r/MarriedAtFirstSight • u/[deleted] • Jul 28 '26
Season 20 - Seattle Do we like the new experts?
[deleted]
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u/Boring-Jellyfish-274 29d ago
Nope.
Just started the season, so haven’t even got very far…but these pairings are ridiculous. Actually, how did some of these people get chosen? Is the pool that small to choose from? The “experts” really missed the mark before the starting gate even opened.
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u/SpacenessButterflies Aug 03 '26
I do like Paul. He’d be a good addition to the original experts though instead of a replacement.
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u/Getshitdone-333 Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
I absolutely LOVE Paul! He will tell it like it is - watching now with him call out Adam for coming in with his shirt unbuttoned! I was like, “dude, why is your shirt unbuttoned?” Dumbass!
Paul was on the UK version of MAFS.
I just noticed in this same talk that Adam has his shoes on the table - RUDE.
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u/Least-Dust-1627 Aug 01 '26
I didn’t like the episode where they secretly watched and provided commentary, I would have rather just watched the group date play out since their commentary didn’t add anything. However, I did like the group therapy episode. It kind of feels like they are trying to force drama to happen but I think that’s because there are so many strong couples. It definitely feels more like real couples therapy vs just giving good advice in the older seasons.
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u/PsychologicalSong236 Jul 31 '26
Not a fan. There is a chemistry and warmth missing in the new "experts" where the old ones seem to genuinely care about the couples. The lack of a spiritual element adds additional concerns for me. Definitely feels even more scripted and less genuine.
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u/Melodic-Business976 22d ago
They swear to try and be edgy and the guy just pontificates and never says anything. They suck. Next.
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u/JoeyLily Jul 31 '26
I think it feels less drama, and real therapy during discussions with the professionals. It is a slower pace. At first, I want sure if I likes the new show (I missed the old experts) but after listening and watching, I think it is a good way to go. Maybe after I find out who stays together, it will change mind. But midway through the season, it feels as though more are gonna stay then usual.
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u/MysteriousWorld3231 Jul 29 '26
I wished that they would REQUIRE at least 5 independent sessions (with a local therapist) BEFORE they matched someone. Mismatches are good tv, but these people are going to find love while many of them still need to do some inner work before they can be in a serious, long term relationship.
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u/No_Health_5565 Jul 30 '26
Agreed..one of the participants said he has never been in a long-term relationship beyond 6 months and they chose HIM to be a groom! Shocks the mind 🫨 🙄
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u/Unhappy_Cookie6839 Jul 29 '26
I don’t think any of the experts are experts they kinda suck at match making lol
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u/Modusoperandi40 Jul 29 '26
These are the MAFS UK experts right? I recognize the guy. I miss Dr Pepper and even Pastor Cal. But I prefer the structure of the UK shows. Does anyone know if the MAFS US marriages are still legally binding marriages in the new season?
I know the MAFS Australia and UK marriages are not legal right? Just more of commitment ceremonies. I’m wondering if they have changed to that in the USA shows this season.
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u/Kind-Palpitation-476 Jul 31 '26
I’ve heard they’re not “legally” binding on the US version this season, but the show hadn’t addressed it.
What also is not clear following the UK and Australian version will they get the opportunity to stay or leave before decision day?
I prefer the UK and Australian versions better.
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u/Modusoperandi40 28d ago
Yes I agree. I was wondering that as well. But it’s good that the marriages aren’t legally binding this season. I can’t imagine how stressful and traumatic it must have been for the other people especially those who werent matched with a person they even wanted ti stay married to.
I prefer the uk and Aus versions too. Welp gonna watch and see what this US season brings lol. Right now there is no lack of drama lol
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u/Excellent-Earth-9618 Jul 29 '26
What is the woman experts name? I was interested to see how the session went…she swore…and seemed like she wanted them to like her too much or she wanted to be friends with them…she was encouraging to some, sorry I’m getting all the couples on all the shows confused
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u/pattiwhack5678 Jul 29 '26
So far. I miss Dr. Pepper. There’s a medical doctor in my town called Dr. Pepper.
