19/06/2026
EAT AND RUN VERSUS HIT AND RUN:
The Menace of Men with Fake Love
Dear Singles and Engaged Couples,
Today, I want to speak to you about a growing relationship crisis that is silently hurting many people, especially young women and men seeking genuine love. I call it "Eat and Run versus Hit and Run."
Most of us are familiar with the term hit and run—a situation where a driver causes damage or injury and then escapes without taking responsibility. Sadly, a similar pattern is becoming common in relationships.
The "eat and run" mentality describes individuals who enter relationships not because they are genuinely interested in commitment, but because they want to satisfy personal desires. They take advantage of another person's emotions, time, resources, affection, or body, and once their selfish goals are achieved, they disappear without accountability.
To the singles here today, understand that not everyone who says "I love you" truly means it. Love is more than sweet words, romantic promises, and frequent communication. Genuine love is demonstrated through consistency, respect, honesty, sacrifice, and responsibility.
To those who are engaged, this is a season to look beyond appearances and emotions. Engagement is not merely preparation for a wedding; it is preparation for a lifetime partnership. Pay attention to character, integrity, and commitment. A person who constantly takes without giving, promises without fulfilling, or demands without respecting boundaries may be revealing their true intentions.
Fake love often wears an attractive disguise. It may come with gifts, attention, flattering words, and exciting experiences. However, with time, its true nature becomes evident. Fake love is usually self-centered, manipulative, and temporary. Genuine love seeks the well-being of the other person and remains faithful even when circumstances change.
As young people navigating relationships, guard your heart and your values. Do not allow loneliness, pressure from friends, age, or social expectations to push you into unhealthy relationships. Learn to recognize red flags early and never ignore warning signs simply because you are emotionally attached.
Remember, your worth is not determined by who chooses you or who leaves you. Your value comes from who you are. Never lower your standards for someone who refuses to honor your dignity.
As we build relationships and prepare for marriage, let us reject the culture of "eat and run." Let us promote honesty instead of deception, commitment instead of exploitation, and genuine love instead of selfish pleasure.
May we become people who love sincerely, act responsibly, and leave positive legacies in the lives of those we encounter.
Niyi Ajayi
