Dating expert Caroline Brealey has kindly stopped by at Female First to share her thoughts on the last episode of Married at First Sight.
Weddings on Female First
What were your thoughts when you first heard about Marriage at First sight?
I couldn't get my head around it for a little while. I was looking for the catch that said they don't really get married or that it was a fake ceremony. Once I realised what it actually involved, that couples would legally marry and saw there had been several series of the show in the US and Australia I was very surprised - even more so when I found out how many people applied to be on the show! I think it's a step too far.
Do you think it's possible for a union like this to work long term?
Yes there is a chance - but not because of the science aspect. Maybe I'm cynical but I couldn't see much science being done in the matchmaking process. When you put together people who are both serious about finding love, in the right place in their life who have shared values and similar aspirations for the future you are halfway there to a solid match. There is always a chance that it might work out in the long run - that's the beauty (and frustration) of love - you never know when it's going to hit.
Were you able to predict which couple would last and which wouldn't and if so how?
No! From the clips on the TV there was no way of telling and of course it will have been edited in a way that surprises us and keeps us on the edge of our seats - hence the second episode made it look like Jason and Kate were loves young dream and Emma and James were destined to fall at the first hurdle when in fact it was the other way around.
Why have dating apps got out of control?
There are way too many! Whilst in some ways it's great we have a lot of choice when dating (in terms of apps, online sites etc.) the downside is that it creates a disposable dating society. In other words, we're always looking for better. Rather than invest time in giving a relationship a chance to grow and develop, if it's not perfect, we jump back on Tinder and start again. It's become a game - but with people's emotions involved.
Why do you think that the show missed out the crucial issue of whether the contestants were ready for the commitment of marriage?
Jason's behaviour is not that of a man ready for marriage. Or even commitment. I don't think it was simply a case that he didn't fancy Kate, I don't think he showed signs of being ready to commit to anyone. Where he's at in his life can be an indicator of that - at 30 he's living in a house share putting work first. There is nothing wrong with those things at all, but they don't scream of a man ready to make marriage a priority.
What was it about Emma and James that helped them to flourish?
They both seem to be giving it a go and doing what they can to make it work, that's all you can do. Whether they will actually go the distance though? Who knows!
What was the ultimate downfall of Jason and Kate?
I don't think Jason is emotionally mature enough for a serious relationship. That's not a bad thing - unless he signed up to get married, oh wait……
Whilst they seemed to hit it off on the actual wedding day, Jason's behaviour went rapidly downhill. It was clear he wasn't willing to put in the effort. First he cut the honeymoon short because of work. He then started unpacking his belongings in the spare room claiming he 'didn't want to wake her up in the morning' - alarm bells should have sounded then. Rather than spending time with Kate and getting to know her he was hardly ever at their shared house and he didn't even bother turning up to their counselling session as it was at 4pm on a Friday and he was tired. Hardly the traits of a man with commitment on his mind! Finally, just when we thought his behaviour couldn't get any worse he tops it off by logging into tinder and swiping right on his wife's friend. Jason and Kate didn't work because he was not willing to invest his time, energy and emotions into giving it a good shot. Put simply, he should never have applied for the show in the first place.
The show is going to air a second season- what advice would you have for the future contestants entering?
Don't enter! But if you really want to think long and hard about the emotional toll it will have. What Kate has been through is incredibly difficult at the best of times but being played out for all to see must be awful. Go in with your eyes wide open knowing that there is a strong probability you won't be marrying the love of your life - after all nobody (including science) can guarantee true love.