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TLC’s Chilli is getting candid about her past relationship with R&B singer Usher and reflecting on the difficulty they shared moving forward.
During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Chilli reflected on her former on-and-off relationship with R&B superstar Usher. However, she also explained why the relationship, ultimately, did not work out.
“We definitely had some chemistry. But working chemistry does not mean it works in your personal life. If we were working, it was great. But outside of that, we’re so different.”
Additionally, the singer explained that their pair relationship “looked great.” However, Usher “knew he had to be a certain way” with the singer but was unable to do so.
“It looked great, but in real life … he knew he had to be a certain way with me and he couldn’t.”
According to the outlet, the pair exclusively dated between 2001 and 2004. However, Chilli explained that despite their breakup, they remained in contact, on and off, until around 2019.
“I love hard. I was like, ‘God, why can’t I get over this?’ He couldn’t either.”
Additionally, the singer explained that during their period of being on and off, she would refrain from dating other men because she feared that she would be “straddle the fence” between two love interests.
“I even stopped dating. Because before that I thought if I met the right guy during that time that I wasn’t over [Usher] it wouldn’t work. I would never want to straddle the fence.”
However, Chilli later realized that she needed to focus on herself.
Today, Chilli explained that she has “no hard feelings” for her ex. In fact, according to the outlet, the singer believes that her past experiences have prepared her for her current partner, actor Matthew Lawrence.
“He wants to be the best guy he can be and who God wants him to be. God-willing one day we’ll get married.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, her groupmate T-Boz is also rooting for the couple’s future.
In March, the 53-year-old told PEOPLE that she’s “never seen” Chilli “so happy.”
“She is so happy. Take it from her sister. Trust me — I’ve never seen her like this.”
At the time, Chilli also interjected into the interview and echoed her groupmate’s sentiments.
“I am ecstatic. He’s the best, and she approves.”
Before this, Chilli explained that not only is she interested in marriage to Lawrence, but she’s also open to having kids with the actor.
“I would never say that [I’m done with families]… I gotta be married for sure… and I’m not married yet.”
