Simisola Ogunleye, a popular Nigerian singer, recently shared her thoughts on marriage, suggesting that couples consider living together before marrying.
On the latest episode of the Tea with Tay podcast, the singer emphasised the importance of understanding different aspects of a person’s personality before committing to a lifelong relationship.
She stated her position while acknowledging that her point of view may not be shared by everyone.
Simi said:
“Maybe I shouldn’t share this opinion because I feel like religious people might not agree with me. [But] I personally think that people who want to get married should live together for a little bit before they do that. Because I don’t think you really know someone that you’re going to marry until you cohabit.”
Simi emphasised the importance of witnessing different aspects of a partner’s personality that may not be visible in public settings.
She continued:
“The way someone is when they are outside in their best behaviour is different from how they are when they are cranky and they haven’t eaten or when they wake up in the morning or when they are snoring.”
Simi did, however, acknowledge that people can successfully marry without cohabiting.
According to the singer, living together provides valuable insights into compatibility. It also allows people to make better decisions about spending their lives together.
“When you live with someone you know all the sides to them, that is when you really know if you can do forever with them. Millions of people have gotten married without living together. But I personally think it’s a good idea to cohabit before marriage.”
Simi clarified that cohabitation does not have to be long-term, and that even a short time spent living together can provide valuable insights.
