HIDDEN TRUTH ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS
Ihitherto never believed in the idea of soul mates or love at first sight. But now I am somewhat being compelled to believe that at very few times in life, if you are lucky, you just might meet someone who is right for you. Not because he is perfect or she is perfect but because your combined flaws are arranged in a way that allows two separate beings to hinge together. This is exactly what the book Diary of a Stupid Boyfriend proves.
The book was written by fast-rising Nigerian writer Bura-Bari Nwilo, who is a Writivist on the Ugandan’s writers’ movement called Writivism. He has a diploma in screenwriting from the New York Film Academy. His first short film project was produced and directed by Uzoma Wills and won Best at the 2011 Abuja International Film Festival. His story “Slum Diary” won second place at the Creative Wings Short Story contest organised by the Ugreen Foundation.
Diary of a Stupid Boyfriend is a non-fictional novel that houses some of the experiences of the author during a three-year relationship, which later collapsed. The book is an entertaining, educative, informative and gripping tale of Nwilo. It has funny but historic themes that affect the typical Nigerian relationship.
It advises partners on what should be done to avoid certain common mistakes in relationships such as cheating, prejudice, over-dependence and misunderstanding.
Men are known for their promiscuity, but it takes an understanding Nigerian lady to endure. According to the author, “cheating destroys the very foundation that any relationship stands on”. If you are in today’s world, then you would understand that cheating is one big business among most people in relationship. Some people cheat just for the fun of it. Some Nigerian women love with there every being and when you cheat on them, you lose the very thing that holds the relationship – trust, says the writer.
More importantly, tolerance is needed in every relationship for survival. Nwilo learnt a great deal of this virtue from his great-grand father, Dae Duudee, who played a major role in the novel.
Dae Duudee is portrayed as a wise and witty man, very traditional to the core. He was a fan of good food. According to the author: “my greatgrand father was a special character. His spot was in food... He said you should compliment a woman in public when she has done awesomely well in the kitchen or wherever but never the reverse when something goes wrong. The man was as intelligent as his olfaction.”
Intimacy, which has always been a contentious matter in relationship, was also discussed in the book, with the title, “Sex is Expensive”. I believe a lady and a gentleman can enjoy more than sex in a relationship, against popular affirmation in the world that sex is proof of love. Get as much safe sex before you get into a relationship if you can. When you are in, you are a sane man and you are not expected to falter, Nwilo said.
Nwilo advises every couple to communicate and express their deepest feelings to each other, as communication is the key to every successful relationship. So call your girlfriend as often as you can, send her text messages, eliminate every threats. Make your girlfriend the number one woman in your life. Endure so many things for peace to reign. When her favourite football club loses a match console her, this way she knows you are interested in the affairs of her life.
The author also emphasises on hygiene. Be neat. Always shower and smell good. Make sure all your body hairs are trimmed including nose and ear hair if you have them. It does not cost much to own a deodorant and a body cream. A woman judges you by your style, how you are groomed and how well you take care of your body. A woman wants a clean, healthy, stylish man not a slob. The way you take care of yourself tells her a lot about how well you will take care of her. Also spend on your woman. Let her look good for you, this way cheating will be avoided.
All in all, Nwilo writes in a very hilarious and satirical manner poised with romantic comedy. His dictions are rather too direct. Hence, the book is basically for adults, since there are obscene words in it. But anyone who is mature enough to withstand the truth can read it. One may call him a feminist.
Happiness is a spice of life, people deserve to be happy. Your contribution to humanity should be geared towards making people happy, alleviating their many worries that seem to be everywhere. Listen more carefully, and ask questions. Do not keep undue secrets from each other and stay super happy all your days, he tells the readers.