Friendship | Page 2 of 16

Christina* (25) and David* (26) met in 2018 and spent years as close friends before crossing the line into something more. But what began as a mix of friendship and romance soon exposed secrets, tested loyalties, and clashing values that eventually pulled them apart. In this article, they talk about their relationship and what led them to split up.

This is Christina and David’s story as shared with Mofiyinfoluwa

Christina: We met through a mutual friend in 2018. We were all preparing to enter uni, and I tagged along to a tutorial. Honestly, I didn’t rate David at first. I’d heard about his messy love triangle with two girls in the group, which coloured my impression. I befriended one of the girls and naturally took her side.

David: That so-called love triangle was exaggerated. I wasn’t dating or playing anyone. They were just crushes within the group, and I tried not to take sides so it wouldn’t distract from our studies.

Christina: Either way, he wasn’t someone I saw romantically. I make friends easily, so he was just another buddy. Still, we started hanging out more. By the time we got into the same school in 2019, he’d become my best friend.

David: My feelings shifted about eight months in. If we didn’t talk for a day, I felt incomplete. That’s when I knew I liked her. But I kept it to myself because I didn’t want to risk the friendship. When I finally told her in 2020, she turned me down.

Christina: Even after that, it was strictly platonic for me. I’ve always had a lot of male friends, and David was just one of them. He was also dating someone at the time who didn’t like how close we were. To avoid problems, I even told him we had to reduce how much we talked.

David: That was hard because I valued our friendship too much. I managed to suppress my feelings until around 2021. Christina has never been big on physical boundaries, and we’d playfully touch or hold each other. Over time, those little moments started meaning more to me, even though she’d also gotten into a relationship.

Christina: Maybe I had unconscious feelings too, but I was focused on not proving his girlfriend right. To me, David was just my guy.

Then, one night, everything changed after a fight with my boyfriend. The relationship had been rocky for a while, and I’d already checked out mentally. I called David to calm me down, and he suggested drinks at his place. After too many shots, we had sex.

David: We were both vulnerable that night. I’d just found out my girlfriend cheated, and even though I’d been suppressing my attraction to Christina, we connected over the mess in our relationships.

Christina: The next morning, my boyfriend apologised, but his action only confused me. My bigger worry was David. I felt like I’d ruined our friendship by crossing boundaries. I panicked and ran off to stay with a friend in Lagos for a few weeks.

David: She ignored me for days. Even after she returned, the tension was there. I felt like if we weren’t moving forward into something real, we couldn’t go back to the way things were.

Christina: David actually asked if we could date, but I refused. My boyfriend was still in the picture, and I was scared of losing David’s friendship if things went wrong.

But as things got more awkward and my feelings grew, I eventually called him and told him we could date if the offer still stood. By then, months had passed, and he downgraded what we shared to a situationship.

David: At the time, I’d officially broken up with my ex. I’d processed my feelings and knew I wasn’t ready for another serious relationship. I liked Christina too much to make her a rebound. Even if she describes it as a situationship, I don’t think that was the case. It was more of a “let’s see how things go before making it official.”

Christina: On December 31st, 2021, we sealed it. I loved that we could have it all — best friends, but a couple also hooking up. It felt like a sweet way to end the year.

David: We just slipped into a rhythm. She’d come over to my place almost every day, and we’d spend time together. It felt like the best of both worlds.

Christina: We were great, but little issues piled up over time. Because it was a situationship, I didn’t feel I had the right to complain. Still, I didn’t like that he hid our relationship from his friends. Once, he even stepped outside to take a call, and even though I complained about it, I kept thinking, “Do I even have the right to be upset?”

David: Until she said something, I didn’t realise she had a problem with our arrangement. In my mind, we were a couple. I treated her like a girlfriend and only kept things low-key because I didn’t want my guys to judge her unfairly. It was about controlling the narrative, not denying her.

Christina: My own friends knew about him, but they didn’t like him. They compared him to my ex, especially physically. David wasn’t cool with them either and tried to pressure me to cut them off.

I never had issues with his friends, until one day, while using his phone, I discovered he’d been discussing my personal family issues with a female friend. When I confronted him, he locked the chat. That broke my trust.

David: I’ll admit I messed up there. I wasn’t trying to disrespect her. That friend didn’t understand why Christina was sometimes cold to people, so I tried to explain the situation using things she’d confided in me. I locked the chat afterwards for privacy, but I can see how it looked bad.

Christina: It became one of those things I couldn’t let go of. I was especially uneasy about his friendship with her because David and I had started out the same way.

Another issue was his constant pressure for me to cook for him, even though I repeatedly said I hated cooking.

David: I grew up in a home where food was central to relationships, so it became one of my love languages. If we were thinking about a future together, it mattered to me that she could feed our family. I wasn’t asking her to cook every day, just regularly. But our arguments made me start doubting if we could work long-term. Her refusal felt like stubbornness.

Christina: Doing something I hated just to prove my love felt like slavery. The fact that it became a dealbreaker for him made me feel unappreciated. I’d already compromised in other ways. For example, I’m very outgoing, but I toned that side of myself down for him. I even quit my job at a club because he wasn’t comfortable with it. Yet when it came to cooking, he couldn’t bend for me.

From then on, I noticed his attitude changed. As our first anniversary approached, we’d planned to spend New Year’s Eve together, but at the last minute, he cancelled because his friends were coming over. I felt so disrespected that he put them over me.

David: I handled that situation badly. It was last-minute, and I didn’t think it through. My communication was poor, but I tried to make it up to her.

Christina: That was his pattern. Anytime we had issues, he’d apologise and then love-bomb me with sweet messages and extra attention, only to slip back into the same habits once I softened. It felt manipulative.

David: I never saw it as manipulation; it was self-correction. I notice when I mess up and try to change. But I admit, habits are hard to unlearn.

Christina: Our biggest fight happened mid-2023. He made a birthday post of that same friend — the one whose chat he’d locked— and captioned it “Nobody can come between our friendship.” Considering my issues with her, it felt like a direct shot at me.

I didn’t confront him because I knew he would deny it. Instead, I pulled back. We stopped sleeping together. I posted heartbreak memes, and he responded indirectly on his statuses. It all felt childish. By the end of the year, I blocked him everywhere.

David: That caption had nothing to do with Christiana. If she suspected something, she could’ve just asked me. But her friends stirred things up, and she kept reading meanings into everything I posted.

It hurt when she blocked me without a word, but I let go for her peace. However, I created a parody Snapchat account just to see how she was doing.

Christina: If he cared that much, why didn’t he reach out directly? He just doesn’t want to admit that, even before I blocked him, he’d already checked out because he was secretly cheating with his current girlfriend.

David: To be clear, we weren’t physical when I was with Christina. But I admit it doesn’t make emotional cheating acceptable. By the time I started seeing her, Christina and I had already stopped sleeping together. With how cold she’d become, this new person felt like a safe escape from stress. But I admit I should’ve handled the overlap better.

Christina: I didn’t even know he was cheating when I blocked him. I only found out months later through screenshots from his girlfriend’s mutual friend. It hurt me, but by then we were done. What frustrated me most was that he never fully took responsibility.

David: Being blocked without explanation felt like a verdict without a trial. Even after she unblocked me earlier this year and we talked about the past, I still believe we could’ve worked things out if she’d let us talk first.

Christina: I started the year with a resolution to forgive people who had hurt me, and David was somewhere on that list. I realised I was wrong to cut him off the way I did. That was why I reached out to him, even though he is still in a relationship that caused me pain.

I’m trying my best to keep things civil and not slip back into our old friendship. If we did, we might end up falling into the same patterns, and there’s no point trying again if the same issues that ended us would still be there.

David: I believe we can stay friends, especially since my relationship is solid. But I don’t believe in impossibilities, so I understand her fears. I don’t think we would face the same problems if we ever got back together. In the two years we spent apart, I matured and learned about my excesses.

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Friendship is fun and games until your friend decides to cheat on their partner, then suddenly, you’re in the middle of drama you didn’t sign up for.

Would you keep quiet, confront them, or tell their partner the truth? These Nigerians share how they handled the situation.

“I learned to mind my business very quickly” — Chinasa*, (20), F

Chinasa thought telling her friend’s partner the truth about her cheating was doing him a favour, but she quickly learned to keep unsolicited information to herself.

“When a former close friend of mine started dating her long-time crush last year, I was delighted for her. They were a cute social media couple and popular in our community. The kind that made people say, “God when?”

A few months later, a friend who lived in a different city told me about his new baby and even sent me her photo. To my surprise, it was my friend.

At first, I was torn about what to do. But since I’d also developed a friendship with her boyfriend, I told him. He accused me of trying to scatter their relationship and said that even if she cheated, he’d forgive her because he loved her. Then he told my friend, and she came to pick a fight with me for betraying her. I kept my distance after that.

They stayed together for another year before she cheated again, and he finally left. There’s no changing a dishonest person.”

“My friend stopped talking to me after I called him out for cheating” — Aanu*, (29), M

Aanu shares how his friend cut him off when he chastised him for stepping out on his girlfriend.

“This happened back when I was in uni. My neighbour was a good friend, dating a long-term girlfriend everyone in our friend group liked.

One day, as I was returning to my apartment, I ran into an old flame coming out of our building. We talked for a bit, and she mentioned she had just visited my friend. I didn’t think much of it as we said our goodbyes.

Later that evening, we were out for drinks when my friend started talking about the girl from earlier. He bragged about how they’d had sex and went into unnecessary details.. I was confused and asked if he had broken up with his girlfriend, and he said no. Then he tried to defend himself with some nonsense proverb— something like, “chickens that go out to eat still come home at night.”.

I told him straight up that I didn’t understand why anyone would be in a committed relationship if they still wanted to be in the streets.

It turned into a huge argument, and afterwards, he stopped talking to me. It hurt to lose our friendship but I don’t regret speaking up in the face of wrongdoing. Doesn’t matter if it’s my friend.”

“I cut him off after I saw how he was treating his babe” — Eze*, (31), M

Eze got tired of warning his friend to stop cheating on his girlfriend, and after the last straw, he cut him off completely.

“My friend had been with his girlfriend for years. She was a sweet babe, always kind to everyone. I know relationships can get too comfortable after a while, so at first, I didn’t pay attention when I saw my friend flirting with other women occasionally.

But he must have thought my silence meant I supported him, because one day, right in my presence, he picked up a girl. I tried to caution him, dropping hints that it wasn’t a good idea, but he didn’t listen. They ended up spending a weekend together, and it changed how I saw him.

I didn’t think it was my place to tell his girlfriend since we weren’t close, so I kept it to myself. But I couldn’t seem him the same way again.. If he could treat the woman who had sacrificed so much for him like that, how would he treat me? I like to stay careful.”

“I support women’s rights and wrongs” — Denike*, (30), F

Denike doesn’t think cheating is cool, but if she believes it was a mistake, she’s willing to help her friend keep a secret.

“Cheating is a dicey matter. I don’t think it’s right at all, but I also don’t think a small mistake should ruin a beautiful connection.

