You know how you’re aimlessly scrolling on Instagram, just passing time, and then—bam!—someone stops you dead in your tracks? Yeah, that was me. I first saw Tife on Twitter back in April 2019. I didn’t think much of it then, but her image lingered. Fast-forward to December 2022, and I’m deep in the middle of a wild December—hitting Lagos, Warri, Accra, barely sleeping, living like I was 23 with a spare life stashed somewhere. One morning, my best friend and I were sitting at the dining table of our Airbnb, and I was scrolling through Instagram when, boom—Tife’s face popped up on my Explore page. I picked up my phone, checking out her profile, and my best friend just shook his head, chuckling, “Omo yii ma fit e” (This girl will fit you). Little did he know how prophetic that was. We laughed it off, but I couldn’t resist; I went back and hit the follow button. Then, February 14, 2023 (and no, I swear I didn’t even realize it was Valentine’s Day)—I’m watching Instagram stories like usual, when I see her again, dressed in this breathtaking pinkish-purple outfit. I nearly lost my ability to speak. Between December and now, it was like the universe was waving a flag, telling me to shoot my shot. So, I did. I slid into her DMs, fully expecting to get curved, ignored, or banished to the IG graveyard of unanswered messages. But look—I’m not one to quit. I checked our mutual friends on Instagram and found someone I trusted to make a good impression. I asked her to put in a word, to let Tife know I was over in her DMs, hoping for a reply. A day or two later, Tife responded—but it was a polite “thanks but no thanks.” She wasn’t interested (translation: she had a man) and was only replying out of courtesy to our mutual friend. I took the rejection with grace and we stayed friendly. She was a whole vibe, so I was cool with being friends. But as Denzel says, “I’m leaving here with something.” A few months of friendship and one ended relationship later, I put my cards back on the table. I made my intentions clear: I wanted to see if there was more here. For the next few months, we spent time truly getting to know each other, feeling out if this was it. Then, on June 9, 2023, I officially asked her to be my girlfriend. From the start, I knew I was serious about her. And on April 26, 2024, I asked her to marry me—the best decision I’ve ever made.

I was having a great time in Jamaica, mindlessly scrolling through my phone, when I noticed a DM hidden in my message requests. For context, I check these from time to time because people ask me questions, and brands often contact me on Instagram, so things can get lost in the flood of messages. There was a very straightforward DM from a certain handsome man that sparked my curiosity—it was completely out of the blue but left me blushing. I immediately showed it to the person I was with at the time, then ignored it. I wasn’t interested in being distracted or wooed by anyone, to be honest. Later that day, I got a WhatsApp message from someone I really respect, asking if I was seeing anyone. As the sharp babe I am, I knew she was about to bring up someone’s interest in me. It’s not today, okay? *flicks hair* I politely told her I was unavailable but hinted that I might respond out of courtesy to her. So, I reopened the DM from Mr. Straight-to-the-Point and politely declined his offer to take me to dinner. We laughed almost immediately after, and that’s when I knew I needed to keep some distance—because we all know what happens when a man starts making you laugh and laughing at your jokes. Time passed, and after one ended relationship, he began to pursue me—present but not intrusive, consistent and intentional. But I was set on staying in the streets, done with love for a while. I wanted to be outside. God said, “Sike!” He sent me affirmations and comfort through His word and through people along the path I was blessed but trying to avoid. I was scared to open my heart again—love had shown me shege—but something about this man had me opening up. He made me feel at peace, safe, and even a bit swooned. On the weekend of June 9, he flew us to Banff, Alberta, and asked me to be his girlfriend in the most beautiful way. On April 26, he asked me to do forever with him. Since then, it’s been joy, growth, laughter, love, and quiet comfort. 🥹