Oprah Winfrey and Stedman has been one of those couples who didn’t need a title other than “Oprah and Stedman”. They dynamic of their relationship is pretty evident to most. So why aren’t they married? Well looks like the reason is Oprah’s fault.
The mogul opened up to O Magazine about her 40 year relationship. Stedman popped the question in 1993. Although, Oprah loved the idea, she admits she didn’t really want the life.
“In 1993, the moment after I said yes to his proposal, I had doubts,” Oprah shared during her profile with O Magazine. “I realized I didn’t actually want a marriage. I wanted to be asked.” She continued, “I wanted to know he felt I was worthy of being his missus, but I didn’t want the sacrifices, the compromises, the day-in-day-out commitment required to make a marriage work.”
So why has their relationship lasted 40 years? “Our relationship works because he created an identity beyond being ‘Oprah’s man,’” Oprah revealed.
Stedman teaches Identity Leadership around the world and has written multiple books on the subject in the educational field. “And because we share all the values that matter (integrity being number one). And because we relish seeing the other fulfill and manifest their destiny and purpose. It’s what Gary Zukav defines as a spiritual partnership: partnership between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth. I know for sure it’s the ultimate flower on my mind.”
Oprah and Stedman has proven that spiritual and emotional bond is deeper than appearance, as she admits that they weren’t really attracted to each other in the beginning.
“I thought he was nice enough, but I wasn’t that impressed,” Oprah revealed of meeting him for the first time. Though she did find him “kind” and “handsome” it was going to take much more to draw her in. “I figured he must be a player. So did all my producers. They warned me not to get involved with that Stedman guy.” But after spurring a friendship, “It wasn’t until months later, when I learned he’d broken up with his girlfriend and had been inquiring about my dating status, that I gave him a serious thought.” And the rest is history!