In 2023, my friend showed up at my house crying. She had gone out drinking with an ex, and they ended up in bed. She felt guilty and wanted to confess to her boyfriend and break up because she felt she had betrayed him. I felt she was overreacting. I told her to cut off the ex permanently and keep quiet. Today, she’s still with her boyfriend, and they’re going strong.

However, I don’t extend this grace to my male friends. Men already get away with too much in this side of the world. Some even think it’s their right to cheat on their partners. For me, I support women’s rights and wrongs. As long as my friend wants to keep it lowkey and isn’t making it a habit, I’ll keep quiet.”

“They almost turned my house upside down” — Akin*, (37), M

Akin doesn’t say a word when he sees his friends cheating because he likes his life drama-free.

“It’s no secret that guys cheat a lot. If I say I want to start warning every babe about their cheating partners, when will I have time to focus on my life? It only stirs unnecessary drama and I don’t want any part in it.

Anytime I notice a friend cheating on his wife or girlfriend, I look the other way. I don’t think cheating is right. In fact, I don’t think you can do business with people who cheat. If they can do that to their most intimate partner, they’ll do worse to you.

The last time I told someone her husband was cheating, my house was almost turned upside down. My friend’s wife would call me every time she suspected he was cheating again, and my friend would come to my house whenever he wanted to escape her wahala. It became exhausting.

Now, if I know you’re a cheat, I just make you a drinking buddy. I don’t want any connection strong enough for your wife to have my number and be calling me like I’m her dad. I have enough on my plate, please.”

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“We had to go and beg his wife to forgive him” — Lekan*, (62), M

Lekan would never talk about it if he found out his friend was cheating. For him, if it’s worth knowing about, his friend will speak up.

“If a married man is simply playing around outside with a woman or two, it’s not a big deal. I wouldn’t say anything if I saw my friend doing that.

But, if he wants to take another wife, which may destabilise his home, or the lady gets pregnant, then we, his friends, can step in and advise him.

In 2014, one of my friends got exposed when his wife found out about another woman. He rushed to tell us, and as his friends, we did what we could. We went with him to his house to beg his wife and seek forgiveness. Thankfully, she took him back.

As long as my friend doesn’t openly disrespect his wife and keeps things quiet, his secret is safe with me.”

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Sunken Ships is a Zikoko weekly series that explores the how and why of the end of all relationships — familial, romantic or just good old friendships.

When Ifeoluwa* (21) met Tomi* (21) in 2020, it was as if their friendship was meant to be. Their sisterhood blossomed as they continued university, but cracks started to appear in their bond.

In this Sunken Ships story, Ifeoluwa shares how her sisterhood with Tomi developed, how their relationship unravelled and how she’s dealing with the aftermath.

How did you and Tomi meet?

We met in March 2020. We were both doing our undergraduate clearance, and I had helped her with some of the process when she was having issues. After that, we started going to classes together before we all got sent home for the lockdown.

What impact did the lockdown have on your friendship with her?

It actually brought us closer together. We would interact with our social posts and talk about what we’d do when the lockdown was lifted.

What about after the lockdown?

In 2021, we still weren’t allowed to resume fully. We would only come to school for special practical classes. During those weeks when we had the practical classes, Tomi and I would stay together at a friend’s place. I later got my own place, and she constantly visited me. This also deepened our bond.

What was your friendship with Tomi like?

It was less like we were friends and more like we were sisters. I saw her as my closest confidant, and there was nothing that happened in my life that I didn’t report to her immediately. I thought she regarded me in the same way, but I was wrong.
We were so close that when I showed up at my popular haunts without her, people would ask me where my “wife” or “bestie” was. I loved her very much.

When did you notice any red flags in your friendship with her?

It was after our third year in school. I had changed my course the year before and had to go back to 100 level. She did the same in 2022 when she was in 300L. Afterwards, I noticed some distance between us for the first time.

Did you try to speak with her about it?

As soon as I noticed, I brought it up. But because starting over in a new department can be daunting, I understood when she said that she was just a bit busy with schoolwork and thought nothing of it. After all, I was trying to get excellent grades as well. It was during one of my reading sessions that I came across some disturbing information.

What kind of information?

One night in 2023, I went for an overnight reading session with a few other students in my department. While there, I got a call from an ex-boyfriend who was trying to rebuild a friendship with me.

While we were talking, he asked if Tomi had told me they were getting really close in 2024.

What did he mean by “close”?

That’s exactly what I asked him. He said they were talking so often that Ayo*, a classmate who was trying to start a relationship with Tomi at the time, got jealous and told him to back off. I was more than a bit shocked at what my ex told me. Tomi never mentioned that they spoke at all, speak less of getting so close that they made one of her potential partners jealous. I wasn’t sure what to do and tried to play it off like Tomi had already mentioned it. But my ex could tell I was surprised.

Did you tell her when you found out?

Yes, I wanted to hear her side of the story. Tomi just shrugged it off. She admitted that she and my ex were talking every day, but she claimed it was just a friendly connection.

How did you react to her response?

I asked her for some space. I took two days away from talking to her to think about what she said. I eventually reached out because I missed her, and I told her I wasn’t happy about the way I found out about her talking to my ex. This was mostly because we had ended things on a bad note, and she knew that I had him blocked at the start of the year because I was so upset with him.

Regardless, I forgave her, and our friendship continued because I wasn’t about to let a man come between me and my best friend.

What was your friendship with her like after that?

I thought we’d just go back to normal, but that wasn’t the case. Tomi became even more distant. Especially In February, 2025, I noticed I just couldn’t get a hold of her. At first I thought it was because our original set mates are graduating this year and she felt bad about it. I wanted to be there for her emotionally because I felt the same pangs about their graduation.

How often did you try to reach out to her?

I reached out to her every day like I usually would, only I wasn’t getting the same daily responses I used to get. In April, my lover was sick in the hospital and I went to be with him. I posted a snap of the hospital and she texted to sk if I was ill. When I told her I wasn’t she didn’t even ask why I was at the hospital, she just stopped replying.

Did this bother you at all?

Yes it did. It was an unusual feeling to not be able to speak to Tomi as often as I liked to. I tried to take it in stride but our conversations had dwindled to only once a week. It meant there was a lot going on in my life that I wasn’t telling her about.

Like what?

Like the fact that I had become good friends with the ex I mentioned earlier, and he had asked me to keep it lowkey. Usually, I would at least tell Tomi about something like that, but after I wished her a happy birthday, I didn’t hear from her for over two weeks, even though I had tried to reach her. So I stopped texting to see if she’d miss me enough to reach out to me. To my surprise, she didn’t text even once.

Wow, that must have stung.

It hurt so much. Even though I had stopped texting her, I still sent her snap streaks every day. In May, I sent her a snap of me in the hospital for a fractured knee. I had hurt myself during sports practice and needed someone to follow me to the hospital. But as usual, I got no response. Instead, I heard from other students that she had gone to watch the other athletes play after I went to the hospital.

Did you try to speak to her after that?

Yes. I sent her a message and tried to make her see that the distance between us was hurting me, and I didn’t feel like we were as close as we used to be. I wanted us to meet and talk it

How did she respond?

She said she was busy but would look for a date we could meet to talk. She never got back to me on that, and our friendship took a big hit after that.

What happened?

My ex randomly asked me out for drinks one night, and I accepted. While we were out, he dropped a bomb on me. Tomi was dating Jesse*.

Who is Jesse?

Jesse used to be a very close male friend. However, we fell out in January 2024 when he exposed his genitals to me during a late-night reading session. I told him I wasn’t interested, but he kept trying to coerce me. I had to call my other male friends to help run him off. I told Tomi about this when it happened, and I assumed we both cut him out of our lives, so I was shocked when my ex said they were together.

Did you confront Tomi about this?

No, I couldn’t. When my ex saw how shocked I was, he begged me to keep it a secret. He didn’t want anyone to know I heard it from him. I tried to gently pry the information out of Tomi, but she never gave it up. That choice made me start to reconsider our friendship. I felt so betrayed that I started acting out.

Can you share how?

I started drinking heavily, I shaved my head, and I cried a lot. My lover was thankfully a big emotional support during this terrible period.

When did everything come to a head?

It was a week before our exams in July 2025. I drunkenly went out to get food with my lover and ran into Jesse, Tomi and a group of their friends at the place. I was shocked to see her, but called her aside to ask her if it was true she was dating Jesse. She tensed up and didn’t say anything.

What did you do when she didn’t respond?

I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe that she betrayed me like that. It was embarrassing to crash out in public that way, but I was overwhelmed with emotion. The worst part was that Tomi didn’t seem affected. She just kept saying, “I don’t know what to say,” over and over. She left with Jesse and his friends, and I found my way home, where I swore to have nothing to do with her again.

What has the aftermath been like?

It has been awful. I fell sick with stress-induced malaria right after and had to be hospitalised until a day before my exams. I threw myself into my exams to distract myself, but it’s like the ghost of our friendship has haunted me ever since.

People ask where Tomi is or how she’s doing everywhere I go. I’m not interested in rehashing this story with everyone, so when people ask, I just tell them we had a falling out.

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What about your mutuals? How do they handle the rift between you and Tomi?

No one around me mentions her anymore. It’s like they were also looking for a chance to distance themselves from her. This isn’t to say she doesn’t have her own friends, it’s just that we don’t share close mutuals anymore.

How has this friendship breakup affected your other relationships?

I now find it very difficult to trust anyone. I don’t think I’ll ever let anyone get as close to me as Tomi did. I’m afraid they’ll hurt me again.

What if Tomi reached out to apologise? Would you ever rekindle your friendship with her?

I’m a forgiving person so it’s possible I might oblige if she reaches out maybe five years from now. But I know our friendship can never be the way it was before.

What does the future hold for you now?

I’m focused on maintaining my good grades and graduating. Tomi is the furthest thing from my mind right now.

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Kelechi* (25) and Joseph* (25) weren’t always best friends. They met in secondary school, drifted apart, and later reconnected at university. What started as a casual reconnection soon blossomed into a deep friendship, the kind where you feel like you’ve finally found your person.

But when a gaping silence grew between them, nothing felt the same again.

This is Kelechi’s story as told to Betty:

I was walking listlessly through the halls of my hostel in September 2022, thinking of when best to fetch water for a shower later that evening, when I saw a familiar figure. It was my supposed best friend, Joseph.

I stared at him in awe. I’d been trying to reach him for almost seven months after ASUU sent students home on strike. Text messages were ignored, and calls rang unanswered. At first, I thought something had happened because it was very unusual for him to disappear like that. Yet there he was, casually leaning beside a water tank, scrolling on the very phone I’d been trying to reach him on.

I didn’t want to believe it, so I walked closer to be sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. When Joseph saw me, he smiled like we’d only seen each other yesterday.

His casual “My guy, how far?” still rings clear in my head, asked as though nothing was wrong.

I wanted to lash out, yell, scream insults that pierce where it hurts, but I was numb.

