Nigerian singer Tems has shared her experience with a toxic relationship, revealing how she once mistook control and obsession for love.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Angie Martinez, the Essence crooner reflected on a past relationship where her partner displayed possessive and obsessive behaviour, which she now recognises as unhealthy.
According to Tems, her understanding of love has evolved, noting that genuine love should be built on mutual respect and partnership rather than control.
“I have experienced love where I thought it was love but it was more like when someone is trying to own you. They think that they own you. And that’s not love.
“Love is not obsession. And it is not possession. I can’t own another human being. Love is when both of you become one person.”
She explained that toxic relationships can be emotionally exhausting, especially when the person involved may not even realise their behaviour is harmful.
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“We don’t own each other, we are each other. I feel everyone has experienced toxic love with someone who doesn’t even know that they are toxic.
“They say they love you but they don’t know that they don’t even love you. Because you can’t love someone you feel you own,” she expressed.
Prompt News reports Tems’ comments have sparked conversations around healthy relationships, with many fans relating to her perspective on love and emotional boundaries.
