I live in VGC. If you know Lagos, you already understand the problem. VGC is technically on the island, but it’s far from almost everything. And while Lagos isn’t that big on a map, traffic and bad roads have a way of turning short distances into full journeys.

I learned this the hard way.

I once dated someone who lived on the mainland. On paper, it didn’t seem like a big deal. In reality, visiting her could take up to four hours. Four hours to see someone you care about. Four hours to cross bridges, sit in traffic, and question your life choices.

One particular day, I was stuck in traffic for so long that, at some point, I just turned around and went back home.

That was when I realized it wasn’t sustainable.

The distance and traffic started putting real strain on the relationship. Plans became stressful. Visits required mental preparation. Eventually, it wasn’t about feelings anymore. Logistics won.

We broke up.

Since then, I’ve been honest with myself. I don’t date anyone who lives on the mainland.