Ace Nigerian singer Omawumi Boma Megbele-Yussuf, better known as Omawunmi, has countered assertions that contemporary relationships are more transactional than those of the past, suggesting that the dynamics of exchange have merely evolved.
Speaking in a recent interview on the Pulse podcast, Omawunmi revealed that women have consistently anticipated gestures from their partners, though the nature of those gestures has evolved.
She compared courtship in secondary school and university, characterised by simple gestures like purchasing ice cream and popcorn, to modern-day expectations like owning iPhones.
Omawunmi pointed out that the word “transactional” is frequently misinterpreted, saying that some form of exchange has always existed in relationships and described mutual effort as a normal component of dating.
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The singer added that when a partner gives her gifts, she makes a conscious effort to match that energy.
“I disagree because we women have had long throat since the beginning of time, you know, but our transactional was different because if it was all those like secondary school to university days of holding hands or crushing on a girl or a boy, you know, you just stay there, buy them ice cream and popcorn. But now, it’s an iPhone.
“Some sort of transaction has always existed. Therefore, the word “transactional” has a lot of power when used. If I’m dating a man who gives me presents, I always strive to equal that energy, so if you’re feeling someone, I always encourage that”, she added.
The singer also addressed public perception of women in relationships, stating that women are frequently viewed as only receiving while their contributions go unnoticed.
She said some men pursue what she called “shiny objects,” and often go overboard in the process.
“However, the majority of people don’t think that women have the same level of energy. They just see the women collecting. So men, they go overboard sometimes, just especially because some men tend to like shiny objects. And shiny objects, not the only person they like. So everybody is struggling to get that shiny object.”
Omawumi concluded by identifying consistency as a major problem in modern relationships.
She said effort tends to fade once initial attraction is secured, stressing that partners should maintain the same energy they showed at the start.
“And once you’ve finished obtaining it, you’ll need to cut back on all the paparazzi you were doing earlier. No, no. You must maintain your energy.”
