British-Nigerian actress and award-winning presenter Simi Drey has shared intimate details about her decision to cancel her engagement, citing unhappiness and unfulfilled feelings in the relationship. Speaking on the WithChude podcast, the media personality explained the emotional journey that led her to walk away from her marriage plans, despite societal pressure and criticism.
Simi revealed that while her ex-fiancé was neither abusive nor unfaithful, their relationship lacked the fulfillment she desired. “We live in a society where marriage is heavily emphasized, especially for women. Even though my parents never pressured me, I often heard questions from friends like, ‘When will you get married?’”
Recalling her engagement, Simi admitted to having doubts from the start. “When he proposed, I had this apprehension, wondering if he was really the one. I told my mum about the engagement, and she said, ‘Simi, don’t do this.’ She knew I wasn’t feeling whole, even though I tried to convince myself everything was fine.”
Her emotional struggle intensified after the proposal. She described calling her father in tears, overwhelmed by uncertainty rather than joy. Two months later, Simi made the bold decision to call her fiancé, suggesting they work on their relationship before moving forward with marriage. However, her doubts persisted, and a month later, she officially ended the engagement.
“I wanted to marry with worth. I couldn’t settle for a marriage where I felt unhappy or disrespected. Being single and happy is far better than being married and miserable,” she stated.
The decision was not without consequences, as Simi faced significant criticism from those around her. Yet, she maintained that staying true to herself was the only option. “If I don’t feel respected or if a man feels superior to me because of his title or finances, it’s a no. I deserve more than that.”
Simi’s revelation has sparked widespread discussions about the pressure on women to marry, even at the expense of their happiness. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-worth and prioritizing emotional well-being over societal expectations.
