Media personality Toke Makinwa has opened up about her past marriage, offering an honest reflection on how she found the strength to leave, despite facing public judgment and widespread misconceptions about her resilience.
In a recent interview with media host Chude Jideonwo, the actress and entrepreneur spoke about the emotional toll of being in a deeply scrutinized relationship while silently enduring personal struggles that few were aware of.
Makinwa noted that society often misinterprets the experiences of survivors, assuming their hardships weren’t significant simply because they managed to move on with their lives.
She noted that society sometimes envies those who bounce back stronger, rather than drawing inspiration from their recovery.
“People like to say it must not have been that bad because you didn’t die. But if someone comes back 10 mins stronger, it unsettles others. Instead of learning from it, they see your strength as a threat. Until you have walked in my shoes, don’t comment on it,” she said.
Toke further explained that the public nature of her marriage ultimately influenced her decision to leave. If the relationship had been private, she admitted she might have considered staying longer.
However, the overwhelming scrutiny, coupled with the intensity of her emotions, made the situation unsafe for her well-being.
“Maybe I could have stayed if it wasn’t so public. But the way I loved this person would have been dangerous for me. If I stayed, how I felt would have consumed my entire life,” she added.
The mother of one emphasised that choosing herself over remaining in a toxic environment was the only way to preserve her life and future, even though the process of walking away was not easy.
