TMI is just not a thing anymore.

And I'm expected to listen and not judge?

When I first came across this trend, it was on Instagram and it was in French, “on écoute on ne juge pas” and some bunch of guys were talking about things they've done (whether true or not), expecting no judgement. Things were said, eyes were raised but it was minimal and harmless.

Until my fellow Nigerians decided to jump on the trend. Suddenly, I'm seeing things like, “I smell my menstrual blood, it's nice”, “I once masturbated with the end of a knife.”, and all sorts. What do you mean you stick a knife inside you? Are you trying to recreate the gun scene in Haunting Adeline or what??? Still doesn't make sense.

One thing you can never be certain of with Nigerians is what's real and what's just “cruise”. We've adapted to this country's depressing economy by using laughter as a coping mechanism.

But some of these things are not funny, or normal. And one thing I've noticed is how comfortable our generation has gotten on the internet. TMI is just not a thing anymore. I'm here opening my socials, and I'm seeing all sorts.

Why blab, when you can be mysterious?🌚

That's why, to me, a Yoruba girl, brought up in a Yoruba household, where eye service was code for “shut up your mouth”, and conversations were taught to be minimal yet concise - I just can't understand this.

I wouldn't say I grew up in a strict home, where they rule with fear, but we had our principles and honestly, I am grateful for that. Otherwise, I would be yapping my secrets on the internet, for views and likes.

Even oversharing has it's limits. Please guys, let's wrap it up. Therapy is always an option. And it's a safe space, bound by a contract, and it's a place where you are guaranteed privacy. And your therapist won't judge - at least, not to your face.

Even if your therapist judges, it won't be public knowledge.

And if you feel like therapy is too expensive for you, there's always journalling. It's a safe outlet, rather than traumatising innocent civilians like myself on the internet.

Now, if I'm not too late…

We listen, we don't judge (writer's edition)

I've been working on this piece for weeks, even abandoned it, and almost didn't publish it today. My growing subscriber count fills me with gratitude, but also with guilt for not having something new to share.

Your anonymous bestie

Ree🤍