The Married At First Sight couples are being tasked with deepening their relationships. For many of the newlyweds I am not sure if they are ready for that just yet. People are really starting to show their true colors. It seems like everyone is having issues, even your favorites. I don’t know if it’s something in the water or it’s the stress of the experiment but almost every is at odds.
The stakes go up for the newlyweds as they seek to strengthen their bonds of trust and intimacy. Each couple consults an expert who asks the tough questions. They are challenged to try to improve their emotional and physical closeness. This task proves to be easier for some than others. Let’s get straight to the recap!
Katina and Olajuwon
Olajuwon and Katina receive a visit from Dr. Viviana Coles. Her first question is why food is the number one thing that comes up in their relationship. Immediately, he defends his stance on why cooking and cleaning is a necessity for HIS wife. He even doubles down stating he questions her mentality and whether she is lazy. I still don’t understand why her not wanting to sweep the floor one night made him come to this conclusion. Sigh! Omg, can we get this man a chef, maid and a therapist? Dr. Viviana wastes no time putting him in his place about his unrealistic expectations. She is flabbergasted by how he is putting down his wife over something so trivial. Katina gets emotional and admits Olajuwon makes her feel insecure. Once again, I am wondering why the experts would put an abuse survivor with a guy like this. He doesn’t understand or care how his behavior affects his wife. I just want her to know she deserves better than this toxic relationship.
Dr. Viviana tells Olajuwon if he is going to make cooking and cleaning an issue, he is going to be married and divorced several times over. He then switches gears and says that he needs her to be more open. SMH… Do these people not realize that in order for someone to open up, you have to make it safe for them to do so? Calling someone lazy and telling them they are failing as a wife, isn’t doing that. Later, Katina tries to do something nice for Olajuwon. She goes to the grocery store and plans a movie night for them. He is ecstatic that she listened and did something he requested. I’m sure later he will complain he was fed popcorn and candy instead of real food.
Lindsey and Mark
Lindsey is even more confused by Mark’s behavior more than ever. Ever since he decided he wanted to pump the brakes on their intimacy, she has been left feeling frustrated. Recently, he initiated sex only for it to be a quickie. Lindsey wonders why he said he wanted to step back only for them to abstain for 2 weeks and then have impersonal sex.
Dr. Viviana arrives to get an update on Mark and Lindsey’s marriage. I already know that this conversation is going to be interesting. When the topic of sex comes up, Lindsey immediately says their sex life is dead. She then goes on to say demeaning things about his performance. Whoa! Even Dr. Viviana suggests she stop being rude if she wants things to work. After some basic questions, we uncover that they both want the same things but are having issues achieving them. Dr. Viviana suggests they start by not hitting below the belt. I think that is easier said than done at this point.
Lindsey plans a nerf gun fight to incorporate some fun into their relationship. I actually enjoyed watching them be playful. Just as things are getting competitive, they get a box filled with intimate goodies from the experts. I don’t think anyone was prepared to witness them both sporting matching ball gags and candy underwear. Nothing is less sexy than witnessing these two sport this look. Mark is laughing, but I can tell he is definitely out of his comfort zone. The man just had his first taco a couple of weeks ago. Now he is playing sex games on television.
Noi and Steve
Dr. Viviana stops by to check in on Noi and Steve. He feels that they have a great physical connection. But Noi admits she still needs to work on being comfortable communicating when she is upset. The way she walked out during their last fight is an example. Tears start to flow as she recounts how much she hurt Steve. Noi doesn’t ever want to be the source of his pain, but admits it’s going to be a struggle to change. Steve lets her know on no uncertain terms that behavior like that isn’t sustainable. Things get even more tense when Noi mentions she needs a plan in regards to his employment He questions does she appreciate their spotless apartment and the great meals he provides. Yikes! As much as she like that, she wants her husband to work and not be a stay at home husband. She is fine with sharing in the household duties. Now I am a little confused. I was under the impression he wanted to be self -employed, but that statement kind of makes it seem like he doesn’t work at all. I can now see why Noi is pressing to see an actual plan on how he intends to bring money into the household.
Jasmina and Michael
Jasmina and Michael play a game to create intimacy and trust and it’s a little awkward. Although they are answering the questions and sharing, I don’t feel any real chemistry. Is it just me? I really want these two to work, but it just seems like they are trying so hard for these small moments. When Dr. Viviana stops by, they both admit they lack intimacy. We can all see that! Michael tries to voice that he is uncomfortable with the negative labels his wife places on him. Jasmina continues to interrupt him and gets very defensive. The reality is that he doesn’t feel comfortable talking to her. Honestly, who would? She can be rude and condescending and doesn’t even realize it. After Dr. Viviana leaves, Michael tries to speak more about using journaling as suggested during counseling. Jasmina becomes extremely irritated by the idea she would need to use that method to communicate. She then storms out and proceeds to blame him for their communication issues. Didn’t she agree to journaling when Dr. Viviana was there? If it was such a big issue why didn’t she say so? Omg, I am so sick of her attitude. At first I thought Michael may be doing something off camera, but she is really showing her true colors. She acts as if Michael is her enemy and not her husband.
Jasmina and Michael go to tantric yoga together. Afterwards, they sit and ask each other intimacy questions from the experts. Surprisingly, she actually takes some ownership of some of their problems and seems much more relaxed. Even Michael is shocked that she isn’t just blaming him for their lack of trust and communication. This is a great step in the right direction. If they can continue this way, there may be hope for them yet.
TELL US –WHO DO YOU THINK IS MOST LIKELY TO SEPARATE ON DECISION DAY? WHO IS YOU FAVORITE COUPLE SO FAR? SHOULD NOI BE CONCERNED ABOUT STEVE’S PLAN TO BRING MONEY INTO THEIR HOUSEHOLD?
[Photo Credit: Lifetime]
