Media personality Mr Carter has stirred debate over modern relationship expectations after criticising women who buy their boyfriends boxers, singlets and socks as birthday gifts, describing such presents as “unromantic.” He made the remarks on The Brotherhood, an all-male discussion show on Joy Prime.

Speaking on the programme, Mr Carter argued that romantic effort in relationships should be mutual, particularly when men invest significantly in their partners. “You meet a lady you believe you have feelings for, and over time you do your best as a gentleman to get her attention,” he said. “But when it is time for your return, she disappoints.”

To illustrate his point, he shared a personal example. “Imagine celebrating your woman’s birthday and you give her GH¢5,000 cash in a flower bouquet, and when it’s your birthday she brings you boxers, a singlet and a pair of socks. That is not romantic,” he said.

Mr Carter also pointed to what he described as double standards in gift-giving. “The funny thing is that when you buy women bras and panties, they don’t like it, but they want to buy you boxers and socks,” he noted. He stressed that women should also make an effort to meet their partners halfway. “When you realize that a man is doing his best to meet you halfway, it is only nice and romantic to do the same,” he said.

He added that reciprocity does not always require matching amounts of money. “If a man spends GH¢3,000 on you and you can’t do the same, you can try to do it in another way that is cheaper but thoughtful,” Mr Carter explained.

Media personality Shed Lamptey, who also appeared on the show, supported the argument by emphasising that love should be demonstrated through actions. “Treat me, you love me not just saying you love me. Love is practical,” he said. Shed added that consistent good treatment can influence emotions over time. “When you meet people you don’t love and they treat you well, with time you will love them. But when you meet people you love and they act badly, with time you lose whatever you feel for them,” he said.

Entrepreneur Nanye, also on the panel, offered a broader perspective on gender differences in expressing love. “Women express love based on their expectations of what love is or what they have experienced,” he said. “Men, on the other hand, express love based on their personalities or what they feel love should be,” he concluded.