The Journal

Culture and family

Family expectations, traditional marriage rites, faith, and dating well across different African cultures.

Traditional marriage rites, explained
What bride price, dowry and introduction ceremonies actually involve, how much practice varies, and the questions couples should ask early.
28 July 20264 min read
Dating across African cultures
Nigeria to Kenya, Ghana to South Africa: what actually differs, what does not, and how to avoid the assumptions that cause friction.
14 July 20263 min read
Faith and dating: the conversations that matter
How to talk about religion early without an argument, what interfaith couples need to settle, and the questions people leave far too late.
3 July 20263 min read
Dating an African partner: what to understand
For anyone dating across cultures into an African family: family involvement, money, faith and the assumptions worth dropping early.
26 June 20263 min read
Dating when family is part of the picture
For many Africans and people in the diaspora, a relationship is never only between two people. How to navigate that honestly, early.
11 March 20263 min read