Published on 04:53 PM, February 22, 2024

Should you really take relationship advice from netizens?

MODELS: RAFIDAH RAHMAN & ZARIF MASUD. PHOTO: DARSHAN CHAKMA

In the sprawling urban jungle of Dhaka, the idea of seeking relationship advice from strangers online seems outlandish. Yet, here we are, in an era where airing one's dirty laundry in the vast digital expanse is as common as dodging rain puddles during monsoon.

Picture this: It's a lazy Friday afternoon in Dhaka. The sky is overcast, and you are sipping on your third cup of cha, scrolling through your phone. Suddenly, the urge to solve your relationship woes with the wisdom of the internet grips you.

You find yourself typing away, seeking counsel from usernames like "LonelyHeartHacker" and "RomanceGuru92." It seems as though you have discovered a button-clicking virtual oracle that is prepared to offer guidance.

Let's take a moment to recognise how ridiculous the scenario is. You are essentially accepting relationship advice from someone who may be halfway over the world, still in their adolescent years, wearing pyjamas. It's confusing and a little worrisome.

In Dhaka, where relationships are as complex as navigating through the city without Google Maps, the idea of taking advice from strangers online becomes even more fraught with complications. Cultural nuances, societal expectations, and the ever-looming spectre of "What will people say?" make the landscape of love uniquely challenging.

Can "Steve from Texas" really grasp the intricacies of your aunt's disapproval or the subtle art of dodging "shomporko" proposals at family gatherings?

Now, before you dismiss the idea entirely, let's acknowledge the comedic goldmine that is online advice. Reading comments that vary from really insightful to hysterically off-target has a certain allure. It has all the excitement of a soap opera, plus the element of surprise. Will "DhanmondiRomeo" offer a profound insight, or will "LoveDaaktar101" suggest solving your commitment issues with a meme? Only time will tell.

So, should you take opinions from strangers online for your relationships? If you are in Dhaka, or anywhere else for that matter, tread lightly. The digital world is a vast ocean of opinions, where wisdom and whimsy sail side by side. By all means, dive into the sea of online advice for entertainment or a fresh perspective. But when it comes to steering the ship of your relationship, you might want to keep the helm a little closer to home.

In the end, whether you are wandering the overcrowded and suffocating streets of Dhaka or wandering through Facebook pages with hilarious names and admins who take their tasks way too seriously, remember: the best relationship advice often comes from your surroundings, circumstances, understanding yourself and your partner, with tonnes of common sense (we're running low on supply globally) and a dash of tea for good measure.