The good, bad and ugly of sugar daddies and mamas

Desmond Boshego

LIMPOPO – A RELATIONSHIP is a strong, deep or close association or acquaintance between two or more people that may range in duration from brief to enduring. For some, romantic relationships are the most meaningful element in their lives, providing a source of fulfillment outside of themselves.

There are a lot of unconventional relationships such as older men dating younger girls or older women dating younger men, which are becoming more prominent in society. Express asked residents what they thought of sugar daddy and sugar mommy relationships.

Kgotlelelo Mafala said sugar daddy relationships were not good because they were demanding and the men were liars.

“When you date a sugar daddy, it means you should keep your partnership to yourself. You won’t be able to share your relationship problems with your friends knowing that they will laugh at you. A sugar daddy knows that there is always a possibility that someone somewhere might know him, so he would prefer to keep his personal life personal, while the perosn dating him will not be able to share things like his name, place of employment and details of the relationship.”

Kefilwe Shongoane said she didn’t think such relationships were good as there was often a big age gap and the older partner expected you to be a bit matured.

“This is totally wrong and I don’t promote it, because these relationships prevent young people from focusing on their studies and reaching our goals. The older partners can also use us for their pleasure, giving us more money, knowing that with the money I will agree with whatever he is saying.”

Francis Choshane, however, said he promoted relationships with older people.

“As a young man, you can get whatever you want from your partner, especially if she earned more. Sometimes you might find that she is the owner of a company and dating her can be an advantage as she can employ you in a high position. You can wear expensive clothes, drive luxury cars and enjoy life the way you want to.”

Oupa Mashilo agreed with Francis: “having a sugar mama is a big trend nowadays. Sugar mamas also love to spoil younger men and provide financial and emotional needs to the young men”.

Dineo Ngobeni did not agree with this and said relationships with sugar daddies were bad and could ruin young girls’ futures.

“Engaging yourself in such relationships while you are young is too dangerous. You could lose concentration on your school work and later be dumped and left with nothing. I prefer a relationship of the same age or at least with a three-year gap. I say no to sugar daddies.”

Tumelo Monama also did not agree and said he would never date a sugar mama.

“If you are a young man and you date a sugar mama, you might sometimes think of breaking apart, because your partner will always need you by her side, especially while walking in public and this is boring”.