Jada Pinkett Smith was tickled when rapper Common discussed his search for a wife. The mother-of-2 laughed out loud when Common said he thought marriage would be “fun”.
Jada, who is still married to her first husband after 22 years, was probably amused because Common has a long history of failed relationships with a variety of women of all ages, shapes and sizes.
The rapper sat down with Jada, her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, and her daughter Willow, 18, for an in-depth interview on Facebook’s web series Red Table Talk.
Jada asks the 47-year-old about his search for a wife in his new memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word.
Common, who was born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, nods and replies, “Yeah, I would like to be a husband. Now I think I just want that partnership, to be able to experience life where I’m growing as a human being and it’s fun.”
He added: “I know it’s hard,” which prompted Jada and Willow to laugh out loud (but not disrespectfully).
Jada – who is married to actor Will Smith – has had difficulties in her own marriage. She recently revealed a “betrayal of the heart,” but she insisted that Will did not commit infidelity.
Common, who most recently broke up with CNN commentator and political analyst Angela Rye – acknowledged his mental and emotional issues gets in the way of a meaningful relationship with a woman.
His emotional issues likely stems from his ordeal as a child when he was molested by an uncle.
“Talking about my intimacy avoidance and love addiction was an ‘aha’ moment for me,” he said. “The more you talk, the more you see the patterns you created for yourself.”
After seeking counseling with unlicensed therapist Michelle Obama, Common says he is ready to dip his toe into the lady pond again.
“I’m open to a relationship now. I know how to communicate like an adult now. I want to be the best partner I can be.”
