The style icon of Dubai Bling, Safa Siddiqui, opened up to us about her experiences of dating, self-love and her journey with Fahad to marriage. Through her personal stories and advice, Safa Siddiqui gave us the 4-1-1 on how she handled her love life before meeting her husband, so it’s safe to say that we’ll be taking *notes*.
Scroll down below to read the full interview with the reality TV star while we wait for season 2 of the major Netflix series, and watch snippets of the exclusive interview below.
Womenpreneur ME: How did you and Fahad meet?
Safa Siddiqui: It was very much of a persistent thing from Fahad. But that’s very important for me because if somebody is persistent, I am interested. When Fahad came to my office, it was the first time, he was dealing with a colleague of mine and he was checking me out. I kept bumping into him everywhere and we became good friends. And I was like, ‘Wow! finally, a guy in Dubai who just wants to be friends.’ But then it was his birthday, he complimented me, and I realized that guys don’t speak to girls that way unless they’re interested in them. And then the rest was history.
I thought he just wanted to be friends and I was so happy. Initially, I thought he could be a guy friend who was nice and refreshing, but I was wrong about it. He was too good and ended up being my husband.
Womenpreneur ME: What is your opinion on people that are not ready for a relationship?
Safa Siddiqui: First of all, we are not convincing anyone to be with us. A guy should feel privileged to be with a woman. Do not waste your energy on relationships that aren’t serious. Save that energy for the right person.
Womenpreneur ME: You’ve been vocal about the financial dynamics in a relationship. What’s your opinion on splitting bills?
Safa Siddiqui: No splitting bills. This is a major red flag. I do believe that if they cannot pay for a date, it is not okay. A relationship is more about partnership, but sole responsibility is also heavily on men. Initially, when Fahad and I just started dating, I would never accept any gifts, because I didn’t want him to feel like I was interested in him for the materialistic things. But when it comes to dates, a real man would have paid that bill by the time she is back. It is weird to watch a guy who picks up the bill and starts calculating everything that’s ordered. It is decent to take the bill under the table and check the bill discretely.
Womenpreneur ME: You’ve previously shared that you’ve had bad dating experiences, can you share some of them?
Safa Siddiqui: Every woman should experience bad dates so that when the right one comes along, they can understand and respect him. For me, if I had met Fahad as the first guy I have ever met, I think I would not have appreciated him and considered him as the norm. Finding a gem is one of the hardest things to do.
When I first met Fahad, he wasn’t fully ready for a relationship, but I was straight up about wanting to get married. I find the right guy when you put that boundary, people have no choice but to respect it.
Womenpreneur ME: Since you said that he wasn’t in the right space to get married, do you believe that people change for the person they want?
Safa Siddiqui: Change, yes. You are not going to change a guy 100%, but if he has 10% in it for him that he wants commitment, you can inspire that to grow bigger.
You are not here convincing a guy with 0% of it in him. Why we are waiting to talk about these things? Let’s talk about it immediately. And if it doesn’t excite him, then you don’t have to be with that person either.
Womenpreneur ME: Do you have any advice for young women who want a life and relationship like yours?
Safa Siddiqui: You should cherish your life and invest in it because things change a lot when you get married. You have to then become responsible for your husband and your home. Right now, you are carefree, so do the things that make you passionate because when you meet your husband, you want a life to tell him too, right?
I think when you are single in your 30’s or 40’s, you are already a woman. So, you already know what you have to offer for your partner. And honestly, if that man is not adding value to your life, you are already super valuable. You are ready. You know what you are willing to offer. If you wait and if he just comes alone, it’s great. And if he doesn’t, you are also doing fine, because you are done it for.
Via @safa_dubai on Instagram
