Sex & Relashionships

Not All Affairs Are Physical: 4 Types You Should Know About

Published

3 months ago

9 August 2025

Tega Ekeri

When we talk about cheating, most people picture something obvious, sneaking around, long calls late at night, or a one-off mistake that leads to a guilty confession. But some betrayals are quieter. They don’t involve bodies, but they involve attention, time, and emotional closeness that slowly shifts away from the relationship. These kinds of affairs don’t leave visible marks, but they can do just as much damage, sometimes more.

Here are four non-physical affairs that can slowly, silently, shake the foundation of a relationship.

The Emotional Affair

It might begin with a long chat about something personal, or a message sent on a rough day. You start sharing more of yourself with someone else, not just updates, but thoughts and feelings that you no longer share at home. Over time, that connection deepens. You think of this person when something good or bad happens. They become your go-to for support, jokes, encouragement. There’s no kissing or touching, but you’re closer to them than you are to your partner and that shift is real. This kind of closeness, when hidden, can leave a partner feeling like a stranger in their own relationship.

The Digital Affair

It’s easy to dismiss online interactions as “just chatting,” but the truth is, virtual connections can become just as intense as real-life ones. Maybe it starts on social media, a few flirtatious comments or DMs with someone you used to know. Or maybe it’s someone you’ve never met, but you talk every day, and the messages go beyond surface-level. Screens might give the illusion of harmless distance, but they also allow people to say things they wouldn’t dare say face-to-face. And when those conversations are hidden or feel like something you wouldn’t want your partner to read, there’s already a problem.

The Fantasy Affair

This one lives in your head. It could be a co-worker, a friend, or someone you pass regularly. You imagine how life would feel if you were with them instead, less tension, more laughter, maybe a deeper connection. You picture conversations that never happened, replay interactions, or even start dressing up for when you know you’ll see them. Nothing physical happens, but you’ve started building an emotional world where your current relationship doesn’t exist. It might feel harmless, but it creates emotional distance that can be just as strong as any physical affair.

The Work Spouse Affair

You spend hours every week with this person. You finish each other’s sentences, complain about meetings together, and understand each other’s routines better than your partner does. There’s no physical contact, but the bond is personal. You’re emotionally available for someone else in a way you’re not at home. You might think of them first when something funny happens, or vent to them about issues with your partner. Maybe you even downplay the relationship when talking about it because, deep down, you know it means more than just colleagues.

So, What Really Counts as Cheating?

Different relationships have different boundaries. What feels harmless to one couple might feel like a deep betrayal to another. But once you’re keeping things from your partner, editing conversations, hiding messages, or spending emotional energy elsewhere—it’s a sign that something important is being redirected. That’s when it stops being innocent.

Final Thoughts

Affairs don’t always begin with a kiss. Sometimes, they begin with silence, the kind that grows between two people who’ve stopped turning toward each other. If you’ve noticed that your attention, energy, or affection is shifting somewhere else, take a moment to be honest with yourself. That awareness alone can be the first step toward reconnecting or deciding what truly needs to change.

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Sex & Relashionships

Why Sex Belongs in Your Wellness Routine

Published

1 week ago

20 October 2025

Ogbu Agbaji

When Nigerians talk about wellness, the conversation usually revolves aroun‎d eating right, hitting the gym, or meditating at sunrise. But there’s one part of health that rarely gets attention, even in casual conversations: sex. It’s more than pleasure; it’s a natural way to boost your mood, sharpen your body, and ease stress.

Sex works like a workout, raising your heart rate, engaging muscles, and improving circulation. It may not replace a full gym session, but it counts as physical activity. Regular intimacy has been linked to better sleep, stronger immunity, and even lower blood pressure, all without leaving your bedroom.

The mental benefits are just as powerful. Intimacy releases hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, the same chemicals that give you a rush after Sunday football or a lively dance session at a Lagos party. These natural boosts can help fight stress, ease anxiety, and improve your focus on work or studies.

Sex also helps you stay in tune with your body. It’s not about checking boxes or meeting expectations. Whether it’s the closeness with a partner or simply exploring your own body, intimacy can build confidence and remind you that wellness is about feeling alive, not just looking healthy.