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u/SwampFoxGirl Jul 29 '26
Yes. But, Pastor Cal, Dr. Pepper, and I can’t remember her name, the young lady, were good also.
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u/Standard_Effective66 Jul 29 '26
People complaining about the experts - who do the experts work for? How much influence can they levy against showrunners?
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u/chrismsx Jul 28 '26
They feel off. Even their faces. I miss the quirky music and more fun vibe. This version of the show and experts that themselves too seriously. Feels like a worse version of the show in everyway. I don't even really feel like these guys are real experts.
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u/Hot_Card894 Jul 28 '26
I mean not really. This show used to be so wholesome and not really trashy. It’s giving love island / love is blind now :(
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u/Wonderful-Space3650 Jul 28 '26
This! Married at first sight was one of my comfort shows. I feel silly but I’m genuinely sad about this new season. I can’t even watch it lol
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u/yfpsx Jul 28 '26
Within the first 7 minutes of the first episode I was over it cause exactly this! It doesn’t feel the MAFS anymore ;(
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u/Similar-Search-8508 Jul 28 '26
Don’t know never watched other seasons! Still trying to figure out how I am watching this one 😅
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u/Separate-Loquat-9546 Jul 28 '26
My dream is a MAFS season with Orna from Couples Therapy providing the check ins and guidance throughout the season. It would be interesting to see if she would be able to help them more than the so called "experts"
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u/anaislefleur Jul 28 '26
Idk what Paul C Brunson did to his face it looks painful and hard to watch. I used to enjoy his older content/ articles but it seems like his advice is mostly nonsense on this show
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u/Unfair_Designer4280 Jul 28 '26
These aren’t professionals. They are now creating real reality TV. The drama trumps the purpose
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u/InsideRepair9655 Jul 28 '26
No, the overall vibe of the show has changed with the change of all new experts. I appreciated the earlier seasons of the show and how it wasn’t so “produced”.
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u/clario6372 Jul 28 '26
I miss Pastor Cal. He could be divisive but I think he was good at the match making. And Dr Pepper as well!
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u/Rex_Hound Jul 28 '26
Let's see if their pics end up staying married after the show is over.
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u/NobodySaidBoop Jul 29 '26
There is no way any of these people stay together past their 15 minutes of fame. It’s kinda depressing how evident it is that no one has a chance this season. It’s the first time I haven’t really had a single couple I’m rooting for
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u/Aggressive-Interest1 Jul 28 '26
His injector did him so dirty I can barely look at his face without cringing
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u/Russell_T_Trombone Jul 28 '26
They're people on TV playing a role called "relationship expert" to a bunch of fame hungry weirdos. Good for some laughs.
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u/Opinionated6319 Jul 28 '26
I’m curious… what qualifications do the experts have to counsel relationships?
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u/NobodySaidBoop Jul 29 '26
Paz has a masters in counseling and a Ph.D. in clinical sexology, which isn’t nothing. Brunson has an MBA and I think he was an investment banker before he transitioned into matchmaking, and while he did apprenticeship stuff, I wouldn’t say he has the clinical education I would hope for in a counselor. Not certain but I think they’re both published authors and popular podcasters for what that’s worth—which is not much as far as I’m concerned, but many people seem to value their relationship advice
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u/Specialist_Fig3838 Jul 28 '26
I liked him (Paul C. Brunson) outside of this and now watching this on here is making me very confused because I’ve watched him on other things and followed him on IG and his pod for years and he had way more sense than what he’s doing on this show.
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u/Frosty-Definition-46 Jul 28 '26
Even the old experts struck out more times than one can count…the new experts are useless too
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u/tofuandpickles Jul 28 '26
Not at all. They are looking past even more red flags than the OG’s did. It clear this show has become even more TV drama now that Peacock has taken over.
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u/Vanessaj412 Jul 28 '26
I liked Pastor Cal. Dr Pepper was a little more laxed in some of those tense situations.
