Nigerian actress Teniola Aladese has opened up about her personal dating preferences, revealing that she is not inclined to date fellow actors.
In a recent appearance on the ‘I Said What I Said’ podcast, Aladese described the Lagos dating scene as “stressful” and “a very big mess,” noting that her social media messages are often overwhelmed with suitors.
Despite this, she said her own dating experiences have largely been positive, adding that she has never encountered a truly terrible date.
Aladese explained that she usually knows from the first meeting whether a relationship has potential.
“It is just that after the first date, I already know that you will never see me again,” she said, emphasising her ability to quickly gauge compatibility.
The actress, who successfully transitioned from movie production management to acting, rose to prominence through her role in the Africa Magic drama series ‘Jemeji’ and won the Trailblazer Award at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
The actress also stated that she prefers dating individuals who hold influential positions in the entertainment industry, such as producers or directors.
“I don’t want to date an actor. I wouldn’t mind the upper echelons like producers, directors, but actors are a no for me,” Aladese said, without elaborating further on the reasons for this preference.
Aladese’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about relationships and professional boundaries in Nollywood. Many actors and industry professionals have highlighted the challenges of balancing personal life with a public career, particularly in Nigeria’s entertainment hub, Lagos.
The actress has been vocal about various issues in the Nigerian film industry, including payment disparities and gender stereotypes.
In recent interviews, she has advocated for women to pursue independence before marriage and has encouraged more equitable treatment for actors behind and in front of the camera.
Her preference for dating producers and directors aligns with her broader outlook on maintaining both professional and personal autonomy.
While she did not provide additional reasons for her dating choices, Aladese’s comments highlight the pressures actors face in their personal lives, especially regarding the public scrutiny of relationships.
