Don't settle out of desperation Chimamanda urges young women

Speaking at a recent event with students, the award-winning writer, 47, stressed the lifelong impact of such a decision, urging women to prioritize kindness and support when choosing who to marry. 

“It’s really important who you choose. It’s really important. Young women, choose wisely,” Adichie said. “Sometimes, as young women, you can tell that the person you’re with is not really a good person, but you’re desperate to get married. “You’re desperate to have somebody who’s your partner. Don’t settle. Be very careful who you choose. 

 “The person you choose as your life partner will make a huge difference in your life. “If you choose somebody who’s kind, supportive, it will make all the difference. So I can tell you that I chose well, there are some good men left.

 Adichie, known globally for her novels Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, has been married to Nigerian doctor Ivara Esege since 2009. 

The couple has three children, a daughter and twin boys. Her comments come shortly after she revealed she had reclaimed her Igbo name, Chimamanda, to reconnect with her roots after feeling disconnected from her identity.