Shay Mitchell, the well-known actress from hit shows like ‘Pretty Little Liars’ and the ‘Baywatch’ reboot, has opened up about her views on marriage during an appearance on Khloé Kardashian’s podcast, ‘Khloé in Wonder Land’. The 39-year-old star shared insights into her relationship with partner Matte Babel and their two daughters, Atlas and Rome, while revealing their family’s thoughts on the subject of matrimony.
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Mitchell has been in a long-term relationship with Babel since 2017, and the couple has welcomed two children, Atlas, aged eight, and Rome, aged four. Despite her enduring partnership, Mitchell expressed that she has no intention of tying the knot. When asked by her children about why they aren’t married, she reassures them by explaining, “Mommy and Daddy are like partners, and I just didn’t want a wedding and just don’t need it.”
The subject of marriage often arises in the Mitchell household, especially when the girls encounter weddings or hear about engagements. The actress noted that these discussions are sometimes fueled by the narratives they see in films and read in storybooks, where happy endings typically coincide with marriage. She indicated that her daughter has even inquired, “Who’s your prince?” and emphasised that she wants to broaden her children’s understanding beyond traditional romantic storylines.
Both Mitchell and Babel, aged 46, hail from Ontario, Canada, and have built a life together without the institutions of marriage. The actress clarified that her decision not to marry is not a statement nor a rebellion against societal norms; rather, it reflects the life they have cultivated together. “That just really is the life that she has grown up with,” Mitchell explained, expressing comfort with their current arrangement.
Kardashian, probing deeper into her guest’s mindset, asked if Mitchell has always held this perspective about marriage. The actress replied affirmatively, citing her own parents’ successful 40-year relationship as a pivotal reference point. Despite having a strong model of commitment, Mitchell asserts that she does not feel compelled to formalise her relationship through marriage.
While she remains open to the idea that her views might shift in the future, Mitchell described her current satisfaction with their arrangement, valuing the freedom it affords both her and Babel. “I just love the freedom of, like, ‘Hey, I’m choosing to be in this position with you right now,’” she expressed, highlighting the mutual choice they have made to be together without the formalities that often accompany marriage.
The conversation on ‘Khloé in Wonder Land’ delved into the evolving nature of relationships and societal expectations, with Mitchell reinforcing that the essence of a relationship doesn’t solely hinge on a wedding ring. Her thoughts resonate with a growing trend where couples choose to prioritise partnership and family without the traditional institution of marriage.
As Mitchell continues to navigate her relationship while raising their daughters, she remains committed to instilling values of choice and partnership in their upbringing. This refreshing outlook challenges conventional views on marriage and redesigns what it means to be a family unit in contemporary society.
Listeners can catch new episodes of ‘Khloé in Wonder Land’, distributed by Dear Media, airing every Wednesday, where such profound discussions around relationships and personal choices are explored.