The Rise of Roaching: A New Dating Nightmare

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

Primary source Kenyan Digest archive

This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.

Published on August 21, 2019, a disturbing trend has emerged in modern dating: 'roaching.' This phenomenon involves someone hiding the fact they're seeing other people, often claiming they didn't realize the relationship was exclusive.

According to experts, roaching is a form of emotional manipulation, where the person being cheated on is left feeling confused and hurt. The term 'roaching' is derived from the word 'cockroach,' aptly describing the behavior of someone who infests a relationship without being honest about their intentions.

One common excuse used by roachers is, 'I didn't know we were exclusive.' However, this claim is often met with skepticism, as the person being cheated on may have been seeing each other for months or even years.

So, how can you avoid becoming a victim of roaching? The key is to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about the nature of your relationship. Ask questions like, 'What are we?' or 'What do you expect from this relationship?' and listen carefully to their response.

It's also essential to communicate your own expectations and boundaries clearly. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

As one expert notes, 'Don't be a roach, let me say that in Kiswahili for good measure, Usiwe mende tafadhali. Be honest with the person you're seeing and explain the level of your relationship. It's not that hard honestly.'

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