After spending about a week in Abuja, it was time to return to Lagos. Given Nigeria’s unpredictable flight schedules — sudden delays or outright cancellations — I found myself constantly checking my email, half-expecting some bad news. Traveling sometimes feels like it requires more than a ticket; it often demands a bit of fasting, prayer, and a dose of luck. This time, my flight remained unchanged…at least until I had checked in and had comfortably sat at the departure lounge!
At the airport, while waiting to check in, I found myself next to two adults engaged in a rather tense conversation. A man — let’s call him A — was attempting to strike up a conversation with a woman, B. It quickly became clear that he was interested in her and trying to win her attention. “You are a very beautiful woman, and I would really like to have your number and get to know you better,” he said.
But B wasn’t interested. She responded firmly, “I’m not your type, and I don’t want to know you at all.”
The exchange reminded me of my school days, where such blunt rejections were called an “iso” — a metaphorical nail driven into one’s confidence. Yet A didn’t take the hint. He pressed on, layering compliments and insisting on a connection that wasn’t there.
Then, he made a serious mistake. While continuing his attempt, he reached out and touched her shoulder.
That was it.
B snapped. “Don’t touch me! That’s assault! Can’t you guys just allow women to be in peace?” she said with fire in her voice. “We’re not even in the same class, and I’ve told you I’m not interested!”
Her anger wasn’t just about the failed wooing — it was about her autonomy being violated. And rightly so. No matter how well-intentioned, touching someone without consent is a breach of personal space and respect. A looked mortified. He quickly apologized and moved to a different check-in line.
I couldn’t help but reflect in that moment: Persistence in romance is not always romantic. Sometimes, it’s harassment. A ‘no’ should be accepted as final.And on the flip side, while B had every right to defend herself, her jab about class stung with unnecessary cruelty. We must always be cautious with our words. Life has a way of reminding us that the people we look down on today might be the very ones we need tomorrow.
A short while later, I checked in and headed toward the escalator that led to the departure lounge. As fate would have it, A was just ahead of me — and directly in front of him was B.
Within moments of stepping onto the escalator, B misstepped and began to fall backward. Without hesitation, A reached out and caught her. Struggling to maintain his balance, he held onto her securely, and I rushed in to steady them both.
They regained their footing. B turned to see who had broken her fall — it was A. For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, she muttered softly, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” A replied.
It turned out that a few minutes after I arrived at the departure hall, my flight was delayed — for at least two hours. Hmnnn! As I sat waiting for my flight, unsure of if, and/or when I would leave Abuja, I carried with me these reflections:
* Always respect people’s boundaries. Consent is not optional.
* Persistence is not romance when it ignores rejection.
* Do not insult others — today’s stranger may be tomorrow’s savior.
* Treat everyone with kindness; our paths often cross again in unexpected ways.
* And above all, remember: dignity and decency cost nothing but mean everything.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst. He is the Founder of JB Law & Life Compass (JBLLC), a mentorship platform for young lawyers, law students and young professionals (@jblifecompass). Follow him for discussions on real life issues that affect us all:* https://substack.com/@johnsonbabalola https://medium.com/@jblawyer2021 https jbdlaw Website: www.johnsonbabalola://www.facebook.com/jbandthings
IG: @jbdlaw/@jbandthings
*You can obtain a copy of his book, REJECTED on Amazon, FriesenPress, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Apple Books, Nook Store etc.*
