In the ever-evolving world of Nigerian dating, a new term has emerged from the swamp of social media trends that's capturing everyone's attention. Welcome to Shrekking, the latest phenomenon sweeping through dating apps and relationships across Lagos, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
What Exactly Is Shrekking?
Inspired by the beloved green ogre from the DreamWorks animated film, Shrekking represents a shift toward dating without pretence. The trend encourages people to be unapologetically themselves—flaws, messy hair, bad jokes, and all—while rejecting society's polished standards of attraction. It's the antithesis of Instagram-perfect relationships and hyper-curated Tinder profiles that have dominated the dating scene for years.
The concept resonates strongly with young Nigerians who are tired of maintaining artificial personas in their search for genuine connection. Shrekking promises a return to sincerity and realness in a culture saturated with filters and carefully constructed online identities.
The Double-Edged Sword of Authenticity
While the movement's core message of self-acceptance aligns with mental health and body positivity advocacy gaining traction in Nigeria, relationship experts are noticing concerning interpretations. Some daters are using Shrekking as justification for low-effort behavior and emotional avoidance.
"I'm just being real" has become a common excuse for ghosting partners or refusing to communicate effectively in relationships. What begins as a celebration of authenticity can quickly devolve into romanticizing emotional laziness, creating another layer of complexity in Nigeria's already challenging dating landscape.
Why Shrekking Resonates in Modern Nigerian Dating
The trend reflects a broader dating fatigue among Nigerian singles who navigate between traditional expectations and modern dating apps. It serves as both a defense mechanism and a genuine cry for more meaningful connections in an era dominated by superficial interactions.
Young Nigerians are increasingly embracing the Shrekking mentality as a way to protect their emotional well-being while seeking partners who appreciate their true selves. However, relationship counselors caution that true connection requires effort beyond simply "being yourself"—it demands emotional courage and willingness to grow alongside a partner.
The original Shrek and Fiona's love story succeeded not because they gave up on effort, but because they tried despite their imperfections. As this trend continues to shape dating conversations across Nigeria in November 2025, it serves as a reminder that authenticity and personal growth aren't mutually exclusive in the quest for meaningful relationships.
