Miguel Santiago made his debut on Married at First Sight‘s 15th season, which took place in San Diego, California in 2022. Though he ended up saying “I do” to Lindy Elloway at the time, the two have since divorced. On Oct. 15, season 18 of Married at First Sight premiered on Lifetime, returning to Chicago to follow five couples as the reality of their newlywed lives together sets in. Here, Miguel gives PEOPLE his recap of the Nov. 26 episode.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my own failed marriage, it’s that no amount of advice or preparation can fully equip you for the reality of sharing a life with someone.
This week’s episode of Married at First Sight was a rollercoaster, showcasing the delicate balance of love, vulnerability, and the inevitable tug-of-war that comes with pairing strangers in marriage.
Karla and Juan
Karla and Juan started off on a high note, finding moments of playful connection. But their honeymoon bliss soured when Karla felt overlooked by Juan, setting off a cycle of passive aggressive behavior. Karla’s empathic nature clashed with Juan’s free-spirited energy, and on more than one occasion, her feelings of neglect turned vindictive towards Juan.
Their romantic photoshoot offered a brief respite, with Juan stepping up to meet Karla’s frustrations. Still, their inability to communicate openly left them slipping on thin ice, proving that evergreen love requires vulnerability—not just playful banter.
Emem and Ikechi
Emem and Ikechi gave us a rare glimpse of smooth sailing. From heartfelt discussions about kids and future dreams to learning each other’s love languages, their connection deepened. Their loving glances and growing intimacy show a couple committed to choosing each other, no matter what lies ahead.
While their journey isn’t free of challenges, their teamwork and openness seem to set a strong foundation.
Camille and Thomas
Thomas attempted to impress Camille with salsa dancing, showing a more assertive side. While Camille admired his effort, Thomas struggled with self-consciousness, deferring to her too often—whether seeking her input on outfits or hesitating to drink without her approval.
Camille voiced her need to feel safe before sharing physical intimacy, and while Thomas’s patience was commendable, his reluctance to assert himself might hinder their dynamic. Confidence, after all, is key to attraction.
David and Michelle
David and Michelle’s relationship felt like an uphill battle. Michelle’s hyper-critical nature and apparent disinterest created a barrier, leaving David grasping at straws.
They spoke at each other, not with each other, and Michelle’s reluctance to share a bed underscored her lack of connection. David, however, handled her rejection with quiet resilience—a testament to his character. Whether they can overcome the onslaught of challenges remains to be seen.
Madison and Allen
Madison and Allen were the least featured this week, but their honeymoon ended on a touching note. Madison offered emotional support to Allen after the unexpected loss of a close friend, a moment that brought them closer.
However, Madison voiced dissatisfaction with Allen’s lack of gym time and bold style choices, raising questions about physical attraction and compromise in their budding relationship.
The Big Picture
Marriage isn’t always about flashy gestures—it’s about showing up and being present, even when it’s inconvenient. This episode reminds me that love can be both a battlefield and a sanctuary.
For these couples, their journeys are just beginning, and while some seem to be getting on swimmingly, others are treading water. Let’s see who makes it ashore and who stays lost at sea.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Married at First Sight (produced by Kinetic Content) airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
Read the full article here