Instead, I said a quick hello and walked away from him; memories of the good old days swirling in my head…

***

Joseph and I first met in secondary school, but we weren’t close. He joined my school in 2014 when we were both in SS1. He was in science class, I was in arts—two different worlds. When we graduated, I moved on to university, and a year later, he gained admission to the same school.

It felt good running into a familiar face in that jungle called a federal university. I still remember how my face lit up when I randomly saw Joseph from across the road on my way from class. He walked up to me, and we picked up from there.

We didn’t have many friends in school, so we naturally gravitated towards each other. We were practically inseparable.

During this time, I found out Joseph had accommodation issues and had to stay off campus, so I became his main emotional support. I’d wait for him after classes, walk him to the car park, then call to check in after he got home. During the day, we hung out, shared meals, and talked endlessly. After a few months, we called each other best friends.

Once, while downing a hot plate of jollof during our lunch break. Joseph joked that our closeness reminded him of Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods, two popular American socialites known for their friendship.

So K and J became our unofficial bestie title. I liked the idea of being someone’s “person” in that way; I thought it was cute. Of course, this isn’t to say our friendship was perfect. We had our issues. I’m terrible at online communication. I could go days without replying, but Joseph preferred an instantaneous back-and-forth. Sometimes, I’d post on my WhatsApp status without replying to him, and he’d get upset. I tried to explain, but he insisted that responding was the bare minimum, and I tried my best to keep up.

Another sore spot was external friendship, Joseph didn’t like the idea of introducing me to his other friends. I wasn’t against him having them, but we always talked about broadening our circles in uni. There was a certain subgroup of people we wanted to befriend, and because I’d always assumed he’d bring me along since he was more social. But that never happened; he always met them with other friends.

It rubbed me the wrong way, but I kept it to myself. I also had my own friends, and was always eager to introduce Joseph. In fact, one of those introductions grew into one of his closest friendships today.

***

In 2021, things took an unexpected turn, and I had to deal with accommodation issues.

Joseph graciously allowed me to squat with him until I found a solution.. Surprisingly, those weeks remain some of the best memories of our friendship that I have.

We spent a lot of time together, and it felt like the early days of our friendship again. Our bond deepened, and I was sure Joseph would remain my brother for life. But the following year proved me wrong.

In February 2022, ASUU went on strike again. After a month at home, I noticed Joseph hadn’t reached out to me. It wasn’t like him. I was the one who struggled with communication, so it was concerning that I hadn’t heard a peep from him.

One day, I sent a quick message: “Hey Joseph, how are you doing, and how’s the strike treating you?”

There was no response.

I figured he was busy and left another message for him a few days later—still, silence.

I called, and it rang out. I waited a few more days, but still didn’t get his response. I reached out to our mutual friends, but none of them had heard from him either.

The strike dragged on for five months, and Joseph never replied once. I noticed I didn’t see any of his social media updates either, and I thought something terrible had happened to my best friend.

So imagine my shock when I randomly ran into him in school that September. I told him how I’d spent the past months worried sick about him, but he simply brushed off my concern like it was nothing.

Maybe I wouldn’t be so hurt if he were apologetic, but he genuinely behaved as if the months of silence didn’t happen. “So when should we have lunch?” he asked casually.

Lunch? A week ago, I didn’t even know if he was alive, and he was asking when we’d grab lunch. If I hadn’t seen him that day, would he have responded to my messages?

I just mumbled a greeting and quietly walked back to my room. I hated how I felt, like I was unimportant and disposable to him.

The next day, Joseph came to my room to talk. I explained how much he hurt me and he only had a vague excuse. He thought I was upset with him about something. He was never clear about what, and he never explained why he ignored my calls and messages.

I wanted to move past it because I cherished our friendship. No one else knew me like Joseph did. But when I looked at him sitting on my bed like he usually did when he visited, I realised something was broken. I didn’t recognise this person anymore.

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We remained distant after he left. We tried to reconnect when we could, but it wasn’t the same.

I mourned the death of our friendship for a long time.

It was difficult to let go of how warm and safe our brotherhood felt. Watching him move on like nothing happened made it worse.

***

Earlier this year, I finally confronted Joseph about neglecting our friendship. He admitted it, but also said something that cut deep. He said with how many friends had relocated, he thought about who he still had in Nigeria, and I didn’t come to mind.

Those words broke me.

It dawned on me that I’d been keeping our friendship alive alone. I’ve mostly gotten past everything now.. At the start of the year, I was still hurting. But slowly, I’ve accepted that our friendship has run its course.

I hope to find another brotherhood like the one we shared in the future.

This article is part of Had I Known, Zikoko’s theme for September 2025, where we explore Nigerian stories of regret and the lessons learnt. Read more Had I Known stories here.

Trigger Warning: This article contains sensitive topics, including assault and blackmail, which some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised.

When Mary (26)* moved to Abuja in early 2024, reconnecting with an old classmate felt like a stroke of luck. But what started as a nostalgic reconnection quickly spiralled into a nightmare that left her questioning everything she knew about trust.

This is Mary’s Story As Told To Mofiyinfoluwa

It was the last Friday in June 2024. I had just gotten back from work and went straight to the kitchen to put away what was left of my lunch. My AirPods were still in, music humming faintly, when Siri’s voice cut through: “WhatsApp sent a video from an unknown number.”

My heart lurched. I’d been flinching at every notification for days, half-expecting another text. I rushed to my phone, hands trembling, and opened the message. I was right. It was another view-once video. The caption read: “You think you’re smart? Your money is now ₦500,000.”

What made my knees buckle wasn’t just the threat. It was the footage itself. I was fully naked on the same bed I’d woken up on after the party last week.

I burst into tears. All week, I’d been convincing myself nothing happened. Maybe I’d really just drunk too much. Maybe the soreness in my body was from throwing up and passing out. But here was proof that something had happened to me.

I called Patricia*, my best friend, my voice breaking as I told her about the new message. She didn’t hesitate. “Go to the police,” she said firmly.

As I ended the call, a cruel thought crept in. I brought this on myself.

***

In March 2024, I moved to Abuja for work. It was my first time in the city, my first time living alone. The silence of my flat was deafening. After work, I’d sit on my bed, scrolling social media to fill the emptiness.

One evening, I watched a TikTok of a girl who’d met up with her old classmates, and it hit me how long it had been since I’d seen anyone from my past. On impulse, I dropped a message in my old class group chats, telling people I was in Abuja and open to reconnecting. A few DMs trickled in, but Shola’s* stuck.

At first, I didn’t recognise the name. Then he reminded me, we’d been seatmates in JSS2. He sent a picture, and the memory clicked. The same narrow face, now framed by a beard. His shoulders had filled out. I almost laughed, remembering the skinny boy who used to slip me his egg sauce at Sunday lunch because he hated it. It was like opening a time capsule. I hadn’t thought of him in years, not since 2011, when I changed schools after JSS3.

Shola became my guide to Abuja. He told me where to buy foodstuff, which markets were cheaper, and where to get small household items. He’d lived in the city most of his life and knew all the shortcuts.

We first met in person in May, when I needed to buy furniture. He took me to the market, helped me bargain, and made sure the pieces got to my flat.

Subsequently, he’d often stop by my office, and we’d reminisce about secondary school, laughing at silly memories and trying to recall old classmates. I felt a mix of trust and ease with him. Almost like a brother I could lean on.

He insisted I needed to meet more people. He wasn’t wrong. I needed to build a circle, not just bury myself in work. Three months into our friendship, in June, he told me some of his friends were hosting a house party on a Friday. He wanted me to come along.

I hesitated.

I hadn’t been to one since university, and this felt like unfamiliar territory. But he reassured me.

It wouldn’t be wild.

It was just a small private gathering.

He wanted to introduce me to some of his friends.

He even mentioned there’d be other women, not just guys. It would be a good way to widen my circle.

The more he spoke, the less threatening the party sounded. Eventually, I agreed to be his plus one.

That Friday, while getting dressed, my mum called. She asked if I had any plans for the night. For some reason, I lied. I told her I was about to go to bed, even though my makeup bag was open beside me.

She pressed a little, her voice carrying the edge mothers get when something feels off. Then she sighed, prayed for me, and told me to sleep well. The thought of staying back briefly crossed my mind, but I shrugged it off.

Shola had already sent a ride.

***

I arrived at the serviced apartment around 9 p.m. From the start, Shola acted like my personal guide. He introduced me to his friends and made sure I was comfortable. But I was careful with the drinks that were being passed around. I only accepted the ones he mixed himself. Sometimes, he mixed his alongside mine, handed me a cup, and I drank without thinking too much about it.

After a while, he introduced me to Mike*, a friend he had said thought I was pretty. Mike sat beside us to chat. By then, I felt lightheaded. My body felt heavy and weak at the same time.

The group started a game of truth or dare, but I didn’t feel up to it. I slipped out to the balcony to catch some air.

Mike found me there. He kept talking, his words washing over me, but I wasn’t processing much. My legs felt like jelly, the whole place spinning. The last clear thing I remember is trying to move. Then everything went black.

***

The next morning, I woke up in one of the rooms. For a moment, I couldn’t place where I was. My skull felt like it’d split into two. But what scared me most was the sharp, throbbing pain around my legs.

I looked down. The shirt I wore wasn’t mine. My knickers were intact, but the belt I’d fastened the night before was gone. I wasn’t a lightweight. It didn’t make sense that I had passed out over a couple of drinks.

I stumbled into the corridor and ran into Shola. He asked how I was feeling. I told him I didn’t understand why I was wearing someone else’s shirt. He brushed it off, saying I’d just had too much to drink, telling me how I threw up on my shirt, then he and Mike had carried me into a room to sleep it off. He’d been with me through the night. Part of his story matched my hazy memory of vomiting in the sink, so I let it go.

When I tried to leave, I realised my bag, my phone, ATM cards, and cash were gone. Shola helped me look, but they were nowhere to be found. He kept apologising and promising to keep searching after I left. He booked me a ride, and I went home.

On the ride, I leaned my head against the seat, trying to piece the night together. All I saw was darkness. At one point, I had a flash of Mike’s face above me, like he was on top of me. But I couldn’t be sure if it was real or my imagination.

***

When I got home, I pulled out my old iPhone, slotted in a SIM I had once used for a business line, and set it up. I blocked my stolen cards and bank apps. I retrieved some contacts from Google and messaged some contacts, explaining I would use the line until I retrieved my stolen one.

I also reached out to Shola. I sent him a voice note, thanking him for looking after me that night.

Then the words spilled out before I could stop them: “Are you sure nothing else happened? Are you sure no one came back into the room?”

He dismissed it immediately. He said Mike was a good guy, and his friends were respectable people who were only protecting me. I felt bad for even asking, and didn’t want to sound like I was accusing them.

I got someone to help me track my phone, but there was only a slim chance since my iCloud had already been logged out. The whole weekend, nothing came up. By Monday, I was ready to cut my losses.

I was about to leave for work when I glanced through my messages. A text from an unknown number caught my eye. Two video files attached.

