MAFS Decision Day: Cheesecake, Manipulation & Sweet Rejection

Source: LaJoy Cox of LaJoy Photography; The First Look Photography / lifetime

Ryan and Clara

Chile, Ryan was playing things super close to the vest the entire season. I never knew how he felt about Clara. Watching him the entire season, it was clear that he had some feelings for Clara but the extent of them was never entirely clear. But the show can’t capture everything. And apparently both Clara and Ryan felt that their spouses had done enough to keep them coming back for more. And that was good to hear. Ryan said he’s 150% in it. Alright! Now that they’re married Clara can get more of what she’s looking for in terms of both verbal and physical affection. Good for them.

Source: LaJoy Cox of LaJoy Photography; The First Look Photography / lifetime

Haley and Jake

These two had made their decision about one another a long time ago. Last night was just the culmination of all of it. Haley said staying in this marriage would feel like settling. And that was the nice way of saying tortuous. Which is proof that singleness  (even if it’s been seven years) is better than being bound to the wrong person.

Jake shared similar sentiments. When Pastor Cal asked him what he would say if Haley wanted to stay married, he said that he would say they’d tried in the past eight weeks and it just didn’t work. Facts.

Later, sitting with the rest of the couples, Jake shared that he didn’t learn anything throughout the whole experiment. Lol King Petty reigns. I was happy to hear Jake say that he’s still hopeful and optimistic about his love life moving forward. As wrong as Jake was for Haley, I’m sure there’s someone out there who would be into all of his quirks.

Source: LaJoy Cox of LaJoy Photography; The First Look Photography / lifetime

Erik and Virginia

Again, I think Erik was laying it on thick because he recognized that there was a good chance Virginia could leave him. Honestly, that might have been the better choice for these two—but neither one of them is there just yet.

I do wonder since Erik got down on one knee and proposed, if Virginia had a chance to share her challenges in the marriage in addition to the reasons she’d like to stay together. The way it was edited, it didn’t seem like she had a chance to speak at all. Which is a real shame given how much she’s felt stifled at times by this relationship.

I couldn’t help but noticed that the entire time Erik was speaking, with the exception of the proposal, Virginia looked either very nervous or very scared. Aiii

Source: LaJoy Cox of LaJoy Photography; The First Look Photography / lifetime

Chris and Paige

Lord knows I’m tired of talking about these two. Truly. Last night we saw all of Chris’ manipulation on full display. While it was sad to learn that Mercedes had a miscarriage, I don’t understand why Paige took that as a glimmer of hope for their marriage. That should tell you how bad things were. There had to be a loss, a death for her to just have a bit of hope. Smh. If that ain’t toxic, I don’t know what is.

As Chris is “crying” (I can never tell if there are tears or not.) over the news, Paige goes to comfort him. And that’s how he gets her every time. Whenever she’s alone with him, that’s when he start worming his way back in. Sadly, despite all of his actions, she puts too much stock in his words. For the first time all season, Chris apologizes and says that he didn’t cherish her enough and she’s all in.

I really believe that through the course of those six hours where Chris and Paige tried to make a decision, the producers–which I noticed are mostly Black women–spoke some sense back into her.

You could literally see Paige’s spirit warring with her desire to stay married to Chris. Thankfully, her higher self won out.

All that being said, knowing these two, there’s a chance that they reunited even after decision day. They’re both still legally married. Divorce takes a minute. And if Chris decides he wants to say a few kind words, I doubt that Paige is strong enough at this point to ignore them.

We’ll see at the reunion.

After decision day, Chris came by–late–and apologized to the other couples. Again, it’s just talk so he doesn’t come off looking like too much of an a$$hole. Too late.

Source: LaJoy Cox of LaJoy Photography; The First Look Photography / lifetime

Vincent and Briana

Yah boy said Briana can be a little rude.  Whew. As much as I didn’t want to hear that and as much as I wanted Briana to strike back, I been rooting for these two. Like I’ve said before, communication issues in new and even seasoned relationships are normal. And they have time to figure it out. What I do like about Vincent and Briana is their mutual consideration for one another. It’s so clear that they care. She’s always checking in to figure out his emotions and looking for ways to be supportive. And you can tell from the gifts he gives her, that Vincent is really listening when she talks. They gon be alright.