selling us a very specific, very polished idea of love. Red roses that cost a month’s rent.
Grand gestures that look great on the ‘gram. Two people against the world, Odogwu and
Nwayioma’s style.
and Pinterest boards, we forgot something important: Love has always spoken a different
language here. Long before modern romance shaped what we consider the “epitome” of love
today, in our communities, love was a shared masterpiece.
It lived in families, friendships, and extended circles. It was practical. It was communal.
If you loved someone, you didn’t just say it. You showed it by contributing, protecting,
providing, and staying.
Love was responsibility. And it still is.
The “Aww” in the Ordinary
Today, that same love lives on. It just wears different clothes. It’s not always found in a
candlelit dinner; sometimes, it’s found in the small, unglamorous acts that hold our lives together.
- It’s your mum blowing steam off a spoonful of rice before it touches your tongue,
even though you’re 32 with two degrees and back pain 👀 - It’s your dad randomly showing up with gifts or “provisions” for the family,
no occasion needed. - It’s your big sister firmly holding your hand to cross that chaotic Obalende junction,
acting like you’re still seven years old. - It’s the neighbor next door showing up with a steaming bowl of Egusi soup
just because the aroma hit your door while they were cooking. - It’s your work bestie who knows exactly when you need a “gist” break,
a bottle of groundnut, or a quiet place to vent.
From Our Hearts to Yours
Today, we are celebrating the love that never asks for applause. The love that shows up
consistently. The love that proves itself through sacrifice and presence.
We see it in the friends who form a WhatsApp group to cover a bill when things get tight,
no questions asked. The sister who has your back when you’re out late.
The colleague who covers your 9 AM because “Lagos traffic” happened to the best of us.
We see it in every parent working three jobs to pay school fees.
We see it in every entrepreneur taking a bold risk to build something for their community.
We see it in every person sending money home across oceans to keep a dream alive.
We see love as a commitment. As showing up, especially when it’s hard.
P.S: Whether you are celebrating with a partner, your “village,”
or simply taking yourself on a long-overdue date, we are celebrating you.
Because you show up. You love hard. You carry your people.
And honestly? That is the most romantic thing we can think of.
Happy Valentine’s Day, from your gist buddies at Sterling.
