The Lagos “Soft Life” Trap: Why We All Fake Wealth Online
I’ve seen Lagos insist on a confidence that often exceeds what we can actually afford. From women stepping out in unsteady heels to men ordering top-shelf whiskey like signing a peace treaty, everyone seems to be performing wealth. When I scroll through social media, I see spontaneous Santorini getaways, designer perfumes lining duty-free shelves, and brunches with sushi and cocktails. Meanwhile, real life in Lagos fights fuel hikes, rent wars, and sky-high tomato prices. This obsession with presentation isn’t new. Nigerians have long valued neatness and dignity. But today, aesthetic wealth often stands in for genuine comfort. Soft life has become a visual culture where perception can open doors. Yet the cycle grows exhausting. People spend for optics before joy, booking luxury staycations on credit and chasing an illusion to avoid feeling left behind. In Lagos, even pretending to be rich is starting to look expensive.
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