“Only in Nigeria do they put an expiry date on a woman like she’s a carton of milk” – Lady

A heated debate has erupted on X, formerly Twitter, after a Nigerian woman criticised what she described as society’s habit of placing an “expiry date” on women based on age.

Her post questioned why women are celebrated below 30, pressured at 30, and dismissed once they reach 35.

Viral Post Challenges Age Narratives

In her post, the woman argued that age-based judgement is not biology but social pressure and control.

She said society rushes women into marriage, motherhood, and silence before they fully understand themselves.

She insisted that a woman’s prime is not defined by numbers but by self-awareness, confidence, and personal truth.

Strong Support From Some Users

Several users supported her stance and criticised societal expectations placed on women.

Victoire wrote: “The pressure the society put on women is too much.”

Another user, Ego, said: “Sincerely! It’s a messed up society. But some of us are too enlightened to let them control the narrative for us. I will always choose me and do me and not follow the smeared dictates of the society.”

Biology Argument Enters the Debate

Not all reactions were supportive. Esoteric countered the argument by stressing biological realities.

He wrote: “That expiry date talk isn’t about control, it’s about reality. Biology is not an insult fertility declines with age whether we like it or not (in men & women).

“Society doesn’t invent timelines; nature does. There’s nothing wrong with self-discovery or ambition, but pretending age is irrelevant helps no one. Truth isn’t pressure, and acknowledging limits isn’t oppression.”

Different Perspectives on Marriage and Timing

TY Autos offered a balanced view, urging an end to age-based insults.

He wrote: “May wisdom never leave u ,some get married 20 and still do get it right while 35 get there late amd get it right and also vice Verda, but that continuous bashing of over 35 that in their prime they were sleeping around and rejecting men need to leave some people’s head cos it’s very appalling,, women also have to build in their 20s and be something for themselves,thanks for saying this.”

Women and Self-Imposed Pressure

Joel shifted focus to women themselves, arguing the issue goes beyond Nigeria.

He wrote: “It’s not only in Nigeria , it’s not even a region or country thing , it’s a women thing. Women print that expire date, stamp it on their face and carry it along.

“When they are below 30 they say they’re are you and allowed to do whatever they want, they body, their lives and their rules.

“Then 30 and above women become the literally definition of walking – low self esteem. They don’t go out, don’t party , now have some unnecessary standards and automatically ‘Boxing’.”

Final Question on Biology

Joeboy raised a direct question that further fueled discussion.

He wrote: “I dont want us to argue much about this, i just have a question for you and i need a plain straight answer.

“If women don’t have a biological clock, why are women approaching 40 or in their 40s freezing their eggs? Expecting your swift response. Warm Regards!”