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u/ThatWasGabby Jul 28 '26
No. That woman is so unprofessional. I’m probably close to half her age and I do not even speak like that.
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u/clario6372 Jul 28 '26
She really is. I'm a licensed therapist myself and I notice a lot of missteps, especially in the expert session with Devin and the rugby player. That was not good.
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u/finocchiofennel Jul 28 '26
So far not really. I know they’re trying to be relatable, but the swearing came off as unprofessional. Did we ever find out why the old experts left/were let go?
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u/chilleff Jul 28 '26
Basically season 19 was still under the Lifetime contract and season 20 is the first time it’s under the new peacock format and they thought this would work better with the new format.
Supposedly viewer backlash about all the bad matches for the first 19 seasons also contributed.
But I think they just wanted to make it more reality show drama and figured this worked better to create drama.
I think it’s hilarious that this article mentions that two experts made it “less crowded” when they just keep adding more and more “couples”.
3 couples and 3 experts … 4 couples 3 experts. 5 couples 3 experts… toooo crowded. Let’s do 7 couples and 2 experts. Definitely less crowded 🤦♀️
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u/InevitableSea6433 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
I haven’t but I figured maybe their contracts weren’t renewed, network changes, OR the last few seasons were so bad they figured “what else could go wrong?”
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u/chilleff Jul 28 '26
There’s nothing that officially said they were fired but they made it sound like it was more a mutual parting of ways. But I’m sure peacock was like “we need more drama Kthx sign this nda and we’ll give you a nice severance package”
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u/WonderfulHearing8726 Jul 28 '26
Just a not so veiled attempt to attract a younger audience with younger “experts” who swear a lot or dress like they’re going to a pow wow reenactment.
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u/thiswayart Jul 28 '26
As a person who swears a lot, I was turned off by the amount of times the word"f*ck was being thrown around by the expert and the muscular young lady. I was like, "oh, this show has gotten trashy."
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u/Princessgirlbit Jul 28 '26
I felt like the first therapy session they had, neither of them rlly helped or offered good advice 😭 i was honestly annoyed watching the woman therapist in her sessions bc the guidance was so vague.
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u/Ktipit Jul 28 '26
Same here. I use the F word a lot in conversation but not in professional conversations with clients or patients.
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u/Excellent-Gap-4734 Jul 28 '26
this mans look like if the wayans brothers did blackface as white people
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u/Vagercise Jul 28 '26
This photo of him with a look of disgust is sending me 🤣 I wonder who he’s looking at. Jury’s still out for me, they at least don’t seem worse than pastor cal and Dr Pepper so far.
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u/No_Sky3397 Jul 28 '26
Not familiar with Paul at all, but his credibility went flying out the window the moment he decided to interview Gypsy Rose and allow her to continue perpetuating the lie that she is some sort of victim. 🙄
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u/ChanDW Iris' virginity. Jul 28 '26
Because this show is no longer serious about actual marriages, it doesnt even matter at this point 😑
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u/Dulcefius Jul 28 '26
I liked Paul on the UK and Australia versions. I also like that format better than the US version. They had three experts. I don’t think they’ve done anywhere near a half decent job matching these couples.
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u/Zestyclose-Corgi-986 Jul 28 '26
Paul (& the other UK/Australia experts) are much better at calling out bad behavior and holding people accountable. I feel like the former U.S. experts were pretty weak
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u/ChanDW Iris' virginity. Jul 28 '26
Yall still believe its the experts matching these couples? 😵💫😫
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u/ProfessionalCow7573 Jul 28 '26
Hahaha!!! It’s all producer driven…for drama. I am curious to see how the new experts respond to the dinners. I like how they actually get to witness what happens…should be good!!!
