In the modern era, relationships can only be described by one word—difficult. The dynamics of modernity, western influence and materialism have watered down the quality of relationships and reduced them to mere situationships of convenience where each party selfishly seeks to satisfy themselves with blatant disregard for the feelings of their partners.
The modern youth is caught between a rock and a hard place. The transition from a traditional to modern view of relationships has left many in a precarious predicament and a confusing moral dilemma.
Partners are no longer willing to make sacrifices and compromises to meet halfway and allow relationships to blossom. Many relationships crumble at the slightest provocation. Genuine love is thrown out of the window and the ramifications are a big burden for society to bear.
Poor family setup, gender-based violence, crimes of passion and suicide are on an unprecedented upward trajectory.
Sponsor relationships (wababa and wamama) are gaining traction among the youth. This desire for instant gratification fuels misery and the result is a depressed generation wallowing in a deep quagmire of hopelessness. Many irretrievably get themselves into an abyss of eternal suffering due to rushed decisions.
This is the time for parents, teachers, clergy and other leaders to rise to the occasion and save society from this silent pandemic.
One should walk out should they see red flags in a relationship approaching its dead end. The clergy must be paragons of morality, intensify teachings and embody them to create a positive impact.
Schools should revamp life skills teachings. Young people must also shun sponsor relationships with morally dilapidated, spiritually malnourished and ethically bankrupt men and women who only wish to satisfy their carnal desires; they almost always end in catastrophe.
The well-being of our youth inevitably has a bearing on the overall wellness and prosperity of the country.
High school teacher and author, [email protected]
