A TikTok clip has taken social media by storm this week after a young woman laid out the little but meaningful things her boyfriend does for her. In a country where many accept low standards in romance, her video strikes a chord by showing how a partner’s consistent kindness is far from ordinary.
Acts That Stand Out
The woman, who posts as @ntiyiso.0, shares that her boyfriend, who is nine years older, does things some might think are simple but rarely see done with regularity. He pays for her hair and nails without prompt. He orders food for her while she is working and makes sure she eats at home. He surprises her with flowers, treats her to restaurant dates (or takes her to her preferred simple spot like McDonald’s), and gets her cakes when she is feeling down.
He also makes her picture his phone’s wallpaper, features her heavily on his social media, introduces her to his people, and caters to her cravings when “that time of the month” comes. The woman says these actions are habitual, not just special-occasion gestures.
Why the Video Has Resonated
Thousands have reacted under the video with messages like “You are well treated” and “Ladies, what kind of men are you dating?” Many say they expected such gestures to be standard yet rarely see them. Others ask how she reciprocates such care.
Folks are saying that seeing someone treated this way makes them reflect on their own relationships or even reconsider what they should settle for. In a society where public displays of love are often measured in grand gestures or once-off gifts, consistency has become the new benchmark.
Context in South African Love Culture
In communities across South Africa, “bare minimum” in romantic relationships has become a heated phrase. It speaks to frustration about partners who promise more than they deliver or perform only when attention is high. This video pushes back against that, showing that respect and daily care make a real difference.
Small acts like ensuring your partner is fed or feeling seen online may seem trivial, but in many homes these are rare or sporadic. For many people, they’re a test of love, commitment, or whether the person truly values them.
@ntiyiso.0 #relatable #skincare #tutorials #boyfriend ♬ original sound – Ntiyiso Mushwana🎀
What This Means Going Forward
This isn’t just a feel-good video. It’s a quiet reminder that actions matter. It suggests that many people are reassessing their expectations: not wanting big flashy displays all the time, but wanting respect, consistency, and presence.
It might also shift conversation about what healthy relationships look like in 2025. And maybe encourage folks to speak up when they aren’t being seen or treated well rather than accepting what’s “normal.”
Parting Thought
Kindness isn’t always loud, but it echoes. The boyfriend’s gestures in this video are about respect and putting in effort every day, not just on Valentine’s Day. And for many watching, that consistency is the kind of love they want and deserve.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Shutterstock
