"It’s Just to Help": Nigerian Man Refuses to Kneel for Girlfriend During Proposal, Later Gives In
- A Nigerian man refused to kneel for his girlfriend during a marriage proposal, insisting he was not begging her, but later bowed to pressure
- The man, said to be from Benin, argued strongly against kneeling and told the people around him that it was not necessary
- After several moments of back and forth and mockery from those present, he eventually surprised everyone by kneeling to propose
A Nigerian man who initially refused to kneel for his girlfriend during a marriage proposal eventually succumbed to pressure and went on his knees to propose.
He explained why he did it in the video after the proposal, and the lady accepted the ring from him.
Source: TikTok
The man was later challenged by a woman in the video, suspected to be his girlfriend, after his earlier refusal to kneel.
At first, he stated that he wouldn’t kneel for his girlfriend, stressing that he was not begging her at all.
After several back-and-forth moments, he eventually knelt before her as they proceeded with the proposal.
This was captured in a video shared on the page, @keborevents, via the popular social media platform TikTok.
The clip began with the man telling his girlfriend and others present that he wouldn’t kneel. He insisted he would not do it, but hours later, he was seen on his knees proposing.
Source: TikTok
Man finally kneels for girlfriend
While he was mocked during the act by those present who felt he was only trying to maintain the standard of a Benin man, he eventually gave in.
Speaking about his stance against kneeling, he told the people present, including his girlfriend:
“I no dey kneel down, my leg no dey touch ground. I dey beg am?”
However, after the whole proposal and his eventual kneeling, he was confronted by a lady who asked him why he went against his words.
She challenged him:
“You say Benin man no dey kneel down.”
His response was immediate. He explained why he finally went on his knees and questioned the importance of the act.
He added:
“It’s just to help, to help other Benin men. All these things are not important. You no go go heaven with all these things.”
Not long after, the video made its way online, and concerned individuals stormed the comment section to share their thoughts.
Reactions as man kneels to propose
Mavenkizz said:
"You beg Abi u nor beg las las.'
Mummykells stressed:
"You nor knee down na photo shop."
Omma💕| The Network Marketer said:
"The fact that I had thought you were serious initially."
sharonblac noted:
'Benin men and pride."
bright aigbedion added:
"Na for media…benin men nor Dey go down.'
君Ark1n死 stated:
"there's a current video related to this, but the guy did not kneel and the woman called it off."
MARIAM IDRIS-ALIYU wrote:
"Shame catch am he shock sef.'
Nomzy said:
"Believe him at your own risk."
cutejay69 wrote:
"Congratulations Mike my friend so happy for you."
EventsByDinChi noted:
"Big congratulations sir 💐wish & hopeto be part of your beautiful day."
Ophori Kharis Mamus added:
"You kneel down Abi you nr kneel downnnnnn????'
Edmund said
"U want do surprise proposal u nor want kneel down. as how tell us. wetin u go wear for night when she dey sleep. u dey here dey form romantic."
When Legit.ng reached out to Ogwuche Godwin, a Relationship Counselor, Therapist, and Director of Go-Ru Marriage Academy, he shared his thoughts on a viral video showing a man who first refused to kneel while proposing to his girlfriend but later did.
He explained that there are many reasons why men may act this way, and it is not always about pride.
Mr. Godwin said that some men feel kneeling makes them look weak. In many families, boys are taught that men should never bow, even to women. So when a man is asked to kneel, he might feel like he is losing respect.
“You see, sometimes it’s not really pride the way people think. For some men, especially in our culture, kneeling down feels like losing their respect or manhood. Many were raised to believe that a man should never bow to anyone; not even a woman. So when you ask them to kneel while proposing, they see it as a sign of weakness, not love.”
He added that some men think kneeling is just a foreign tradition from the West. They believe love should be shown by caring, being faithful, and taking responsibility, not by kneeling in public.
“Some men also feel it’s a foreign idea, something copied from Western culture. They believe love should be shown through care, faithfulness, and responsibility; not by kneeling down in public.”
He also said ego and fear of what people might think can play a part. Some men worry others will say, 'you are not a real man' if they kneel.
“And truth be told, ego also plays a part. Some men are worried about what people will say; ‘You’re not a real man,’ ‘You’ve been controlled by a woman.’ So they resist, not because they don’t love her, but because they’re trying to protect their image.”
He explained that refusing to kneel does not always mean a man does not love his partner. Sometimes it’s about how he was raised or misunderstanding what love means today.
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“So it’s not always pride. Sometimes it’s how the man was raised, sometimes fear of people’s opinion, and sometimes just confusion about what love and respect really mean in today’s world.”
The relationship expert also spoke about how couples should handle disagreements, like when they have different beliefs or follow different traditions. He said talking calmly is very important.
“Disagreements about traditions or personal beliefs will always come up because no two people are raised the same way. What matters is how couples handle them.”
He said it is important to listen and respect each other’s backgrounds. When both understand where the other is coming from, it is easier to find a solution.
“They need to talk openly and calmly. Don’t shout, don’t argue; just talk. Let each person explain what the tradition or belief means to them and why it matters. Understanding each other makes it easier to find common ground.”
“Couples should also learn to respect each other’s backgrounds. Respect doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything, it means you value their perspective.”
Mr. Godwin said small compromises can make a relationship stronger. For example, kneeling during a proposal may seem small, but it can show love and care.
“Yes, it can. Sometimes it’s the small things we do that make love grow stronger.”
“Compromise doesn’t mean weakness. It simply means you care about peace and your partner’s feelings. If kneeling down to propose or doing something small makes your partner happy, then doing it shows love and maturity.”
“In a relationship, you don’t need to argue over every little thing. Meeting halfway and adjusting for each other brings peace, understanding, and unity.”
He also said couples should talk about what they want before a proposal. This helps prevent misunderstandings or embarrassment.
“Couples should talk openly and honestly before a proposal. Don’t assume your partner knows what you want. Talk about proposals, marriage, and traditions. Ask simple questions like, ‘What kind of proposal would you like?’ or ‘How do you feel about kneeling down?’”
“Listen to each other without judging. Even if you don’t agree, respect how your partner feels. The goal is not to win an argument, but to understand each other.”
“Don’t let social media pressure you. What works for one couple may not work for another. Focus on what makes both of you happy and comfortable. Communication before the proposal makes everything more meaningful and peaceful.”
He warned that family and friends can sometimes put pressure on couples, but couples should stay united and protect their peace.
“Friends and family can sometimes put a lot of pressure on couples, especially during proposals or weddings. Couples must learn to stand together and protect their peace.”
“Agree on what you want before the event. Talk about how you want things done, simple or elaborate, so that when people start talking, you already know your plan.”
“Don’t let people’s opinions control your relationship. Listen to advice, but only take what brings peace and unity. Support each other; when couples face the world as a team, outside voices lose power.”
Finally, the expert gave advice for when pride and culture clash. He said love should never make someone lose their peace or faith. Couples should respect culture, but also respect their own values.
“Love should also never make you abandon your faith. If a tradition or belief starts affecting your peace or values, you need to be careful. Respect your partner’s culture, but don’t lose yourself. Choose peace, wisdom, and mutual respect.”
Man stands to propose to lover
Meanwhile, Legit.ng gathered that a viral video of a Nigerian man’s proposal to his partner divided opinions online.
Instead of the widely recognised practice of kneeling, the man stayed on his feet while asking for her hand in marriage.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