For couples, regular intimacy strengthens bonds and keeps relationships resilient through everyday pressures. For singles, understanding your own needs can be just as empowering. Approaching sex intentionally, safely, and consensually makes it a way to care for yourself, rather than a chore.

In Nigeria, talking openly about sexual health can still be tricky. But including intimacy as part of your wellness routine is essential. Ignoring it doesn’t make it less important; it only limits one of the simplest ways to feel happier and healthier.

So, the next time you think about wellness, whether it’s a morning run, a smoothie, or a mindfulness session, remember that pleasure has a role too. A healthy sex life can boost your energy, improve your mood, and leave you feeling more balanced, body and mind.

Sex & Relashionships

Can Your Partner’s Scent Actually Reduce Anxiety?

Published

2 months ago

9 September 2025

Tega Ekeri

Ever noticed how just catching a whiff of your partner can make a stressful day feel a little lighter? That comforting smell isn’t just in your head; science suggests it can have real calming effects.

Research indicates that familiar scents, like your partner’s perfume, cologne, or natural body odor, may trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and relaxation. Simply hugging your partner, snuggling, or keeping a worn T-shirt nearby can help you feel calmer after a tense day.

Our brains are wired to connect smells with memories and emotions. The olfactory system interacts closely with areas of the brain that regulate fear and anxiety, such as the amygdala. That’s why a partner’s scent can give an almost instant sense of comfort and safety.

For couples in long-distance relationships, these effects can be especially valuable. Swapping clothing items or using shared-scented products can create a sense of closeness even when physical hugs aren’t possible. In daily life, this subtle connection can strengthen emotional bonds while easing stress.

Of course, the effect isn’t the same for everyone. Personal preferences, past experiences, and even genetics can influence how soothing a partner’s scent feels. But for many people, a familiar fragrance is a simple, quietly powerful way to feel more relaxed and connected.

Sex & Relashionships

What is Shreking? The Trend Changing Modern Relationships

Published

2 months ago

3 September 2025

Ogbu Agbaji

Dating in Nigeria today comes with twists and turns we never saw coming. From swiping on apps to endless chats on WhatsApp, it feels like the rules keep changing. And now, there’s a new term in town: Shreking. No, it has nothing to do with ogres or fairy tales. This is a modern dating habit that’s quietly taking over.

What Shreking Really Means

Shreking is when someone dates a person they’re not genuinely attracted to, often because they hope the other person will treat them like a queen or king. It’s not about love or chemistry; it’s about comfort, attention, or perks.

Imagine dating someone who buys you gifts, always wants to spend time with you, or goes out of their way to make you feel special, but deep down, you don’t feel that spark. That is Shreking in action.

Why People Shrek

People Shrek for different reasons. Some are tired of being rejected and settle for someone who will appreciate them. Others are drawn to the security or admiration a partner offers rather than genuine feelings.

With dating apps making it easy to meet people but hard to build real connections, Shreking becomes a shortcut. It is a way to enjoy the perks of being in a relationship without the messy work of emotional investment.

The Risks Involved

Shreking might feel harmless at first, but it comes with consequences. The person being Shreked often ends up confused and hurt, thinking there’s a deeper connection. Meanwhile, the person doing the Shreking risks missing out on real intimacy because the relationship is based on convenience rather than attraction.

It also creates awkward situations. When honesty is missing, expectations clash, and both sides can end up frustrated.

Is This a New Thing?

Not really. People have always dated for reasons other than love: status, comfort, or stability. What is different now is that social media and dating apps make it more visible and easier to discuss. Shreking simply has a catchy new name.

How to Navigate It

If you’re dating in today’s world, it helps to pay attention to your motives and theirs. Ask yourself: Are you with someone because of genuine attraction, or because they make your life easier? Notice if someone is truly interested in you, or just what you bring to the table.

Relationships work best when both people feel a real connection and make an effort for each other. Shreking may provide temporary comfort, but it rarely leads to something lasting.

Bottom Line

Shreking is more than slang. It reflects how modern dating is evolving and makes us question the choices we make about love and connection. Next time someone asks if you’re Shreking, pause and reflect. Your answer may reveal more about your heart than you expect.