The moment I opened them, my body went cold. They were private videos of me. I knew instantly they were from my stolen phone. I’d never shared them with anyone. My hands shook so badly I had to grip the edge of my bed. I didn’t even know what to do.

I called Patricia*, my best friend, first. I shook as I repeated the four words: “Someone is blackmailing me.” I could barely give her the details. She tried to calm me down, told me to breathe, then advised me to block the number, delete the messages, and not give the blackmailer the satisfaction of a reply.

I did as she said, but I couldn’t concentrate at work. My mind spun in circles: How did this person even get my new number? Shola’s name floated into my thoughts, but I dismissed it. I told myself it might be some hacker, anything other than the possibility clawing at me.

When I told him about the blackmail, he was sympathetic and promised to look into it. He sounded concerned, and I chose to believe him. By midweek, when no new messages came in, I forced myself to let it go.

But on Friday, when the new message arrived, the doubt in my mind hardened into anger. I couldn’t deny the facts. How could this video exist if Shola had been with me all night? He had to be in on it.

***

As I stood in the police station, explaining everything, a part of me wondered if I’d made the right decision. What did I really have? A missing phone, blackmail texts from two unknown numbers, and the gnawing feeling that something had been done to me against my will.

The police asked me to write a statement. I listed the numbers, and they said they would try to track them.

Then came the big question: “Do you have any suspects?”

I told them about Mike and Shola, about the party, and how I woke up in a strange shirt with pain I couldn’t explain. They nodded, listening carefully, before asking for their addresses. That was when it hit me.

I didn’t know.

I had considered Shola my tight friend, but I didn’t know where he lived. I didn’t know who his friends really were. I didn’t even know where he worked beyond a vague “I work remotely at a tech company” he’d once mentioned. For Mike, I had absolutely nothing.

The officers said they could at least work with the party’s location. But I didn’t even have that. Shola had booked my ride both ways. I wasn’t familiar with the area, and all I could tell them was that it happened in an estate in Wuse.

Standing there, I felt exposed and foolish. It was humiliating to realise just how blindly I had trusted him.

In the end, the officers told me my only option was to play along. If I suspect Shola, I should keep chatting with him, act normally, and if possible, arrange a meet-up. They said if I could get him to slip up, they’d step in and question him. It didn’t sound like much of a plan, but it was all I had. I left the station holding on to that hope.

For the next few weeks, I stalled the blackmailer, replying here and there, pretending I was trying to come up with the money. He sent me a crypto wallet to make the transfer, but even that was a dead end. There were no useful clues I could turn in — just more threats.

At the same time, I consistently texted Shola, studying his words closely, but he said nothing meaningful. He claimed he was investigating his friends, but his explanations were always vague, almost rehearsed. And unlike before, he started avoiding me. Whenever I asked to meet up, he had excuses. He was either out of town or too busy.

The more I watched him, the more the picture sharpened in my mind. Everything pointed back to him.

By the third week, I’d had enough. The messages from the blackmailer kept piling up, Shola’s explanations were rubbish, and I realised I was chasing shadows. I was tired of the games. So I confronted him directly.

I called and told him straight: I knew he had a hand in the blackmail, and wanted to know why he was doing this. I told him I’d reported him to the police, and if he came clean, I’d drop the case.

He denied everything. But I pressed harder, laying out the facts one by one. He was the only one from the party with my new number, so how else could the blackmailer have gotten it? He claimed he’d been with me the whole night, so how did someone take naked pictures of me? Was he there, or was he lying to me?

He fumbled, offering excuses that didn’t add up. I could hear the hesitation in his tone. It was all nonsense, and I told him so. I screamed at him that I didn’t even care about the phone anymore, I just needed the blackmail to stop.

But instead of answering my questions, he called me a “crazy bitch.” And then he blocked me.

That was the last time I ever heard from him.

Strangely, the blackmailer messaged me once more after our altercation, then they stopped. To me, that was all the confirmation I needed.

I kept pushing the police to trace the number or at least recover my phone, but weeks turned into months with no progress. Each time I followed up, they showed less interest in my case. At one point, an officer even suggested I “leave it to God” since the blackmailer had gone quiet. I’d paid them money, yet they acted like I was disturbing them.

Eventually, after nearly two months of waiting for answers that never came, I decided to drop the case. Deep down, I already had my answer. Shola had to be the culprit.

The hardest part is that I’ll never fully know the extent of what was done to me that night. The uncertainty eats at me to this day. I don’t know if I’ll ever move past that or forgive the friend who betrayed me in the worst way possible.

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Sunken Ships is a Zikoko weekly series that explores the how and why of the end of all relationships — familial, romantic or just good old friendships.

Ngozi* (49) and Ada* (48) met at university and, after weathering a tragedy together, became best friends. Their friendship spanned two decades and overcame long distance, but it eventually fell apart when Ada’s behaviour changed and Ngozi realised that Ada didn’t value their sisterhood like she did.

How did your friendship with Ada begin?

Ada and I were members of the Catholic Forum at our university campus back in 1998. We were both executives, but we weren’t close because she was a year behind me. However, we were cordial and had worked well together.
In 2000, Ada’s mother passed away, and I was one of the representatives from the catholic forum who attended the funeral to pass on our condolences. While there, she said something that stuck with me.

What did she say?

She urged us not to postpone any good thing we wanted to do for our parents who were still alive, because one could never know when they had run out of time. I decided to give her even more support as she dealt with her loss, and our friendship deepened.

Wow, that’s so heart-warming. What was your friendship with Ada like?

It was fantastic. We were basically sisters, and our friendship made our families close. I spent the holidays at hers, and she spent time with my family as well. Our friendship lasted over twenty years, and during that time, we graduated from school, got married and had kids, but we always kept in touch. I even attended her wedding before, she and her husband moved to Uganda.

In 2012, she and her kids came back to Nigeria because she wanted them to have Nigerian roots. They chose to move to my city in Anambra, and that made me so happy. Even though I had to miss my uncle’s burial to do so, I helped her stock food at her new apartment and helped them settle in.

How was your friendship with Ada like after she moved back to Nigeria?

It was as if she never left. We just picked up our sisterhood from where we left off, even her husband knew I called her “my sweetheart” affectionately. I was also her confidant because her husband stayed back in Uganda, and adjusting to a long-distance marriage was hard. However, it was shortly after she moved back that we started having issues.

What sort of issues did you have?

Because of my strict religious upbringing, I follow strong personal principles. Ada knew this as well, so when she started cheating on her husband with a Catholic priest, she felt that I would judge her. I tried to make it clear that I didn’t judge her, but I also didn’t condone what she was doing, as it went against my personal ethics.

Did she accept that you weren’t judging her?

Not at all. Ada tried to paint me as ‘better’ than her, and she started making jokes about how I was a ‘saint’, so there were things she knew she couldn’t share with me. At first, I thought this was just a normal joke between friends, but it started coming up every time we would see each other. One time, she even joked that she wished that God would give her what I have. That made me uncomfortable because to me, she and her family were much better off than mine. I was doing my Phd while her family had just completed their second building, which they rented out for extra income.

Did you ever try to talk about it with her?

Yes, but she would always brush it off as a joke, and I didn’t want to push it. Besides, we started quarrelling over other things.

Tell me about that.

One of our biggest issues was that I was the only one who reached out to Ada. Whenever she contacted me, it was because she needed me to help her do something. It was upsetting. I tried to speak to her about it, but she would always make the excuse that she was busy with her kids. My one regret was that I didn’t end the friendship during that period. Instead, we decided to give the friendship another chance.

Did her behaviour improve after you gave it another chance?

No, in fact, Ada became dodgy. She opened a boutique I patronised often when she returned to Nigeria. Then one random day, I found out that she had changed to a cement business. She sold all her boutique wares on clearance but never told me about it. I felt bad about that, but I let it go. I wanted to visit her new cement shop, but every time I called to ask for the address, Ada would say she was busy or away from the store. I knew she was avoiding me, but I wanted to fight for our friendship, so I kept trying to visit her. But in 2023, she added the last straw that broke our friendship.

What did she do?

Ada didn’t like living in Nigeria after moving back from Uganda, and started to process her relocation to another country with her kids. I was very involved in the process and helped them facilitate a lot of the requirements they needed. I didn’t think anything of the effort I put in for her because I saw her as my sister.

As the time for her emigration drew closer, I kept trying to visit her so we could talk, but she continued to give excuses. I asked for the exact date she was travelling, but she dodged the question. A few days before she travelled, I tried to visit her for the last time. She kept giving excuses, and eventually her number stopped going through. I just accepted that as the end of our friendship and tried to move on.

Did Ada try to reach out to you after she left the country?

Yes. Two weeks after she left, she started blowing up my phone with messages asking for my forgiveness and saying she knew she had wronged me. I told her I had forgiven her, and she had nothing to worry about. She even called me after she got a job and asked me to fill out a referral form for her. I did and sent it back to her. After all, I wasn’t surprised that she reached out because she needed my help with something.

Did she try to pretend like your friendship was the way it used to be?

Yes, she called me on my birthday and tried to act like we were still close. I replied politely, and that was the end of that. Mentally, I have burned that bridge and I want nothing to do with her after she treated me like I was someone disposable.

Do you regret your friendship with Ada?

A little bit, yes. Because of my strict religious upbringing and my fear of heartbreak, I avoided casual romantic relationships with men and thought I would be safe in my platonic friendships. However, the situation with Ada broke my heart and introduced me to a pain I wanted to avoid forever.

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How do you feel about your friendship with Ada now?

I miss her, but I value my dignity far more than any emotional breadcrumbs she has to offer me. Although I saw her as my sister, she treated me like an acquaintance. I’ve since decided to pour myself into my other friendships and nurture the relationships that mirror the effort I put into them.

Would you reconcile if Ada came back and promised she had changed?

No. I don’t think our friendship can recover from the damage it has suffered. It’s sad, but I think our relationship has run its course.

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Hey, if you’d like to share your own #SunkenShips story with Zikoko, fill out this form!

Sometimes, life puts you in messy situations where you’re not sure if you’re doing the right thing or not. That’s what Na Me F— Up? is about — real Nigerians sharing the choices they’ve made, while you decide if they fucked up or not.

Abel* (25) thought giving his old PS4 to his best friend was the perfect gift. But when his older brother, Bola, found out, it sparked a family disagreement that still hasn’t been resolved.

At the end, you’ll get to decide: Did he fuck up or not?

My older brother, Bola, and I used to have a great relationship. Even though we’re eleven years apart, we bonded over music, movies and games. We spent a lot of time together, but we haven’t been as close since he moved out of the house over a decade ago.

I don’t know if it’s the pressure of being the first born or if he’s just too busy, but Bola never had time to hang out — especially in the last five years. I’d call, drop WhatsApp messages and even leave notes, but he never replies quickly. When he finally did, it was always with some excuse about why he couldn’t show up.

I eventually got used to the distance and busied myself with my hobbies. One of them was console gaming. I had a much-cherished PS4 and played different games often. I preferred playing with my brother, but he never kept up with new game releases. However, my best friend, Tolu, did.

