Why I’m Not Opposed to Getting ‘Married at First Sight’

One of my favorite reality shows Married at First Sight is back for its seventh season, and I hope the ratings and network gods are smiling down on me so I can hear those magic words mid-season:

If you live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and are interested in getting ‘Married at First Sight,’ please visit WHATEVER THE URL IS to apply.

Yes. I’m completely OK with marrying someone I’ve never met and having it documented on national television.

Why though?

Why not?!

The thought of participating on a show like Married at First Sight doesn’t make me cringe, because I have absolutely nothing to lose. I’ve tried it all. I’ve done it all.

I’ve swiped right. I’ve worn less. I’ve gone out more. I’ve taught myself to be more confident in my skin. I’ve reflected on those qualities that supposedly drive men away and deter them from commitment. I’ve withheld the kitty. I’ve revisited my standards. I’ve opened myself to dating outside my race and tax bracket. I’ve entertained potential. I’ve shot in the gym. I’ve slid in DMs. I’ve put my feelings on the line with a friend. I’ve given girlfriends permission to set me up. I’ve binged Sarah Jakes Roberts sermons on Facebook. I’ve lived my life. I’ve stopped thinking about it. I’ve read Matthew Hussey e-books. I’ve listened to my mother. I’ve prayed to God.

“I’m completely OK with marrying someone I’ve never met and having it documented on national television.”

Spoiler alert: The left side of my bed is still empty. Sometimes, I leave freshly-washed laundry there for warmth.

Dating is rough out here (especially for self-sufficient, no-nonsense Black women like myself), and I’ve put forth a solid effort. I no longer see the problem with casting an even wider net by enlisting help. Can I afford not to?

If you had the opportunity to tell a clinical psychologist, sex counselor and spiritual advisor exactly what you wanted in a lifelong partner, and they have access to find someone compatible, marriage-minded and equally frustrated with dating from a pool of eligible bachelors who are not serial killers, you wouldn’t take it?

I consider myself a solid candidate. I’m a late-20-something, independent college-educated Black woman with a wonderful career and many interests. I’m cute. I’m funny. I have a good heart. Don’t get me wrong: I, too, have flaws, but I’m also deserving of long-lasting love. The matchmaking experts would probably agree and be invested in finding me a mate.

Worst-case scenario after being casted, matched and married? Getting a divorce. There’s a 50-50 chance for all married couples. I’ll bounce back from the devastation eventually.

Best-case scenario? I fall in love, stay married and stop writing about relationships.

Cheers to the Dallas-Fort Worth couples of season 7, and fingers crossed for a casting call in the DMV in the near future. I’m ready to take that leap.

Until then, I’ll continue to put myself out there like I always have.