Ibrahim* was just 14 when he first understood what it meant to feel butterflies. It started with teasing and laughter in a JSS3 classroom, but what followed was a formative love that would shape his teenage years. Now 27, Ibrahim has only had romantic relationships a few times – once in secondary school and another notable one during a global pandemic. In this week’s #LoveBox, he tells us about secret numbers, spiritual growth, and why he thinks he’s already met the love of his life… twice.
Can you tell me about the first time you were ever in love?
I was 14 and in secondary school. There was this girl in my class – SS3 at the time. You know how it is in a school setting: playful teasing, innocent crushes. That’s how it started between us. She would joke about me, and before we knew it, we had grown fond of each other.
ICYMI Issue 8: We Let Religion Win. Three Years Later, I Still Miss Her
After that WAEC people do in junior school, we had this long break. I didn’t have her contact, but one day, a random number called me. It turned out to be her – she had secretly taken my number from my best friend.
What happened next?
We started talking constantly, texting back and forth. We discovered we had a lot in common, and over time, we confessed our feelings for each other.
Who made the first move to make things official?
Actually, she did. She told me she liked me, and I admitted I felt the same way. She made it so easy to fall in love with her.
ICYMI Issue 7: She Tried to Matchmake Him, But Ended Up Saying Yes!
How long did the relationship last?
All through my senior secondary school days.
So, you were one of those high school couples?
You can say that again.
ICYMI Issue 6: We Were Just Friends – Until She Sent That WhatsApp Message
How did the relationship end?
There were a lot of external influences, and I had to deal with competition from guys outside our school. Some of them even started threatening me because I was dating her. With final year exams approaching, it became overwhelming. I didn’t want distractions, so I felt we should end things.
Did you ever think you would marry her?
Yes. I always romanticised the idea of marrying my high school sweetheart. I thought that was how my life would go.
How did you feel after the breakup?
It wasn’t easy. I couldn’t even concentrate on studying like I had planned. Funny enough, even though I was the one who initiated the breakup, I think I struggled more with it than she did. At some point, I felt she was relieved to be free from me, and that made me feel even worse. Funny enough, we ended up going to the same university.
Wait! What?! Was that planned?
Not at all. It just happened.
So you reconnected on campus?
Interestingly, we didn’t quite reconnect. It was awkward seeing her around, but I was grateful we weren’t in the same department. We barely ran into each other.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 5: Bad Boy Turned Born Again: Now, I’m Searching for True Love
Safe to assume you are currently in another relationship then?
Lol. No, I’m not.
So there’s been nothing since your highschool tango?
Actually, there’s been one.
Oh, could you tell me about your last relationship?
That was arguably my best relationship ever.
Was it?
Yea, I met her in my first year at university. She was this weird, frantic person – her dressing, her energy – everything about her intrigued me. I’m naturally curious, so I wanted to know more about her. We became very close friends.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 4: He Bought His Wedding Shoes from Me – Only To Marry Someone Else
When did things become romantic?
During COVID-19. You know, that period where it felt like the world was ending. We realized our feelings went beyond friendship. I confessed first, and she did too. We were together until late 2023.
What happened?
Things weren’t going well for us individually, and we felt we needed to focus on our personal growth. It was a mutual decision. We wanted to be better versions of ourselves before considering a future together. So, in a way, it was more of a pause than a breakup.
Do you think you’ll get back together?
Yes. That’s my top prayer point.
How has your dynamic changed since then?
We went back to being just friends – like flipping a switch. It’s like our feelings are on hold for now.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 3: One Tweet, One DM and a Love Story That Is Defying Distance.
How do you feel about that?
At first, I struggled. I was insecure, wondering if she had let me go too easily or if there was someone else in her life. Watching her withdraw was hard. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’m only just getting used to the fact that we’re not together.
Do you think she’s in a relationship now?
No. Not that I know of.
Did you ever try to get back together?
I considered it many times. To be honest, I wanted to have that conversation, but I didn’t want to force it. I felt that if we rushed things, it wouldn’t lead to a happy ending – it might even make us resent each other. And that would be terrible because I genuinely feel like she’s my soulmate. If I miss out on her, I might never meet someone like her again.
You separated to focus on personal growth. Do you think you’ve figured things out?
To an extent, yes. There are areas where I’ve improved, but I still have personal things to work on – especially my spiritual life.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 2: One Minute, It Was Love. The Next, He Was Hurling Insults at Me
Do you think that’s stopping you from exploring new relationships?
I don’t even want to go into another relationship. I feel like I’ve reached my limit. At this point, I just want to get married.
What’s the most romantic thing someone has done for you?
I’m not really a romantic person. I don’t even like surprises – I never know how to react to them. But I’ve had past partners surprise me a few times, and I secretly thought it was really sweet.
What’s your love language?
Physical touch.
When do you see yourself settling down?
Hopefully, next year.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 1: I Wanted Him But The Streets Didn’t Want to Let Him Go
Are you under any pressure to get married?
At some point, I felt that way. But then I realized I was just convincing myself I wasn’t ready. Right now, the only thing holding me back is money!
KloutBox #LoveBox Series
This story is part of the KloutBox #LoveBox series, celebrating Valentine’s Day by sharing real stories about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Subscribe to our newsletter here so you can be the first to know when we release the next issue in the series.