Tolu and I had been playing video games together since we were kids. He couldn’t afford a new game console, but he often came over to try out new games or play an old one with me.

In late 2024, I scored a lucky bet on a Premier League game and won enough money to buy a brand new PS5. Every true gamer wants the latest console, so after I bought the PS5, the PS4 barely got any use. At first, I considered selling it off for the extra cash, but then I had a better idea: I could give the PS4 to my best friend. That way, we’d be able to play games online together like old times. I asked Tolu if he wanted the console, and he gladly accepted. So, I gave it to him.

Meanwhile, when I got the new console, I tried calling my brother to share the good news, but he ignored my calls and texts. Maybe he thought I wanted to ask him for money. I didn’t think anything of it and carried on as usual.

A few weeks later, my brother, who’s also friends with Tolu’s brother, visited their place and saw the PS4. When he congratulated them, Tolu mentioned that I gave it to him. My brother immediately flared up and called me. He yelled that I had sidelined and betrayed him by giving my PS4 to someone else. I’ll be honest, I felt bad at first, but I reminded him he was always busy and that it never crossed my mind to offer it to him. I apologised, but he wasn’t satisfied.

He demanded that I collect the PS4 from Tolu and give it to him. I refused. I couldn’t imagine a world where I treated my best friend that way. Bola then offered to buy it if I retrieved it. I told him the money wasn’t important to me; what mattered was that Tolu and I could connect by playing online together. Bola took that as proof I didn’t care about him, and that led to a fight between us.

Our mum and sister think he overreacted, but he insists I should have known he wanted a gaming console and offered it before giving it to an outsider. He said if I’d told him about PS5 immediately, he would have shown interest in the old console.

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Now, I’m stuck wondering: Did I mess up by not asking my brother first? Or am I wrong for refusing to collect the gift I gave to my best friend?

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Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures, and what better way to nurture it than by ending your friend’s day with a thoughtful text? A good night message for a friend can bring them comfort as they wind down and remind them of how much you care. Whether it’s short, funny, or prayerful, the right good night message has the power to strengthen your bond.

A man showing his guy a good night message for a friend

If you need help picking the most impactful good night message for a friend, we’ve compiled over 200 messages to suit every mood and relationship. No matter the distance or the type of friendship, these good night messages will help you show your friends how much they’re valued and cherished.

Short and Sweet Good Night Message for a Friend

Sometimes, the best way to end the day is with a simple but heartfelt message. A short and sweet good night message for a friend can go a long way in making them feel loved and appreciated.

A woman showing her girl a good night message for a friend

Goodnight, my friend. I hope you sleep peacefully and wake up refreshed.

May your dreams be sweet and your rest be deep. Goodnight!

Rest easy, buddy. Tomorrow is a fresh start.

Sleep well, bestie. You deserve a night full of peace.

Goodnight, dear friend. May happiness find you in your dreams.

Rest your heart and mind tonight. A brighter day awaits.

Sweet dreams, my friend. Sleep like a baby tonight.

Goodnight! May you wake up smiling and full of energy.

Close your eyes, relax, and drift into sweet dreams.

Wishing you a peaceful night’s sleep, my friend.

Sleep well tonight, and let your worries melt away.

Goodnight, buddy. May tomorrow bring you joy and laughter.

Sending you calm vibes for a restful night. Goodnight!

May your night be quiet, your rest be deep, and your dreams be kind.

Goodnight, bestie. You’re in my prayers always.

Sleep tight! May tomorrow be everything you hope for.

Rest well, my friend. The world can wait till morning.

Goodnight, buddy. You’ve done enough for today — now rest.

May angels guard you while you sleep. Sweet dreams.

Goodnight, my friend. May peace cover you tonight.

Sleep soundly and let tomorrow be your fresh canvas.

Goodnight, bestie. Dream only the happiest dreams.

Rest up, buddy. Tomorrow is another chance to shine.

Sending you hugs through the night. Sleep peacefully.

Goodnight, dear friend. May you have the best of dreams tonight.

Sleep tight, bestie. May tomorrow bring you joy and laughter.

Good night, my friend. Sweet dreams and peaceful rest.

Close your eyes and drift into happiness. Good night.

May your night be calm and your sleep refreshing. Good night!

Rest well, dear friend. A brighter tomorrow awaits you.

ALSO READ: 150+ Romantic Good Night Messages For The One You Love

Long Good Night Message for a Friend

A long good night message for a friend allows you to express genuine love, gratitude, and hope for their peace of mind. These thoughtful notes remind your friend that they are cherished, even in life’s quiet moments before sleep.

Goodnight, my dear friend. As you close your eyes and drift off to sleep, I pray that your mind finds peace and your body gets the rest it deserves. May your dreams be filled with joy and hope, preparing you for a brighter tomorrow.

Rest well tonight, buddy. Forget about the stress and worries of today — they have no place in your sleep. Tomorrow is a new day, full of fresh opportunities waiting for you. Sleep deeply and wake up stronger.

Goodnight, bestie. May the stars above remind you of how precious you are and how much light you bring into people’s lives. May your sleep be peaceful and your dreams inspire you to chase your goals.

As you lay your head down tonight, remember that you are loved, valued, and appreciated. Goodnight, my friend. May your heart be light and your rest be sweet.

Goodnight, buddy. Close your eyes, let go of the weight of the day, and allow yourself to be carried into a peaceful world of dreams. Tomorrow will be kinder, brighter, and filled with new blessings.

Dear friend, may your night be as calm as still waters and your dreams as bright as the stars. Sleep deeply and wake up with a refreshed spirit ready to conquer the day.

Goodnight, bestie. May this night bring you serenity and the comfort of knowing that you’re not alone. Sleep well and let your dreams carry you to places of peace and happiness.

Before you sleep tonight, I want you to know that you’ve done your best today, and that’s more than enough. Rest now, recharge your mind, and wake up tomorrow full of strength and clarity. Goodnight, friend.

As you close your eyes, my friend, I pray that every worry fades away and every dream is sweet. May your night bring you comfort, peace, and the strength to face tomorrow with a smile.

Goodnight, buddy. You are one of the brightest lights in my life, and I hope tonight’s rest restores all the energy you’ve given out today. Sleep tight and dream big.

Tonight, let your heart be calm, your mind be free, and your soul be at peace. Goodnight, my dear friend. You’ve earned this rest, so sleep deeply and without worry.

May your sleep tonight be like a soft blanket of peace covering you. Goodnight, my friend. Tomorrow is another chapter waiting to be written with joy and success.

Goodnight, bestie. Let the stars sing you to sleep and the moonlight keep you company. May your dreams be filled with beauty and your morning with fresh hope.

Close your eyes tonight, buddy, and release every weight on your shoulders. May your rest be sweet, your dreams gentle, and your heart full of calmness. Goodnight.

My dear friend, goodnight. May every hour of your sleep refresh you, and may your tomorrow be filled with endless possibilities and happiness.

Goodnight, bestie. Take this time to rest and heal from the challenges of today. Tomorrow will meet you with new chances to smile, laugh, and grow.

Rest well tonight, my friend. May your mind be clear, your heart be light, and your body restored. You deserve nothing less than a peaceful night.

Goodnight, buddy. May the silence of the night bring you comfort, and may your dreams guide you towards everything you’re destined to achieve.

As you sleep tonight, my friend, may peace surround you like a warm blanket, and may your dreams be a reminder that life has more beauty in store for you.

Goodnight, bestie. Forget about the worries of today and trust that tomorrow holds better things. Sleep peacefully and know that you are always in my prayers.

May tonight bring you complete rest, my friend. May your sleep wash away today’s struggles and renew you with energy for a brighter tomorrow. Goodnight.

Goodnight, buddy. You’ve worked hard today; now it’s time to let go and rest. May your night be calm and peaceful.

As you lay down, my friend, remember that tomorrow is full of second chances and new beginnings. Sleep well and dream beautifully. Goodnight.

Goodnight, bestie. May your dreams be filled with happiness and may you wake up with a grateful heart, ready to take on whatever the day brings.

Tonight, I pray that your sleep is sweet, your dreams are inspiring, and your heart is filled with peace. Goodnight, my dear friend. Please rest well and wake up feeling refreshed.

As you lay down tonight, I pray your heart finds peace, your worries fade away, and your mind drifts into beautiful dreams. Good night, my friend.

Every day may not be perfect, but the night is always a reminder that rest brings renewal. Sleep peacefully, knowing tomorrow holds new blessings.

Tonight, I wish you deep rest and dreams that inspire you. May you wake up with energy, joy, and purpose for a new day. Good night!

No matter how your day went, let this night wash away all stress. Rest well and wake up refreshed to conquer tomorrow. Good night, my dear friend.

The world rests, and so should you. May your dreams be filled with light and your night with calmness. Sleep peacefully.

ALSO READ: 200+ Questions to Ask Your Lover to Know Them Better

ALSO READ: 200+ Good Evening Messages to Make Your Friend’s Day

Funny Good Night Message for a Friend

Who doesn’t love a good laugh before bed? Sending a funny goodnight message to a friend is a lighthearted way to ease the stress of the day. With humour and wit, these playful messages can put a smile on your friend’s face.

Sleep tight, pal. And remember: if you dream of food, don’t eat the pillow this time.

Sleep well, buddy. If you see a monster under your bed, just tell it you’re broke and it will run away.

Rest easy, my friend. If you dream of work, that’s a nightmare. Wake up immediately!

Sleep tight, bestie. And remember, if you dream of me, I better be the hero of the story.

Rest well, pal. May you not roll off the bed like a karate master tonight.

Sleep tight, buddy. If you start talking in your sleep again, I’ll record it and make it my ringtone.

Good night, my friend. I hope you snore soft enough not to scare your neighbours again.

Rest well, bestie. May your dreams be filled with me, because let’s be honest, I’m unforgettable.

Good night! Don’t end up scrolling on your phone till dawn again. This is a threat.

Tonight, I’ll be dreaming of you…winning the lottery and buying me a private island. Good Night!

Good night, bestie. Don’t forget to plug in your phone, or tomorrow will be a nightmare.

Good night! Please don’t show up in my dream; I don’t want a nightmare tonight.

Sleeping is the next thing you do best after breathing, so good night.

Rest well, friend. If you dream about food, remember to save me some in dreamland.

Good night! If you dream about your ex, please press “skip ad.”

Good night, bestie. If you dream about food, remember to save me a plate.

Dream of money. Wake up broke. Repeat tomorrow. Goodnight!

ALSO READ: 150+ Love and Trust Messages for the One You Love

Good Night Prayer for a Friend

Prayers bring comfort and reassurance, especially at night. A good night prayer for a friend is a thoughtful way to ask for peace, protection, and blessings as they rest. They’ll remind your friend how much you care.

May the Lord watch over you tonight and give you peaceful rest. Good night, my friend.

As you lay your head to sleep, may God’s angels guard you and His love surround you.

May you dream sweetly, and may tomorrow bring you new joy and blessings in Christ.

Good night, friend. May the Lord strengthen your heart and give you rest.

