Shay Mitchell Shares What She Tells Her Daughters About Not Marrying Matte Babel

Shay Mitchell has opened up about why she and her longtime partner, Matte Babel, have chosen not to get married, revealing how she addresses the topic with their two daughters. The actress and the former TV host have been together since 2017 after previously being friends for years, and they currently share daughters Atlas, 8, and Rome, 4.

During a recent appearance on Khloe in Wonder Land hosted by Khloe Kardashian, the actress discussed what happens when her children ask why she and Babel are not married. She shared that the question comes up frequently, particularly when someone they know gets engaged or when they consume traditional media stories.

Mitchell explained that she tells her daughters that she and Babel function as partners and that she simply does not want or need a wedding. She noted that children often absorb a specific narrative from books and movies where a happily ever after always concludes with a wedding and a prince.

To counter that singular narrative, Mitchell tells her children that marriage is not a requirement. She noted that after she explains her perspective, her daughters understand and accept the explanation as the wheels turn and they process a different family dynamic.

Mitchell addressed her viewpoint on weddings and long-term commitment, noting that her perspective does not stem from a negative family example. She pointed out that her own parents share an incredible relationship, but she prefers the personal freedom that comes with an un-joined status.

She expressed that she values waking up every day and knowing that both she and Babel actively choose to remain in the relationship. According to the actress, this dynamic works smoothly for them, and Babel is an incredible father and a great partner.

Mitchell previously touched on similar themes during an appearance on the Today show, emphasizing the practical and romantic aspects of their arrangement. She remarked that the lack of legal paperwork keeps the relationship exciting because it is entirely based on daily choice rather than obligation.

Aside from discussing her family life and partnership choices, Mitchell is preparing for a return to television. The actress is scheduled to star in an upcoming reboot of a popular television series that is set to premiere in a few months.

The couple continues to focus on raising their two daughters together while maintaining the partnership framework that they have established over nearly a decade of being together.