Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has shared her thoughts on why many women need to experience living alone before getting married, a comment that has sparked conversations across social media and relationship circles.

The actress made the remarks during a recent interview on the “That’s What She Said” podcast, where she spoke candidly about independence, self awareness, and how early life experiences can shape marital expectations. Her comments have since been widely reported by Nigerian entertainment platforms and discussed online.

According to Aladese, many women move directly from their parents’ homes into marriage without first learning how to fully manage life on their own. She explained that while this path may be common, it can leave some women unprepared for the realities of shared living and long term partnership.

She noted that living alone allows women to understand themselves better before committing to marriage. This includes learning personal boundaries, habits, and emotional needs without the influence of parents or partners. Aladese emphasized that these discoveries often happen only when a person is solely responsible for their space, time, and decisions.

During the interview, Aladese explained that independence is not just about finances but also about emotional maturity. She pointed out that many conflicts in marriages stem from unmet expectations that were never clearly understood beforehand.

By living alone, she said women can identify what they are comfortable with and what they are not, making it easier to communicate expectations to a future partner. This process, according to her, helps reduce frustration that can arise when two people with different lifestyles begin living together.

The actress also mentioned practical life skills such as managing bills, maintaining a home, and handling solitude. She noted that these experiences help women build confidence and decision making skills that often translate into healthier relationships later on.

Her comments were not presented as a strict rule but rather as a personal observation based on experiences she has seen around her. She acknowledged that not everyone has the opportunity to live alone due to economic or cultural factors, but maintained that the experience can be beneficial where possible.

Following the interview, reactions poured in from fans and social media users. Many women agreed with Aladese, sharing stories of how living alone helped them understand themselves before marriage. Others pointed out that cultural expectations and financial realities can make independent living difficult, especially in Nigeria’s urban centers.

Some listeners praised her honesty, describing her comments as refreshing and realistic, while others felt that independence can also be developed within family homes. Despite the mixed reactions, the discussion has remained largely respectful, with many acknowledging that personal growth happens differently for everyone.

Aladese, known for roles in projects such as The Men’s Club, has increasingly become known for speaking openly about personal development and lifestyle topics alongside her acting career. Her interview adds to a growing conversation among Nigerian celebrities who are sharing perspectives on relationships, identity, and adulthood.

The actress has not suggested that living alone guarantees a successful marriage. Instead, her comments highlight the importance of self knowledge before entering any long term commitment. As the interview continues to circulate online, it has become one of her most discussed non acting moments in recent months.