not fine’) is a prelude to billing.”[/p>
The viral Festac Mall encounter has since continued to fuel conversations online, highlighting ongoing debates around money, entitlement, and genuine connection in modern dating.