If there’s one thing young Nigerians can agree on, it’s that talking stages these days are long, confusing, and with no clear end in sight. That’s why Closeup decided to step in with the Closer Is Better – Talking Stage Party in Owerri, helping young lovers move from endless texting to actual, confident connections.
There was music, games, laughter and of course, couples who finally got to meet in person after months of “wyd” messages. We picked up a few things from that night, and if any of these sound familiar, you just might need the Closeup treatment too.
1. You’ve been in this talking stage since Tinubu assumed office
If your relationship has survived the last two years and still hasn’t left the chatting phase, maybe it’s time to press “start.”
At the Owerri party, we had one such couple. “We connect in a way that’s hard to explain; it just feels easy, real, and comfortable. We talk almost every day, share jokes, and care deeply about each other, but for some reason, we haven’t called it dating. Maybe it’s timing. Maybe we’re both a little scared to mess up something good. Whatever it is, it’s special.”
Sometimes, the only thing left is to stop overthinking and just show up.
2. You both text all day but can’t hold a real conversation
If you always run out of things to say once you’re face to face, that’s your cue to work on a stronger connection.
You can learn a thing or a couple who first met on Telegram. “Our online chats, texts, and video calls blossomed into a deep connection. I adored her sparkling personality, intelligence, and beauty. Though we never met, our bond grew stronger each day. She became my virtual haven, a source of joy and comfort.”
Love can start in DMs, but the real spark happens when you finally meet.
3. You panic when they take more than 15 minutes to reply
If you’re already overthinking their “last seen,” you need to breathe and touch grass. Or better still, take all the necessary steps to touch your talking stage in person. And that might involve keeping an eye out for the next closer is better event.
4. You’re scared to meet up because your breath might not cooperate
Be honest, it’s crossed your mind before. What if things get a little funky mid-convo? God, abeg. Nothing ruins confidence faster than worrying about bad breath. This is where a little Closeup magic comes in. Fresh breath = confidence, and confidence = closeness.
5. You both keep saying “soon” but never plan a date
“We should link up” is not a plan, it’s a scam. Set a date, find a nice spot, and show up. You can’t start a relationship over WhatsApp forever.
“It began with a WhatsApp status. I saw his picture on his younger brother’s status, who’s my friend, and I kept going back to look at it until I replied and asked who he was. His brother sent me his number, and after texting him to tell him he had an admirer, that’s how our story started,” one couple shared.
If that’s not a sign to finally make your move, what is?
6. You’re scared of rejection
The people who had the most fun at the Talking Stage Party were the ones who took the first step.
Like this Closeup couple whose story started on Facebook. “I stalked her for over two years before I finally shot my shot. Every moment leading up to the one in which I met her somehow shaped me for that person I was fated for. Sometimes we need to know what something feels like when it’s wrong before we can really know it when another thing is right.”
A little boldness, and maybe some Closeup confidence, can change everything.
7. You’re waiting for a sign to make your move
Well, this is it. Talking stages are cute, but real connections are better. Take it from the Owerri couples who met at the Closeup Talking Stage Party; closeness only happens when you take the first step.
So, if your talking stage is starting to drag, maybe it’s time to get the Closeup treatment. Who knows? The next city might be yours.
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