Life coach Benjamin Zulu has sparked debate online after warning that women who have never handled their own rent or bills may struggle to cope with the realities and pressures of adult life and marriage.
Speaking in an Instagram video on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Zulu argued that marrying a woman who has lived under constant parental support can create tension in relationships, particularly when it comes to finances and household responsibilities.
“I don’t encourage men to marry girls from their mother’s houses. She will never understand rent. Get a girl who has paid rent, someone who knows what it means to handle pressure and responsibilities,” he said.
Zulu explained that women who have paid rent or managed their own bills are more likely to appreciate the financial realities of adult life and contribute meaningfully to a partnership.
According to the life coach, such women understand the strain that comes with meeting obligations like rent, utilities and daily expenses, making them less likely to place unnecessary pressure on their partners.
“Payments can delay even when you’ve done everything right. A woman who has experienced that won’t pressure you unnecessarily over small things like outings or parties. She understands that logistics sometimes fail, even when romance is there,” he noted.
Zulu added that independence builds resilience and emotional maturity, qualities he believes are essential for a balanced and supportive relationship.
He urged men to look beyond emotional attraction and social traits when choosing a partner, encouraging them to consider practical life skills and financial independence as key factors in long-term compatibility.
The remarks have generated mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that life experience builds responsibility, while others criticised the comments as dismissive of women who live with family due to cultural or economic reasons.