I pray that God calms every worry and fills your sleep with His peace.

May the Lord bless you with renewed energy and a joyful morning tomorrow.

Good night! May you rest knowing God is in control of all things concerning you.

I pray your dreams tonight are filled with light and your morning with gratitude.

May God’s grace wrap around you like a blanket as you sleep. Sweet dreams.

Rest peacefully, my friend. Tomorrow, may you walk in God’s guidance and favour.

May Allah grant you a restful night and fill your dreams with tranquillity. Good night.

I pray Allah forgives your shortcomings today and blesses you with a better tomorrow.

May your sleep tonight be peaceful, and may you wake refreshed for Fajr.

Good night, friend. May Allah keep you safe under His protection.

May Allah grant you comfort, peace, and blessings as you sleep.

Sleep well tonight, and may Allah’s mercy be upon you always.

May your night be free from worry, and your morning filled with barakah.

Good night! May Allah bless you with sound sleep and renewed strength.

I pray Allah makes your dreams sweet and your waking moments productive.

May Allah grant you peace tonight and guide your steps tomorrow.

Good night, my friend. May peace wrap around you as you sleep.

I pray your mind rests and your body finds the strength it needs for tomorrow.

May your night be free from worries and your dreams full of hope.

Good night! May the universe align tomorrow in your favour.

I pray you wake up with clarity, joy, and renewed motivation.

May tonight bring you deep rest and tomorrow fresh opportunities.

Good night, friend. May you find comfort, healing, and peace in your sleep.

I pray your night is calm and your tomorrow bright.

Rest well tonight. I pray positivity and strength fill your morning.

May your dreams inspire you, and your sleep refresh your soul. Good night.

May Allah’s peace and mercy surround you as you rest tonight. Sleep well, my friend.

Lord, I pray my friend enjoys deep rest, peaceful dreams, and renewed strength for tomorrow. Amen.

May your sleep tonight be blessed, and may angels watch over you until morning.

Dear friend, may God’s love wrap around you as you rest and prepare for a new day.

I pray tonight brings you peace beyond measure and joy that overflows tomorrow.

ALSO READ: 300+ Good Morning Message for Her to Make Her Day Special

Motivational Good Night Message for a Friend

Ending the day with encouragement is a wonderful gift. A motivational good night message for a friend inspires them to let go of today’s worries and look forward to tomorrow.

Good night, my friend! Remember, tomorrow is a fresh page. Make it count.

Sleep peacefully knowing every small step you take is leading you closer to your dreams.

Rest your mind tonight; you need strength for the greatness waiting for you tomorrow.

Success is built day by day. Sleep well tonight and wake ready to conquer.

Sleep tight. Tomorrow brings new opportunities to shine.

The night is a reminder that rest is part of progress. Recharge well, my friend.

Good night! Keep faith in yourself. Tomorrow is another chance to be unstoppable.

Your journey is unique, and every day you move closer to your goals. Sleep inspired!

Rest tonight knowing you’ve done your best. Tomorrow, you’ll do even better.

Close your eyes and dream big. Dreams are the seeds of tomorrow’s victories.

Good night, my friend! Don’t forget: even the brightest stars shine after the darkest night.

You’ve got what it takes to succeed. Sleep well and wake up stronger.

Tonight, let peace fill your heart and motivation fuel your tomorrow.

Your dreams aren’t far away; they’re waiting for you to wake up and chase them. Sleep tight!

Rest well, my friend. Every day is another chance to grow, learn, and win.

Good night! The future is bright, and your hard work will pay off soon.

Sleep with confidence, knowing you’re destined for great things.

Every night is preparation for the victories of tomorrow. Recharge well!

Good night, my dear friend. Tomorrow, face the world with courage and determination.

Your goals are valid. You just need to rest and rise to keep pushing.

Tonight, silence your doubts and let hope guide your dreams. Sweet dreams!

Rest tonight, my friend. Tomorrow is a brand-new opportunity to shine.

Sleep with confidence, knowing you’ve done your best today. Tomorrow holds greatness for you.

Every night is a reset button. Rest well and wake up ready to chase your dreams.

Don’t worry about failures; tomorrow is your fresh chance to win again. Good night!

Success begins with rest. Recharge tonight and wake up stronger than ever.

Good night! Remember, persistence always wins. Tomorrow is another chance to prove it.

May your sleep be peaceful and your heart full of fire for tomorrow’s challenges.

Rest easy, my friend. Tomorrow is a blank canvas for all your dreams.

Good night! Sleep like a champion, because tomorrow, you’ll rise like one.

ALSO READ: 250+ Deep, Romantic Love Messages That Will Melt Her Heart

ALSO READ: 100+ Heartwarming Long Good Night Messages for Her

Good Night Message for a Female Friend

Friendship with a woman deserves words of kindness, respect, and genuine affection. A good night message for a female friend shows thoughtfulness, reminding her that she is valued and appreciated.

Good night, my dear friend. May your sleep be as peaceful as your beautiful heart.

Sweet dreams, girl! I hope you wake up smiling and full of energy tomorrow.

Rest well tonight, bestie. You deserve all the peace and comfort in the world.

Good night, sis! May your dreams be sweet and your morning be brighter than the stars.

Sleep tight, lovely friend. Tomorrow is waiting for your light to shine again.

Good night, dear. May happiness wrap around you as you drift into sleep.

Wishing you a night of calm rest and joyful dreams, my sweet friend.

May your worries fade away tonight, and may you wake up refreshed and glowing.

Good night to a friend who’s more like a sister. Sleep peacefully and dream beautifully.

Rest well, my amazing friend. You’re stronger than you know. Tomorrow will be brighter.

Sweet dreams, darling friend! You’re always in my thoughts and prayers.

Good night, beautiful soul. May your dreams be filled with joy and laughter.

Sleep peacefully, bestie. Tomorrow, the world gets to see your magic again.

Good night, sweet girl. May angels guard you till the morning comes.

Sleep well, friend. Remember, tomorrow is another chance to chase your dreams.

Sweet dreams, my sunshine friend. You make the world a brighter place.

Good night, lovely! May peace and happiness fill your heart as you rest.

Rest well tonight, darling. You’ve worked hard; now let sleep take care of you.

Sweet dreams, my dear friend. Tomorrow is another opportunity to sparkle.

Good night, sis. I’m grateful for your friendship every single day.

Sleep tight, bestie. May you wake up with renewed strength and joy.

Good night to my amazing female friend. May your dreams be as kind as you are.

Rest easy, dear friend. May love and light surround you tonight.

Sleep well, pretty soul. Tomorrow has great things in store for you.

Good night, bestie! Close your eyes, dream big, and wake ready to conquer the world.

Good night, sis. May your dreams be as beautiful as your soul.

Sleep well, queen. Tomorrow is yours to conquer!

Wishing you a peaceful night and lovely dreams, my dear friend.

Good night, beauty. Rest your mind and heart because you deserve it.

May your night be calm, your dreams sweet, and your morning bright. Good night!

ALSO READ: 150+ Birthday Messages and Wishes for a Friend

Good Night Message for a Male Friend

Male friendships are special, filled with loyalty, trust, and support. Sending a good night message for a male friend is a simple way to express gratitude for his presence in your life.

Good night, bro. Sleep well and wake up ready to crush tomorrow.

Rest easy, my guy. May your dreams be as amazing as your vibes.

Good night, champ! Recharge tonight, because tomorrow needs your energy.

Sleep tight, man. You deserve peace after the day you’ve had.

Wishing you a calm night and a strong, fresh morning ahead.

Rest well, brother. May your dreams be filled with good vibes only.

Good night, king. Tomorrow is waiting for your greatness.

Good night, brother. May you wake up with fresh strength and clear focus.

Rest easy, my guy. You’ve earned your sleep tonight.

Good night, bro. May your dreams inspire you to go even harder tomorrow.

Sleep well, boss man. Tomorrow is another day to shine.

Good night, buddy. Don’t worry, everything will fall into place.

Rest well, my G. You’re built for greatness; never forget that.

Good night, champ. May peace and good thoughts carry you to dreamland.

Sleep tight, bro. Wake up strong and ready to hustle again.

Good night, buddy. May your day tomorrow be alright.

Rest well tonight, bro. You deserve all the calm the night brings.

Good night, chief. Tomorrow is your playground; go win it.

Sleep peacefully, my guy. May your dreams be calm and your spirit renewed.

Sleep peacefully tonight, buddy. Big wins are coming your way.

Good night, bro. Remember, you’re stronger than any challenge.

Rest well, boss. May your night be calm and your sleep refreshing.

Good night, bro! Don’t overthink. Just let sleep do its magic.

Wishing you deep rest tonight, man. Tomorrow is another shot at greatness.

Sleep tight, champ. You’ve got this life thing handled.

Sleep tight, bro. May tomorrow bring you strength and victories.

Good night, man. Rest well and wake up ready to smash your goals.

Wishing you a night full of calm and dreams full of greatness, my friend.

Bro, relax tonight. Tomorrow is another day to chase your hustle. Good night!

Good night, champ. May you wake up energised and ready for success.

ALSO READ: 200+ Happy New Month Prayers for the People You Care About

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A good afternoon message for a friend might seem like a small gesture, but it can go a long way in turning an ordinary day into something memorable. Whether your friend is powering through a hectic schedule, relaxing at home, or just in need of motivation, a thoughtful afternoon message is the perfect way to let them know you care.

A young woman sends good afternoon message for a friend

In this collection of love messages for friends, you’ll find the perfect good afternoon message for a friend, crafted to fit every kind of friendship. There’s a message here to make your friend feel seen, loved, and appreciated

Short and Sweet Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

Sometimes, a few kind words are all it takes to brighten someone’s day. These short and sweet good afternoon messages are perfect for sending your friend a little burst of joy. They’re quick reminders that you’re thinking of them.

A couple laughs reading a good afternoon message for a friend

Just checking in to say hi. I hope your afternoon is going well!

Thinking of you. I hope your day’s been kind so far.

Good afternoon, my fave human.

Just a little nudge to keep going. You’re doing great!

I hope your lunch was good and that your stress is low. You deserve that.

Hope this afternoon brings you joy, laughter, and everything you love, my dear friend

Good afternoon! You’re doing amazing, even if your to-do list says otherwise

Just passing by to drop some positive vibes on your afternoon

Sending good energy your way, just in case you need a boost!

Hope your day has had more “yay” than “ugh.”

I just wanted to remind you that you’re amazing. That’s all.

I hope the rest of your day is smooth, sweet, and stress-free.

Good afternoon! I’m here if you need to rant about your day

Good afternoon, my friend! May your day be as amazing as you are.

Sending you a big hug and a smile to brighten up your afternoon.

ALSO READ: 150+ Romantic Good Afternoon Messages For Your Love

Long Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

When your friend needs a little more love or you simply want to express how much they mean to you, a longer message is ideal. These long good afternoon messages are warm, thoughtful, and filled with love.

