Why Onyeka Ehie From The Bachelor Has 'Never Been in Love Before'
Onyeka Ehie established herself early as one of the key players on The Bachelor this season. There was her memorable opening interview, which included the quote "If I was the person Colton gave his virginity to, I would definitely bring out all the tricks.” And she wasted no time calling out Catherine for monopolizing Colton's time during the first cocktail party. Then there's the whole drama with Nicole. Mix in the fact that she actually called herself "weird and obnoxious," and you have all the makings for a Bachelor standout.
Unfortunately, that doesn't translate to Colton's heart. Ehie said goodbye to the 26-year-old in tonight's episode, ending a journey that started only a few weeks ago—at least on television.
The 24-year-old Dallas native says she signed herself up for The Bachelor. "I definitely had a lot of outside influence from people at work and my close friends because I’ve been single for five years and I’ve never been in love before," Ehie says. "That’s partially because I’ve been working on myself a lot and my career and I’m very picky. Honestly, the dating scene in Dallas is great, but I haven’t found anyone to connect with."
Connection is something Ehie has been craving for a while. She's looking for real love—not just a relationship because it "makes sense." "I want to be with someone because it’s what I want and I feel it. I know that when I’m in love with someone, I’ll know it. It’s kind of like an orgasm," she says, laughing.
Of course, Ehie wanted that person to be Colton. Aside from just being a "genuine guy," two things about him drew her in. "He upholds really strong Christian values, and I grew up in the Christian church, so that’s important to me…and he’s hot."
Onyeka grew up in a traditional Nigerian family, and she says a deal breaker for her is someone who can't assimilate into that. "I didn't know if Colton had ever dated a black girl before," she says. "That wasn't a fear, but a question almost. My parents are very open to me [dating a white guy], but they want to make sure that he’s aware if he’s with me, he’s not just dating a girl that’s African American; he’s dating a girl that has a very strong Nigerian culture. My parents are very traditional, so being in a relationship with me comes with a lot of traditional aspects. If he’s willing to adapt to those, then my parents are 100 percent on board.”
Things might not have worked out for her and Colton, but Ehie has someone very exciting to go home to: her dog, Smoky. "He’s my favorite," she says. "It was hard going so long without seeing him."
To learn more about Ehie, follow her on Instagram here.
—Reporting by Alize Emme
