Move over Love-at-first-sight; we are past the Mills and Boons love story of what meets the eye. Married at First Sight completely changes the foundations of commitment, and we are here for it. This show, first aired in 2014, is a social experiment on the psychology of matchmaking.
If you ever wondered who your soulmate would be, it turns out there are specific characteristics that click us with another person. The compatibility is similar to an algorithm that collects data about your preferences, personal information, ideologies, deal-breakers, and even financial goals, after which that array is matched to find your best counterpart (no wonder they are called better halves).
Married At First Sight feels like a life-size version of an algorithm, except here, a panel of experts decides the pairing. This group includes a clinical psychologist, a sexologist, a sociologist expert, and a humanist chaplain. Throughout the 16 seasons, these pairings have been carefully calculated and monitored.
But here’s the most exciting part of this experiment–
The couples are not allowed to see each other until the final reveal, upon which they have to get married. This puts a significant psychological theory to the test. Morally, people always preach that “looks don’t matter, love is blind,” but the show’s concept puts morality under a litmus test. Everyone has a “type” (think of your ideal person right now). You put an image into your head before you put their values into the imagined figure. But the show reverses this theory. It compels you to put the values before attraction.
Something similar happened in season 16 of Married At First Sight:
Shaquille And Kirsten’s Journey On Married At First Sight
Shaquille Dillion, an executive director, is a polite, respectful, and considerate man with idealist values looking for a supportive wife. Meanwhile, a real estate agent, Kirsten Grimes, is a strong, opinionated, and self-made woman looking for her power-couple counterpart.
Even though their ideologies and personalities matched, there was a small bump in the road during the actual reveal of their identities. Kirsten was very apparent in not being attracted to Shaquille right away.
Shaquille still seemed quite respectful of her opinion without forcing and respecting her boundaries. He exuded a gentleman’s code in handling criticism and never got offended.
Over time, through multiple dates and fun activities, Kirsten started opening up to Shaquille, and the two formed a cordial bond. A few episodes later, both displayed gradual levels of intimacy, which is also a genuine depiction of a growing relationship.
Conflicts In Shaquille And Kirsten’s Relationship
Their relationship was constantly tested on multiple factors. These concerns are relatable for every couple who has to balance their career and marriage.
Shaquille was still a student and had to prioritize his curriculum and the scheduled honeymoon.
“I’m still in school, and I have a research conference this week so I have to present my research, so we’re not going to the honeymoon tomorrow. I have to travel to Jackson, Mississippi, so you will be traveling to Jackson, Mississippi to actually come to class with me.”
Shaquille wanted Kirsten to be a part of his life and support his endeavors. Although Kirsten agreed to accompany him, she seemed not thrilled to delay her honeymoon.
“We have to go to the research presentation first while all the other couples are in Jamaica, having the time of their life, drinking their Bob Marley drinks and I’ll be sitting in this hotel, waiting on him to finish his presentation, Unbelievable!”
Shaquille’s understanding and Kirsten’s consideration allow them to put this tiny bump behind them. There were other few instances when Kirsten expressed her inner sentiments with her brother about not being completely invested in this relationship. Shaquille also displayed great efforts to keep this connection. And it was only a matter of time that will reveal the true nature of their relationship.
Are They Actually Married In Married At First Sight?
The marriage is not real in the show, Married At First Sight. It is more of an experiment, and the realistic set-up for weddings compels couples to take this arrangement seriously.
Who Stays Together on Married At First Sight Season 16?
Pastor Cal Roberson and Dr. Pepper Schwartz assisted the couples in the ‘decison day’ aired on 17th May.
- Jasmine and Airris decide to get divorced.
- Nicole and Chris’s relationship stays strong and enters a new phase as they mutually agree on staying married.
- Gina and Clint decide to part ways after the show ends.
Do Shaquille and Kirsten Stay Together in Married at First Sight?
The finale ends with a cliffhanger, as Kirsten is the one who wants the marriage to continue. But the show ends before Saquille can express his decision.
After thoughtful consideration and a good character arc, Kirsten has accepted that Shaquille is a close-to-perfect match for her. She said that she is now attracted to Shaquille. However, the abrupt end left the fans perplexed, wondering what will their fate be.
When Can We Expect Shaquille’s Final Decision in Married At First Sight?
The decision lies in Shaquille’s hands. Married At First Sight decision day part two will be aired on 24th May on Lifetime.
You can catch Married at First Sight airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Lifetime. It is also available to binge on Hulu Plus and Netflix.
What are your thoughts on Shaquille and Kirsten? Do you think he will say yes to the marriage?
Would you ever marry someone at first sight? Let us know in the comment section below.