A woman reading a good afternoon message for a friend

Good afternoon, bestie! I just wanted to check in and remind you how much your friendship means to me. You’ve been such a strong support system, and I’m truly grateful for you. Hope the rest of your day brings you smiles and a bit of well-deserved rest.

Hey friend, just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life. You always know how to brighten my mood and make even the most ordinary moments fun. Wishing you a peaceful and productive afternoon filled with positive vibes.

Good afternoon, my dear friend! I hope your day has been kind to you so far. Remember to take a little break, stretch those legs and do something that makes your soul happy, even if it’s just sipping a cold drink or laughing at a silly meme.

I just wanted to say thank you for being such a constant source of love and encouragement in my life. I hope your afternoon is great, your tasks are easy, and your heart stays light. You deserve all the joy in the world.

Hi bestie, this is your midday reminder that you’re doing great even on the hard days. Keep pushing, keep smiling. I believe in you more than you know. Have a beautiful afternoon!

Good afternoon! I hope the sun is shining where you are — and if not, I hope this message brings a little sunshine your way. You’re amazing, and I’m cheering you on always.

Hey, I just wanted to drop in and say I miss you. I hope work isn’t stressing you out and that you find a moment this afternoon to just breathe and be. You’ve got this!

Sending you a gentle reminder this afternoon: don’t forget how incredible you are. Whether things are going great or not-so-great, you still show up and try — and that’s everything.

Good afternoon, my friend. Life gets hectic, but I just wanted to say I’m proud of you. For showing up, for doing your best, and for being the amazing human you are.

Hey friend, take a deep breath. Whatever today is throwing at you, you’ll handle it with your usual grace and strength. I believe in you. Have a peaceful afternoon.

I hope your afternoon is filled with little wins — a good meal, a laugh, a kind word. You deserve all that and more, simply for being the beautiful soul that you are.

You’ve been working so hard lately, so don’t forget to pause and give yourself credit. You’re doing better than you think. Wishing you a calm and cosy afternoon.

Hey bestie, I hope the rest of your day is kind to you. If you haven’t smiled today, let me be your reason. You’re loved, you’re valued, and I’m always in your corner.

Good afternoon! Just wanted to remind you how rare and special your kind of friendship is. I don’t take it for granted. May your day end better than it started.

I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Sending you some light, strength, and a big hug to get through the afternoon.

Good afternoon, my person. You’re always looking out for everyone else, so I’m here to look out for you. Please eat something, drink some water, and take a deep breath. Love you.

Just popping in to remind you how far you’ve come and how proud I am of you. You’ve survived every tough day so far, and today is no different. Big hugs this afternoon.

Hey friend, I hope you get a moment this afternoon to do something that’s just for you. Whether it’s a nap or a snack, do whatever brings you joy.

I hope you know how appreciated you are, not just by me but by everyone who gets to experience your warmth and humour. Have a relaxing afternoon ahead!

You are more loved than you know and stronger than you feel. This is your afternoon reminder that everything will be okay, and I’m always here when you need me.

Take it easy this afternoon, friend. You don’t always have to be doing something. Rest is productive too. Sending hugs and good vibes your way.

Sending you good afternoon vibes and virtual hugs! You’ve been on my mind today, and I hope everything is going smoothly.

ALSO READ: 200+ Good Night Messages for a Friend to End Their Day With a Smile

ALSO READ: 150+ Love and Trust Messages for the One You Love

Funny Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

Laughter is one of the best gifts you can give a friend, especially in the middle of a long day. These funny good afternoon messages will put a smile on their face and drag them out of an afternoon slump.

A group of besties happily reading good afternoon messages for a friend

Good afternoon, my dear friend! Remember when we used to complain about afternoon classes? Now I’m complaining about afternoon meetings instead!

Good afternoon! I’ve officially entered the ‘pretending to work while actually online shopping’ phase of my day. How’s your productivity going?

Sending you good afternoon energy! Mine ran out around 11 AM, so I’m basically running on fumes.

Good afternoon, my friend! I just realised I’ve been wearing my shirt inside out all day. Adulting is hard

Good afternoon! If Monday had a face, I would punch it. But since it’s already Wednesday, let’s just have a laugh and power through!

Hey there, good afternoon! Remember, life is short. Smile while you still have teeth!

Just checking in to see if you’ve started your 10th lunch break yet.

Wishing you a good afternoon, because wishing you a productive one felt unrealistic

I hope your afternoon is as nice as the nap you wish you were taking.

Just checking in to make sure you haven’t started acting like a responsible adult.

If you’re not doing anything right now, congrats. You’re doing it perfectly.

Good afternoon! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, which basically means do nothing.

Guess who’s thinking about our next adventure right now?

ALSO READ: 200+ Good Morning Messages to Make Your Friend’s Day

Good Afternoon Prayer for a Friend

Sending a thoughtful afternoon prayer can uplift their spirit, offer comfort, or simply remind them that someone is thinking of them. These good afternoon prayers for a friend are designed to bring positivity and blessings into their day.

As the sun shines brightly in the middle of the day, let us not forget to thank God for another day, another opportunity to be together. Good afternoon, my friend.

Good afternoon, dear friend. May you find blessings as you enjoy the afternoon. I pray God’s divine blessings be showered upon you today and always.

May every good intention you hold be met with ease and every difficulty be replaced with something better. Have a restful and fulfilling afternoon, my dear friend.

I pray that wherever you are, you feel calmness settle in your soul. May the worries of the morning fade away, and may the rest of your day unfold in alignment with God’s perfect plan for you.

May Allah (SWT) ease your path, strengthen your Imaan, and bring barakah (blessings) into everything you touch this afternoon. Rest, breathe, and trust His timing.

May the universe send you little reminders that you are loved, safe, and not alone. I’m holding space for you, always.

Even if the morning felt heavy, I pray the hours ahead come with unexpected joy, renewed strength, and a deep sense of direction from above.

That this afternoon gives you something to smile about. That peace finds its way into your chest and every burden lightens, even if just a little.

I pray that stress loses its grip on you. That your efforts are seen. That your kindness returns to you multiplied, in ways only God can orchestrate.

Not everything needs to be figured out at once. I pray God gives you the strength to pause, breathe, and keep going one step at a time.

Whatever you’re carrying, may Allah grant you patience and a peace that passes all understanding. You’re doing better than you think.

I pray every step you take today is covered by the Most High. Whether you’re working, resting, or just trying to survive the day, may His presence go before you.

As the afternoon sun shines above, I pray Allah continues to ease your path, lighten your heart, and guide your steps with mercy.

Even in moments of silence, He hears you. May this afternoon bring answers, or at least the comfort of knowing they’re on the way.

I pray Allah protects you from unseen harm, blesses your steps, and surrounds you with people who genuinely care for you.

Whether you’re on a high or feeling drained, may God meet you right where you are and refill your cup with purpose and peace.

This afternoon, I’m sending you warm thoughts and a little prayer for calm: May your mind be at peace, your heart feel light, and your soul be refreshed.

Whatever this day holds, I hope it finds you smiling and centred in yourself.

I pray everything you need — emotionally, spiritually, physically — is released into your path at the right time.

May every prayer you’ve whispered, every good deed you’ve done in silence, come back to bless you tenfold. You are seen. You are covered.

May you feel the warmth of God’s love surrounding you and may His blessings overflow in every area of your life.

May this afternoon be filled with barakah in all you do. May your heart find tranquillity, your work be rewarded, and your spirit be nourished.

This afternoon, I pray that Allah’s protection surrounds you, and may He grant you the strength to carry on with joy and patience.

ALSO READ: 150+ Romantic Good Morning Messages For The One You Love

Motivational Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

When your friend is feeling drained or overwhelmed, a motivational message can go a long way. These motivational good afternoon messages are full of encouragement to keep them going and give them a little push to keep shining through the day.

A man sending good afternoon messages to a friend

I know today feels heavy, but you’re handling it with incredible grace. One step at a time, friend.

Your strength amazes me, especially during tough times like these. This difficult afternoon will pass.

Remember, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days so far. This afternoon is just another one you’ll overcome.

You have the power to turn your afternoon into something amazing. Believe in yourself and make it happen!

Your hard work and dedication will pay off. Keep pushing forward and never give up. Good afternoon!

Afternoons can feel like a drag, but it’s also your second wind. Let this be your reminder: you’re doing better than you think, and your hard work is planting seeds for something beautiful. Keep going.

I hope this afternoon brings a fresh wave of energy and confidence. You’ve already handled so much today; now go finish strong. The world doesn’t stand a chance against your fire.

Good afternoon! If the morning didn’t go as planned, hit reset. There’s still time to make progress, find joy, and turn the day around. You’re in control.

This afternoon, I hope you remember that you’re growing, evolving, and getting closer to your goals. The version of you that you dream of is already taking shape. Keep showing up.

Good afternoon! You’ve come so far today. Don’t let the tiredness trick you into thinking you’re not doing enough. Every little effort counts. Keep pushing, you’re closer than you think.

The sun’s still out, and so is your fire. Whatever challenges came with the morning, shake them off. There’s still room for wins this afternoon. Keep going, you’re doing great.

Good afternoon, superstar! Remember: the hustle doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes showing up and trying again is all the strength you need. Rooting for you, always.

Afternoons can be tough, but so are you. Dig deep, take a break if you need to, but don’t give up. Momentum builds quietly. Keep the faith in yourself.

Even on the hard days, you’re still making progress. This afternoon, don’t chase perfection, just take the next best step. That’s more than enough.

Good afternoon! Just a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out. Keep moving, keep believing, and trust the process. You’re on the right path.

No matter how the morning started, this afternoon is a fresh page. Rewrite the narrative if you must. You’re allowed to restart, reset, and reclaim your joy.

ALSO READ: 200+ Good Evening Messages to Make Your Friend’s Day

Good Afternoon Message for a Female Friend

Looking for a way to brighten her day? These good afternoon messages for your female friend are sweet and thoughtful words that will show her how much she means to you.

Hey babe, good afternoon! Just wanted to remind you how amazing you are. I hope the rest of your day brings smiles, ease, and little moments of magic.

Good afternoon, sunshine! I hope the universe is being kind to you today. Sending you a warm hug and good vibes.

The day’s halfway gone, but I hope you still have energy to get through the rest of today. Good afternoon, my beautiful friend.

Hey queen, you’ve been on my mind. I hope your afternoon is going well. You deserve only good things.

Just popping in to say you’re doing great, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Take a break if you need to. Good afternoon, my love.

Good afternoon, sweetheart. I hope you’re drinking water, giving yourself grace, and being as kind to yourself as you are to everyone else.

The world is lucky to have someone like you in it. Good afternoon, babe. Keep being your radiant self.

If no one has told you today: You’re loved, appreciated, and a whole blessing in human form. Good afternoon, my darling friend.

I hope your afternoon is as soft as your favourite song and as warm as your favourite blanket. You deserve that kind of peace.

Hey bestie! Just sending some mid-day love your way. I hope whatever you’re working on today brings you closer to your dreams.

Good afternoon, love. May this part of your day be filled with answers, ease, and unexpected blessings.

