Renowned comedian, Helen Paul, has revealed her long-standing battle with self-esteem issues, particularly in relation to her career, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking on a podcast, she shared experiences of societal judgment about her marriage to Femi, a lawyer, given her profession as a comedian.
Helen recalled instances where her husband faced questions and judgments from colleagues and superiors, questioning why he chose a comedian as a wife rather than someone with a more conventional career.
Such encounters, she admitted, took a toll on her self-esteem and how she perceived herself in comparison to her husband.
One memorable incident involved her HR manager expressing scepticism about the choice of Helen as a partner for Femi due to his professional background.
Another incident at her former workplace involved insinuations that Femi was too polished for someone like her.
These encounters had such an impact on Helen that she admitted to avoiding attending the same church as her husband during the early years of their marriage.
She said she also struggled with feelings of inadequacy, believing that her career as a comedian couldn’t match up to Femi’s status as a lawyer.
Helen described the pressure she felt when introducing Femi in public, feeling that her profession didn’t measure up to his accomplishments. The constant comparison fueled an inferiority complex that lingered even on their wedding day.
Opening up about her struggles, Helen emphasized the emotional toll these experiences took on her. She shared that her self-esteem issues were already present before marriage, and her wedding day conversation with Femi reflected her insecurity. She expressed her determination to try her best to make the marriage work but acknowledged that her initial expectations were modest.
Helen’s candid revelations shed light on the impact societal perceptions and judgments can have on individuals, even those in the public eye. Her story resonates with many who grapple with self-esteem challenges, demonstrating the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of societal expectations.
