Is Love Really Blind?
Has dating gotten so bad that we are willing to marry people sight unseen? Could you fall in love with someone that you’ve only talked to through a screen? If you’re reading this and wondering how someone would be willing to put themselves through this, then I will direct you shows like “Married At First Sight” and the newest show Netflix hit “Love Is Blind.” What do these two shows have in common? Both shows are focused on singles finding love with complete strangers and marrying them sight unseen. Crazy right? It may sound crazy, but there are people who have been so turned off by dating that they are willing to take that risk. For the past two weeks, “Love is Blind” has become the newest sensation and has me wondering if falling in love with a complete stranger without seeing them first is possible.
I will do my best not to give away too much of the show because I still want you to watch, but you have to understand the concept. The concept of the show is that you have singles, both men and women, who meet and talk to each other in these pods. While the pods are comfortable and cozy, the catch is that you don’t see who you are speaking with. There is a screen separating the couples and they can only talk to each other. They can’t see the other person meaning you don’t get to see height, ethnicity, hair color, or body type. All you have to go on is their voice and what they tell you about themselves. Over time, these couples end up building bond based on conversation alone and if it’s real, they end up engaged after two weeks. One couple said I love after 4 days. It’s insane, but if that’s your only means of communication then it’s possible, right?
The show followed 5 couples and their journey to the altar. For time sake, I’m only going to discuss 3 of them. I promise I won’t go into too much detail, but I have to cover the basics at least so here we go:
Lauren and Cameron
By far, they are the fan favorite of the show and everyone is rooting for them. Lauren and Cameron are the couple that said I love you after 4 days. Yes, it was quick, but out of all the couples that got engaged, their union seems most genuine. Despite Cameron being a white male and Lauren a black woman, there’s a strong connection there and we are hoping they pull through. As ideal as they seem, Lauren has some hesitation and is questioning this union. This is her first in town relationship and having never lived with a partner before, she is getting used to having someone around. She is the perfect example of what happens when God sends you exactly what you pray for and you don’t know how to handle it. Keep them lifted, y’all. We want them to win.
Jessica and Mark
Talk about a crash and burn couple. Jessica and Mark were mismatched from the start and should have seen the signs early on. From the very beginning, Mark made it clear Jessica was the one for him despite their ten year age difference. Even after Jessica tried to ditch him for another man. Even after they got engaged and Jessica stated she wasn’t attracted to him physically, Mark remained unmoved. The red flags surrounding this relationship are bright as day, but neither party is willing to be honest because pride and ego reign supreme. I look at Jessica and wonder why someone would be willing to waste their time like this. If you watch the show, pray for Mark. He’s going to need it when reality comes crashing down.
Amber and Barnett
You ever look at two people and wonder how they fit? That’s Amber and Barnett. When we are first introduced to these two, I labeled Barnett as rude frat boy and Amber as crazy. Remember the guy Jessica tried to leave Mark for? It was Barnett. You have to watch and see how that turned out. With Amber and Barnett, it seems that his attraction to her is because she’s his total opposite which tends to work in most relationships. What took us for a loop is when Amber revealed that she was broke with debt, not working, and didn’t really have place to live and no intention of working after they get married. This information seemed to bring out Barnett’s maturity and now he’s got some hard decisions to make. If Amber is able to get this man to marry her with these circumstances, I will have no chance, but to stan. How sway???? How?????
There is so much more to discuss about this show including one couple that really took us for a loop and has caused some interesting conversations online. Seeing these couples learn each other outside of the pods and having to make life decisions really makes you wonder if it’s possible to find love in this manner. Shows like “Married At First Sight” and “Love is Blind” approach dating and marriage in such unconventional ways in attempt for you to find your soul mate. It plants a thought in your brain of “Well dating regularly hasn’t worked out, so why not marry a stranger?’ I can’t lie, I have thought about this, but I don’t linger too long because I know my family wouldn’t approve. Hey, it never hurts to wonder.
The season finale airs tomorrow and even though I have predictions of who will stay together, you never know. One thing I do know is that you take a huge risk signing up for a project like this and I’m willing to applaud people for putting themselves on the line. However, by being on shows like this, you are attempting to take a shortcut to happily ever after and it can turn out one or two ways. Either way, at least you tried.
Have you watched “Love is Blind?'“ Tell us what you think and let’s get the conversation started.