Don’t forget to pause and breathe. You’re doing more than enough. Good afternoon, my gem of a friend.

To the beautiful woman reading this: You are strong, capable, and deeply loved. Wishing you a calm and joyful afternoon.

Good afternoon, hun. May peace find you even in the middle of your busy day. You don’t have to carry everything at once.

If today has been overwhelming, take this as your sign to slow down and just be. Good afternoon, my sweet friend.

You carry so much so gracefully. Don’t forget to rest too. Good afternoon to one of the strongest women I know.

Hi pretty! This is just a quick reminder that you are enough. You’ve always been and always will be. Good afternoon and big hugs.

Good afternoon, darling. May your afternoon feel like a deep breath — calm, grounding, and exactly what you need.

I’m proud of you for everything you’ve done, and for still showing up. Good afternoon, my love. Keep going.

Hey beautiful! Hope your afternoon is filled with little moments of joy. Remember that conversation we had about self-care? Don’t forget to be gentle with yourself today.

The day isn’t over yet, and neither is your glow. Good afternoon, beauty. Keep shining just by being yourself.

You’ve got a heart of gold and a spirit that lifts everyone around you. Good afternoon, my amazing friend.

Hey girl, good afternoon! I hope your day is as amazing as you are!

ALSO READ: 150+ Romantic Good Night Messages For The One You Love

Good Afternoon Message for a Male Friend

A quick message in the middle of the day is a great way to check up on that male friend who’s always got your back. These cool and caring good afternoon messages will remind your male friend that he’s appreciated and thought of.

Good afternoon, chief. Just wanted to say I’m thinking of you and sending love your way!

Hope you have a blissful afternoon after having such a shitty day. May God save you, bro.

You are one of my dearest friends of mine and I hope all your days go well. Good afternoon, buddy.

Sending you positive vibes and good energy for a productive afternoon. You’ve got this!

Hey man, hope you’re having a solid afternoon! Thinking of you and wanted to see how your day’s going.

Just thinking about how awesome you are. Hope your afternoon is going well!

Good afternoon! Hope your day is going great and you’re staying cool.

Thought I’d pop in to say hello and wish you a lovely afternoon. Have a great day.

Wishing you an afternoon filled with laughter and good vibes. Enjoy your day, buddy!

Good afternoon! Just wanted to send some love your way. Have a fantastic day, my friend.

Hey man, just stopping by to wish you a fantastic afternoon. Make the most of it!

Hey there, just wanted to say how grateful I am to have you as a friend. Have a wonderful afternoon!

Afternoon check-in, buddy! Hope work isn’t too brutal today. I hope you’re still up to hang out later.

Good afternoon bro. I wish we were out in the world creating trouble together right now!

Yo! I hope this message interrupts your day in the best way. Sending you small wins and zero annoying people for the rest of the day.

Good afternoon, boss. If no one’s said it today: You’re doing your best, and that counts for a lot. Keep going.

Hey, you. Just checking in to say I hope your day’s going okay. Don’t let stress take over, and remember to breathe.

ALSO READ: 200+ Good Morning Messages to Make Your Friend’s Day

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Mabel* (21) has spent the last few years navigating trust issues, body image struggles, and the confusing search for validation, which pushed her into emotionally unfulfilling situations. She opens up about avoidance, self-sabotage, and the feelings she battles with while trying to outrun loneliness.

What’s your current relationship status?

I don’t have a clear answer. I’m in a fling right now, but I still consider myself single. I’ve never been in a proper relationship before, and while I know that’s okay, it’s hard not to feel like something’s wrong with me.

Do you have any idea where that feeling might be coming from?

My relationship with my dad, mostly. My parents divorced when I was much younger, so he wasn’t around. But we fought a lot when I lived with him during my teenage years. He dated younger women, and out of spite, I took it out on them. I’d call them names, hide their belongings, even threaten to destroy their things. Some of those relationships ended because of me.

He’d get so mad and call me abusive names. He even called me a witch more times than I can remember. I love my dad in my own way, but that relationship with the first man in my life shaped my perspective of men. I became extremely guarded around them.

Add that to how I looked growing up. I was dark-skinned, tall, knock-kneed, and always the biggest in class. Boys never approached me. I developed a serious complex about my body and was always defensive. Even now, at over six feet, I still feel out of place. I’ve realised I sabotage anything good before it even starts, because I’m convinced love always ends in pain for me.

How early did you start struggling with body image?

I’ve had body dysmorphia since I was eight. My mum didn’t look like me, so I turned to the internet to figure out how to “fix” myself. That was a disaster.

I did everything from juice fasts to starving myself. When I was 12, I read that French models ate juice-soaked cotton balls to stay full and tried that for a few days. I also forced myself to throw up after meals. People— even family — constantly commented on my weight. I eventually lost some weight in secondary school, but the damage had been done.

Growing up fat was hell. People never kept their mouths shut.

I’m sorry. Have you tried to give love a chance since then?

Kind of. But it didn’t work out. I met Prince* in 2023, during my first year in uni. He was sweet, and we talked for weeks. I thought we were building something real. But then he mentioned that his ex still texted him. He swore he didn’t want her back, that she only reached out when she needed emotional support.

At first, I was okay with it, but over time, I started overthinking. I eventually blocked and ghosted him. He tried to reach out through my friends, asking what he’d done wrong, but I ignored him. I couldn’t explain it myself. I just assumed he’d hurt me, so I left first. It was a “me” problem.

After that, I became obsessed with fixing whatever was “wrong” with me. I talked to several guys at once, not because I liked them, but to test my ability to hold romantic interest. None of it was healthy. Even the conversations started to feel like a chore. I didn’t trust any of them to like me.

So, I turned to losing more weight in the hopes that I’d feel confident again. I lost 20kg early in 2024, but nothing changed.

Curious. Did any of those talking stages evolve into something serious?

Yes. Towards late 2023, I met Jeff* at a party through a mutual friend. He seemed into me and was very attentive. We had sex early on, but I lost interest immediately after. Still, I kept up the act. I pretended to like him too, because he treated me like a princess.

I liked the validation, but at the same time, it made me angry. He’d call me pretty, and I’d start thinking, Would he have said that if I were still fat? Did he really like me or just the new body?

When he mentioned wanting something serious, I panicked and told him I wasn’t emotionally ready. I didn’t want to hurt him, so I ended things.

Hmmm.

That experience forced me to admit I had a lot of work to do on myself. I was avoiding emotional intimacy and repeating the same pattern. I decided not to pursue anything serious until I sorted myself out.

Then in 2024, I met Femi* over the holidays. We’ve had a casual thing for a little over a year now. We meet whenever I’m back in his city, mostly for sex. He told me from the start that he didn’t want a relationship and hasn’t been particularly nice or emotionally caring.

Weirdly, I’ve felt the most intimacy with him. I know it’s not long-term, but it’s something that works for me at the moment.

I chose this, but lately, when I see my friends with good men, I wonder what it’d be like to have someone like their boyfriends — or even their boyfriends themselves.

Why do you think that is? Is it about wanting what they have?

I’ve never genuinely liked someone who liked me back. So when I see my friends being loved and in healthy, stable relationships, I start imagining: What if he were mine? I can’t help it.

It’s not malicious — I’m not trying to steal anyone’s boyfriend — but I wish it could happen for me. There was a time I almost went after a guy my friend had a fling with, but I stopped myself. That’s not who I want to be.

I see. Have you been able to talk to anyone about these feelings?

Not really. I’ve never told my friends, even though they’ve expressed concern about how I handle relationships. I’ve thought about therapy, but I know myself. I have a habit of pretending my problems don’t exist until they blow up. I’m scared I’ll start therapy, promise to change, then ghost my therapist, too. So for now, I just focus on my good friendships and hope I’ll grow out of it all. At least I’ve taken the first step by acknowledging how I feel.

Fair enough. Despite everything, do you still believe in the idea of love for yourself?

Yes. I’m not completely closed off. I think I’d like to try again when I’m more whole. I want to be with someone patient enough to understand me. But I know I might hurt them if I’m not ready, so I’m not rushing it.

I still have to do a lot of work on myself, and I’m still struggling to get past my trust issues.

So, how would you say the streets are treating you? Rate it on a scale of 1-10

I’d give it an 8.5. I like that I don’t feel pressured to impress anyone or fear disappointing someone, but it can get lonely sometimes.

I won’t give it a 10 because deep down, I know I still have some things to work through if I want to be genuinely happy in a relationship someday.

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This is Christina and David’s story as shared with Mofiyinfoluwa

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“I learned to mind my business very quickly” — Chinasa*, (20), F

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“My friend stopped talking to me after I called him out for cheating” — Aanu*, (29), M

“I cut him off after I saw how he was treating his babe” — Eze*, (31), M

“I support women’s rights and wrongs” — Denike*, (30), F

“They almost turned my house upside down” — Akin*, (37), M

“We had to go and beg his wife to forgive him” — Lekan*, (62), M

How did you and Tomi meet?

What impact did the lockdown have on your friendship with her?

What about after the lockdown?

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What was your friendship with Tomi like?

When did you notice any red flags in your friendship with her?

Did you try to speak with her about it?

What kind of information?

What did he mean by “close”?

Did you tell her when you found out?

How did you react to her response?

What was your friendship with her like after that?

How often did you try to reach out to her?

Did this bother you at all?

Like what?

Wow, that must have stung.

Did you try to speak to her after that?

How did she respond?

What happened?

Who is Jesse?

Did you confront Tomi about this?

Can you share how?

When did everything come to a head?

What did you do when she didn’t respond?

What has the aftermath been like?

What about your mutuals? How do they handle the rift between you and Tomi?

How has this friendship breakup affected your other relationships?

What if Tomi reached out to apologise? Would you ever rekindle your friendship with her?

What does the future hold for you now?

This is Kelechi’s story as told to Betty:

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This is Mary’s Story As Told To Mofiyinfoluwa

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How did your friendship with Ada begin?

What did she say?

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Wow, that’s so heart-warming. What was your friendship with Ada like?

How was your friendship with Ada like after she moved back to Nigeria?

What sort of issues did you have?

Did she accept that you weren’t judging her?

Did you ever try to talk about it with her?

Tell me about that.

Did her behaviour improve after you gave it another chance?

What did she do?

Did Ada try to reach out to you after she left the country?

Did she try to pretend like your friendship was the way it used to be?

Do you regret your friendship with Ada?

How do you feel about your friendship with Ada now?

Would you reconcile if Ada came back and promised she had changed?

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Table of contents

Short and Sweet Good Night Message for a Friend

Long Good Night Message for a Friend

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Funny Good Night Message for a Friend

Good Night Prayer for a Friend

Motivational Good Night Message for a Friend

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Good Night Message for a Female Friend

Good Night Message for a Male Friend

Table of contents

Short and Sweet Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

Long Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

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Funny Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

Good Afternoon Prayer for a Friend

Motivational Good Afternoon Message for a Friend

Good Afternoon Message for a Female Friend

Good Afternoon Message for a Male Friend

What’s your current relationship status?

Do you have any idea where that feeling might be coming from?