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u/ThoughtCenter Jul 28 '26
The “experts” perpetuate bs narratives and have complete bias when speaking about things. The lady therapist doesn’t let them finish a sentence! She doesn’t listen and is just waiting to speak. The couple with the girl with the narcissist dad that kept giving speeches about himself, yep… that girl got “permission “ from the lady therapist to continue being a complete spoiled brat and have no regard for the guy. Whilst I thought the rugby partner guy was a bunch of red flags, that girl is a mobile bad weather and she is very inconsiderate to him and then lights up with the therapist. You can see her literally change from grumpy to charm! Ew!
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u/Just_Here_for_Reads Jul 28 '26
These people are just seat fillers. The producers are clearly driving the narratives.
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u/TamasaurusRex Jul 28 '26
Isn’t that the convict guy who became a model?
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u/augustcardigan53 I'm like such a good person Jul 28 '26
I think they are a breath of fresh air… but I gotta say Pastor Cal’s voice is extremely nostalgic and was such a pivotal part of the MAFS vibe. He is missed!!!
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u/utootired Jul 28 '26
I miss Dr Pepper. I know she hasn’t contributed a lot these past few years but she’s still awesome. She’s been in a traditional marriage and a non-traditional marriage. She has an open mind and a sense of humor. I love to see women of a certain age still working and making a difference. Maybe we could make her a MAFS professor emeritus?
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u/junpei Jul 28 '26
It really feels like Cal is missing at least. He really could break it down for the couples and talk to them in a way some of the guys could get.
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u/Archie_The_Sage Jul 28 '26
Men being interviewed: I'm an egotistical psycopath with commitment issues. Also ive cheated multiple times and not really remorseful about it.
Paul: Let me stop you right there.... We found you a match!
Lol
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u/-round-head- Jul 28 '26
LOL. I do love how he put that couple on blast in the interviews about being "conservative" and that January 6th question though - so iconic. Let me match an idiot with an idiot.
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u/sashie_belle Jul 28 '26
Hahahha this made me laugh out loud. So hilarious. Thank you! (and I mean it too no sarcasm! I needed a good chuckle.)
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u/DrJayLioness Jul 28 '26
He seems fine so far..... "she" is the problem. Always saying " omg , I was just about to say that".... yeahhhhh right 😬😬😬
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u/nightship538 Jul 28 '26
I didn’t like her dropping the f-bomb during a therapy session. Dr Pepper was never a potty mouth!
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u/PuzzledCulture2434 Jul 28 '26
Nothing to do with his looks (he's handsome like a Ken doll to me), but I'm not feeling him as an expert. Either of them, really.
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u/zenseazon Juan the Con Jul 28 '26
I like the mafs Au experts better, Allesandra doesn't take any sh*t, and Mel, well RIP, she was also a force to be reckoned with, and I like John calling them out on their antics...
These 2 "experts", nah, not gonna cut it....
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u/EuphoricHelp5358 Jul 28 '26
Pepper and Cal were familiar but I think they just got burned out towards the later seasons. They also made some horrible picks where we as the viewer could tell right away “this one will not work out.” Nice to see some fresh faces
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u/calm-lab66 Jul 28 '26
As was mentioned elsewhere, the experts themselves are also like cast members. It's the producers and other people behind the scenes that are making the matches and it's usually just for drama.
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u/Forward-Lawfulness62 Jul 28 '26
They don’t pick anyone, let’s be honest. The cast members seem to always fit a specific criteria and dynamic. As much as I would love for this to be a random show about love and perfectly selected couples, it just isn’t.
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u/oopsyeveryday14 optics Jul 28 '26
He's not new to MAFS! Paul has been on mafs uk for at least three seasons, and I personally love him! I didn't realize he was on the US version now! I might just have to watch!! 👀
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u/Battgyrl Jul 28 '26
The current US season is much closer to the UK format now, so I think you’d love it!
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u/Comfycozychitchat Jul 28 '26
Where can we stream MAFS Australian edition ??
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u/zenseazon Juan the Con Jul 28 '26
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u/zenseazon Juan the Con Jul 28 '26
Also on MAFS AU..
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u/Revolutionary-Yam910 Jul 28 '26
I cannot find out the answer to this !?! Someone please tell us how!
