Media personality Toke Makinwa has shared a candid reflection on her past marriage, revealing how she found the strength to walk away despite public judgment and misconceptions about her resilience.
In a recent conversation with media host Chude Jideonwo, the actress and entrepreneur described the difficulties of living through a highly scrutinised relationship while dealing with private struggles many did not understand.
According to Makinwa, people often misjudge survivors, assuming their challenges were not severe simply because they emerged alive and continued 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.
