1990s era: When love was simpler, cheaper and priceless

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1990s era: When love was simpler, cheaper and priceless
A mature couple enjoying an affectionate moment outdoors. (Courtesy/iStock)

Ah, the 1990s—an era when love didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Back then, romance was simple, pocket-friendly, and unpretentious. Women and girls of the village were a breeze to impress. Fair & Lovely cream and a pair of rubber shoes were enough to make them swoon. Today? Well, good luck getting away with that.

Let’s start with the quintessential gift of the time: beauty products. If your lady smelled of Yolanda lotion or Cobra powder, you knew she was living her best life. These products didn’t just moisturise; they were the village’s ultimate status symbols. And if you were lucky, she might slather it on generously enough to create a scent trail you could follow from the bus stop. Subtlety? That was for city folk.

For the real high rollers of romance, a pair of rubber shoes was the gift to give. These weren’t just any rubber shoes; they were the Rubber Shoes—the stuff of dreams. To afford them, a man would sweat it out on farms, haul bricks at construction sites, or chase any odd job he could find. When he finally handed over the shoes, he wasn’t just giving footwear; he was presenting his hard-earned labour and soul.

Hair care, too, was delightfully simple. Forget Brazilian wigs or lace fronts; the ‘90s hair treatment was a smoky affair involving a jiko-heated comb and a dab of milking jelly. The comb, glowing red from the charcoal fire, would straighten even the most stubborn strands, leaving the hair gleaming like polished ebony. Sure, the smell of singed hair lingered for a while, but hey, beauty had its sacrifices.

The grand total for all this? A tin of charcoal and a metal comb—less than a modern latte.

Life was straightforward. Women didn’t expect lavish gifts, and most lived with their parents, who covered their daily needs. It was unthinkable to sleep outside the family compound, which meant suitors didn’t have to worry about rent or utility bills. A man’s primary role was to show up with a small token of affection—perhaps a 40-shilling tin of lotion—and spend the evening exchanging sweet nothings under a mango tree.

Fast forward to today, and love is no longer a walk down a dusty road. Oh no. It’s a full-fledged financial commitment. Women now live independently, often in rented apartments, and it’s subtly (or not-so-subtly) expected that their man will foot the bill. Rent, electricity, internet, Netflix subscriptions—it all lands squarely on his shoulders.

Back in the ‘90s, there were no coffee dates in fancy cafes. Romantic outings consisted of strolling hand-in-hand along village paths, dodging the occasional chicken. Today, it’s a completely different story. A relationship isn’t official until it’s Instagrammed from a high-end restaurant, with carefully curated hashtags like #CoupleGoals and #LoveInStyle.

And let’s not forget modern gifts. These days, it’s not just about buying a pair of shoes; it’s about designer brands, jewellery, and surprise road trips. A modern man doesn’t just hold hands; he books flights. Love has become a high-stakes game, and the wallet often folds long before the relationship does.

Then there’s the evolving language of romance. The cheeky street sayings say it all. Back in the day, love was pure, unadulterated emotion. Today, it’s summed up in quips like, “A man can only enter the door he pays for,” or the even cheekier, “A man can only undress who he dresses.”

And what about time? In the ‘90s, time spent together was invaluable. Couples didn’t need distractions; they had each other. Now, if your date doesn’t include dinner, dessert, and a photoshoot-worthy sunset, are you even trying?

So here we are, looking back on an era when love was light, easy, and wonderfully uncomplicated. Fair & Lovely cream, a smoky jiko comb, and a pair of rubber shoes could create memories that lasted a lifetime. Today, love may come with higher expectations, but deep down, don’t we all secretly wish we could go back to those simpler times?

Because let’s be honest: no amount of Wi-Fi, Netflix, or overpriced coffee can truly replace the joy of holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, and walking down a dusty road with someone who makes your heart skip a beat.

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