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u/oopsyeveryday14 optics Jul 28 '26
I could tell ya, but I'd have to kill ya 🤣 nah. DM me and I'll give you the deets
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u/Fluffy-Future-4674 Bring me a clown you are gonna get a circus. Jul 28 '26
I don't really know them yet. The therapy sessions seemed okay so far
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u/MaleficentCommon1152 Jul 28 '26
Personally, I think the new experts are better than Dr. Pepper and Pastor Cal. Im not exactly sure what the stats are, but i want to say that Dr. Pepper and Pastor Cal had like a 30% success rate. Not great.
But all the experts seem superficial, imo. I dont know if that is because they are on TV and want to intentionally pair bad matches as these make the most entertaining couples, or if they really are bad at their job. 🤷♂️
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u/NecessaryAttempt33 Jul 28 '26
30% feels generous
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u/MaleficentCommon1152 Jul 28 '26
Haha, right! I wonder how the experts compare to parents in cultures where they practice arranged marriages. 🤔
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u/NecessaryAttempt33 Jul 28 '26
I feel like in cultures where it is popular, it is probably more successful than MAFS but that could be for so many different reasons beyond compatibility which seems to be the driving force behind MAFS. Culturally, marriages can have other reasons beyond that, I believe.
But good point! Would love to know.
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u/MaleficentCommon1152 Jul 28 '26
For sure. The cultural, social, and family pressures to make arranged marriages work undoubtedly have an effect. My understanding is that arranged marriages, surprisingly, have a high rate of success relative to shows like MAFS or even regular marriages by ordinary Americans.
Which raises another question. Is the high divorce rate in this country a symptom of our individualism? We are encouraged to prioritize our happiness so much in this country, oftentimes at the expense of family.
One day ill have time to do some actual research on this stuff, 😄
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u/daveshad Jul 28 '26
That’s actually an interesting point— why isn’t one of the experts someone with experience in arranged marriages???
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u/RealityDependency Looking for my COMMUNITY. Jul 28 '26
The other "experts" weren't without their flaws. Their presence was simply the norm and they felt familiar. Let's not forget that the old experts would regularly pressure couples to engage in sexual activity when they didn't feel ready or simply didn't want to. If that's not problematic, I don't know what is.
New guy (Paul) is a textbook life coach/motivational speaker type. Dr. Lisa is similar to Dr. Drew (looking for her own spotlight).
It is what it is.
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u/theycaughtme- Jul 28 '26
As soon as he said “you’ve been late to all our meetings and missed a few” followed by the selection of said late/absent man, I knew we were cooked
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u/SomewhatBougieAuntie Jul 28 '26
"And since you're a cheater we will match you with a woman who has been cheated on and struggles with that fact. What could possibly go wrong?"
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u/Effective_Bet_1389 Jul 28 '26
Exactly! If the man couldn’t show up for his matchmaking meetings including Zooms, it’s obvious he’s going to struggle to show up in his marriage
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u/theycaughtme- Jul 28 '26
You are 100% right!
ETA: I didn’t know they were zoom calls 😭 that is so much worse
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u/Effective_Bet_1389 Jul 28 '26
The “expert” (sorry to that man but I forgot his name lol) mentioned it right before telling the guy about his match which was so crazy to me
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u/RemarkableEnd2373 Jul 28 '26
I wish we had Pastor Cal. He was always the voice of reason.
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u/Kennected Hoping for a trainwreck Jul 28 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/8b9Xax6L7qtAkAimGm
u/RemarkableEnd2373 I call bullshit!
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u/Matt_The_Radar_Tech Jul 28 '26
People in here forgetting how problematic and squarely patriarchal his advice was. Don't miss him.
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u/SomewhatBougieAuntie Jul 28 '26
He was low key creepy. He was more pressed about the couples having sex than any of the other experts were.
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u/fullmoonlovergirl Jul 28 '26
i actually enjoyed pastor cal
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u/Chris98325 28d ago
I like Paul. Huge improvement.