u/Substantial-Glass663

I genuinely need to ask: is it some sort of crime for a 22-year-old Zimbabwean woman to have a boyfriend?

My girlfriend still lives with her parents, and every time I call, there is always some excuse.

• "My dad is around."
• "My mom is here."
• "I can't talk right now."
• "I'll call you later." (and sometimes she never does)

At first, I understood. African parents, especially Zimbabwean parents, can be strict and protective. Some families still treat a 22-year-old daughter like she's 15, and anything involving relationships is handled with secrecy.

But at the same time, I'm starting to wonder:

• Is this just a normal Zimbabwean girl experience?
• Are some parents really that controlling?
• Or is there something fishy going on?

Because honestly, at 22 you are an adult. You should at least be able to answer a simple phone call without acting like you're committing a crime.

I know our culture can be conservative, especially when parents are religious or traditional. Some girls hide relationships completely to avoid endless questions, lectures, and judgment. But when every single interaction feels like a covert military operation, it starts to raise doubts.

So I want to hear from fellow Zimbabweans:

• Are parents really this strict with daughters in their twenties?
• Do Zimbabwean girls often hide relationships like this?
• Am I overthinking it?
• Or should I be concerned that I'm being kept in the shadows?

Because at this point, I can't tell whether I'm dating someone under strict parental surveillance or I'm just being given excuses.

Zimbabweans, please explain.

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Am delusional to think STIs are not even a thing that will affect everyone, with amount of raw going on I am almost about to think STIs might not be real especially with kissing per hour, they should have just spread easily.