For a long time, I thought Debt and Gbèsè were just two different words for the same problem.

After all, if you owe somebody money, you owe somebody money.

But apparently, I was wrong.

There is a very big difference.

In fact, after seeing an explanation of it recently, I started wondering whether Gbèsè is actually debt after it has gone through character development. 😂

Let's break it down.

1. Debt is calculated. Gbèsè is a surprise package.

Debt can be planned.

You borrow ₦100,000.

You know you borrowed ₦100,000.

You know who gave it to you.

You know why you borrowed it.

You may even know when you are supposed to pay it back.

That's debt.

Gbèsè?

You wake up one morning and suddenly realise your financial situation has entered a chapter you didn'tapprove.

No warning.

No preparation.

Just:

“Omo, how did I get here?” 😭

 2. Debt is manual. Gbèsè is automatic.

Debt usually requires your participation.

You see the money.

You need something.

You borrow.

Congratulations. You have entered debt.

But Gbèsè?

Sometimes you don't even need to invite it.

You can be minding your business, and Gbèsè will locate you.

Like it has your address. 😂

3. Debt is “I owe.” Gbèsè is “I don't even know where to start.”

If I owe you ₦50,000, I can confidently tell you:

“I owe you ₦50,000.”

That's debt.

But Gbèsè is when somebody asks:

“How much do you owe?”

And you need to sit down first.

Because there are multiple stories involved.

Multiple people.

Multiple promises.

Multiple deadlines.

And somehow, all of them are saying:

“Today.”😭😂

So, I have finally understood it.

Debt is when you owe money. Gbèsè is when owing money becomes an experience.

• Debt is calculated.
• Gbèsè is a surprise package.

• Debt is for the hand.
• Gbèsè is for the neck. 😂

Now, according to your own dictionary, what is the difference between Debt and Gbèsè?

Because I have a feeling some of you reading this are currently experiencing Gbèsè, not debt. 😭😂