Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr has said she deliberately avoided dating while in school to protect her reputation.

The 23-year-old Mavin Records artist explained that she avoided relationships because she did not want to be labelled someone’s ex-girlfriend.

Speaking in a recent interview with Quenlin Blackwell, Ayra Starr said she was always self-aware and cautious about people’s intentions when they approached her.

She said many guys tried to date her in high school, but she questioned their motives, convinced they had an ulterior motive.

“Because I didn’t want to be someone’s ex, I didn’t date in high school,” she remarked. “I knew a lot of guys were trying, and I was like, ‘Why are you trying? That means you must have an ulterior motive.'”

The singer also shared her current views on relationships, noting that she now values intelligence in a partner more than physical attractiveness.