Eye Candy vs. Reality: When the Shine Outside Hides an Empty Middle

Author: Mawutor Akosua Ametame

We live in a world that sells us images before it sells us truth.

From the moment you step out of your house in Ghana, whether it’s the perfectly painted “abɛ nkwan” joint that has no pepper, the roadside shoes that look Italian until the first rain, or the smiling person with smooth talk but no integrity, you are constantly being served eye candy. Shiny on the outside. Empty, sour, or disappointing on the inside.

But this isn’t just about deceit. It’s about how often we fall for appearances—how we choose packaging over content, charisma over character, and noise over value. And sometimes, it’s not just others doing it to us. We, too, have learned to curate and camouflage. So let’s talk about it.

1. Not Everything That Glitters is Gold. Sometimes, It’s Plastic Coated in Dust

In Accra, you can spot a car with tinted windows, loud music, and shiny rims. It cruises by, and you think, “Wow, this guy is loaded.” But follow that same car to the filling station and you’ll see him asking for GHS 20 fuel with confidence.

The illusion is strong because it works. We are drawn to beauty. To flash. To perfection. Even when we know it’s not real.

But that’s the trap. We end up applying for jobs that only offer big titles and low salaries. We trust people because they speak big English but don’t do anything. We go for friendships that feel good on Instagram but have no backbone in real life.

And the worst part? We ignore the warning signs because the surface is just so sweet.

2. Substance is Rarely Loud — It Grows Quietly

Real things don’t always shout.

The most nourishing food in the Ghanaian kitchen isn’t always the prettiest. Kontomire stew doesn’t win beauty contests, but the nutrients are richer than any jollof with boiled egg on top.

Likewise, the people who will stand by you when life hits you hard may not have the best fashion sense or 5,000 followers. They may not have perfect English or show off on WhatsApp statuses.

But they have depth. And that depth shows in silence, how they remember your struggles, how they check on you without being prompted, how they help without public announcements. In a world where everyone is trying to impress, these people are a rare gift.

3. Eye Candy is Addictive, But It’s Often Short-Lived

We are a generation trained to value appearance.

Even our social media bios say things like “God first 💯 | Digital Marketer | Lifestyle Queen | Brand Ambassador,”  but half the time, we’re still figuring ourselves out.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with branding or beauty. But it becomes dangerous when we let the image define the substance.

You buy a fancy notebook because the cover says “Dream Big”, but you haven’t written a single goal inside.

You admire a public figure because they speak well, but you ignore the fact that their actions contradict everything they post.

It’s like using an air freshener to mask a gutter. It may smell okay for now, but sooner or later, the stench will show up. Eye candy may satisfy your eyes, but it rarely nourishes your soul.

4. From Bofrot to Big Men: Check the Middle Before You Commit

Here in Ghana, we know how to make things look good. Our wedding decor, funerals, and even political campaigns can compete globally. But behind the shine, what’s happening?

That company promising 7-figure earnings? Read the fine print, are they using your effort for their benefit?

That “connection” guy asking for an upfront payment to get you abroad? Ask yourself: Where is the proof?

That ministry leader who quotes Bible verses but gossips behind your back? We need to discern spirituality from showmanship.

Whether it’s food, people, opportunities, or dreams, check the middle. Is there real meat inside or just puffed-up dough?

5. You Too  Don’t Just Be Eye Candy. Be a Full Meal

This is not just about spotting fakes. It’s also about doing some deep self-check.

Are you presenting a life that looks sweet online but is bitter in private?

Are you in relationships where your smile hides the truth that you’re emotionally disconnected?

Are you offering people presence without purpose, showing up, but never stepping up?

Eye candy fades. But real value lasts.

Let your friendships be nourishing, not performative. Let your words match your actions. Be the kind of person whose life encourages, not deceives.

Final Thoughts: The Cure for Eye Candy Culture

We don’t have to throw away beauty, packaging, or style. But we must learn to pair it with honesty, depth, and purpose.

So, before you admire someone’s life, ask what’s sustaining it.

Before you envy someone’s job, ask if you’re ready for their struggle.

Before you accept a gift, ask what strings are attached.

And when life serves you a juicy, golden-looking meat pie, take a moment, open it, and make sure it has more than just onions inside.

Because the truth is, not everything sweet is food, and not everything beautiful is good.

Choose wisely.

Reflection Corner (Let’s Talk):

Have you ever chased something that looked great but left you feeling empty?

What have you learned about choosing value over appearance in your daily life?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Someone might need to hear your experience today.