8 NEW WAYS TO SURVIVE LIFE IN LAGOS

Lagos is one of the liveliest, interesting, enjoyable places to live, but most of us can also agree it's equally just crazy - nearly all the time. How do we get by in this action-packed city of ours? The answer is to keep evolving! Here's how to survive now - and keep surviving - in Lagos:

1. WHEN IT RAINS...
Recognise that this is a valid reason to go to work late - or not go at all - and let the powers that be know (where will you rent a canoe??). If it's closing time, you're packing up and you see the rain clouds taking territory, unpack your laptop and start watching your favourite series or take out your bookmark and keep reading your current novel. No progress will be made by venturing out. Don't be a hero.

2. WHEN (S)HE WANTS TO BE MORE THAN FRIENDS...
Ask around, darling! The Bible says there is wisdom in a "multitude of counsellors" and never has this been truer than when it comes to the dating scene in Lagos. They might just have dated your best friend's colleague or still be in a relationship with your frenemy. Shine your eye; this is Lagos!

3. WHEN IT COMES TO NETWORKING...
The more people you know, the better. You just never know when meeting that cool person at a posh BBQ and swapping Instagram handles will be exactly what your life needs. From your influential friends on social media to your larger circle, don't play with knowing people in Lagos. "Your network is your net worth" - Tim Sanders.

4. WHEN IT COMES TO TURNING UP/PACKAGING...
Know your pocket. If your bank balance does not endorse champagne-popping on Friday night and buying 60k aso ebi, DON'TTT DOOO ITTT (you'll only feel the need to keep up and will most likely end up very, very unhappy). Do your best to attend to your needs and squeeze in a few wants when your finances allow, and avoid the habit of overspending.

5. WHEN IT COMES TO 'DOUBLING YOUR HUSTLE'...
Everyone around you is starting a business and your lack of 'Young Ceo'/'Entrepreneur' in your Instagram bio is bothering you. Just remember that starting, owning and running a business (especially in Nigeria) has more than its fair share of challenges and you should be sure an idea is something you are passionate about before jumping in. There's nothing wrong with taking your time - or never even becoming a businessperson!

6. WHEN IT COMES TO ACTING LIKE YOU DON'T KNOW EACH OTHER IN PUBLIC...
There's nothing more 'Lagos' than seeing someone you know "from somewhere", being seen by them (they know you too o!), and then both parties immediately forming unlooking. It is one of the most natural reactions to fellow human beings in Lagos, no? Break the cycle; it will not kill you. If you say 'hi' first and they act like they don't remember you, re-introduce yourself, smile and walk away, and then enjoy the feeling of knowing you are the less foolish person.

7. WHEN IT COMES TO HOUSING...
Don't kill yourself. Every 26-year-old you know now is moving out of their parents' house and into a "cute, lil' one-bedroom" in Lekki that looks Pinterest-perfect. Eh heh? If staying at home/with relatives allows you to use your money in other areas wisely and both parties are comfortable with it, ride on! Everyone knows the cost of living in Lagos can be ridiculous; don't add rent, generator-don-spoil and Land Use Charge to that.

8. WHEN E DON DO...
I believe everyone in Lagos deserves a minimum of 4 weeks a year (in total) away from the madness. That could be going to the village 'countryside' to spend time with your grandparents, breathe non-exhaust-fumes air and eat fresh food, or it could be a personal/couple retreat you've saved hard for in The Abroad (note: Benin Republic inclusive). Whatever it is, don't let this Lagos kill you!

Think I left something out? Let's chat more on Twitter!