Married at First Sight Recap: Season 16 Alum Jasmine Secrest Reveals Which Couple Is Missing a 'Key Ingredient' for Success

Jasmine Secrest appeared in Season 16 of Married at First Sight, which took place in Nashville in 2023. Jasmine and Airris Williams ended their marriage because they disagreed about sex. October 15, Season 18 Married at first sight premiering on Lifetime, returning to Chicago to follow five couples as the reality of their newlywed lives together begins. Here, Jasmine gives PEOPLE her recap of the Dec. 10 episode.

This episode had all— emotions were running high, triggers were being pulled, and my heart was in my throat more times than I can count. But amidst all the drama, one thing was clear: the dynamics of these couples struck a chord way too close to home. Watching them go through their ups and downs felt like I was reliving moments from my time on the show. Let’s dive in, shall we?

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Ikechi & Emem: Stuck in their feelings

From left: Emem and Ikechi in ‘Married at First Sight’.

Mood photos and videos

Ikechi and Emem’s story? It’s like you’re looking at two people really invested in each other, but lack a key ingredient: communication. Sure, emotions are intense, but there’s a lot of room for growth in how they feel conversation to each other.

Let’s take Emem’s family for example. They clearly care about her and want the best, but their concerns were delivered in a way that left a lot to be desired. They could have been more tactful, but let’s be honest, Ikechi’s pride doesn’t help either. Instead of opening up, he goes into defensive mode, giving off a take-it-or-leave-it vibe. And when Emem’s cousin tried to tell him some truth? Ikechi didn’t take the opportunity to explain himself—he just shut down. It’s like watching someone drown in their own pride.

At the heart of it all, Ikechi is clearly insecure about marriage, but instead of accepting it, he deflects attention and plays the blame game. If he could just admit where he stood, the whole thing would probably turn around for the better. But hey, we all struggle with hard truths sometimes, right?

Camille & Thomas: Communication goals

From left: Camille and Thomas in “Married at First Sight”.

Mood photos and videos

Can we just say it? Camille and Thomas are a pair of goals. This couple gives us a master class in communication. Everything they do – how they express themselves, how they listen – is a reminder that relationships require effort, but also a lot of respect.

Sure, Camille is a bit snarky (we’ve all been), but she’s direct, honest, and thoughtful in the way she shares her feelings. And Thomas? It doesn’t go out when Camille opens; instead, he listens, absorbs and responds with maturity. Now, Thomas may not always have right words when communicating (hey, we’ve all been there), but always goes out of her way to make Camille feel heard and understood.

That effort? That says enough. Their dynamic is great. It’s one thing to communicate, and another to do it in such a warm and authentic way. I can’t help but root for these two. If they keep this up, I can see them going further – seriously, they’re setting the bar high.

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Juan & Carla: Gap in love

From left: Karla and Juan.

Photo by Yosmair Ocho

Now, let’s dive into Juan and Carla. I really sympathize with Carl here, especially when it comes to attachment. I can totally identify with her. It wasn’t until I was on the show myself that I realized how much I longed for my partner’s love—and when it’s not there, it’s very hard.

Carla’s love language is apparently affection, but Juan just doesn’t seem to be on the same page, especially when it comes to public displays of affection. I don’t blame Juan for this – everyone has their own comfort zone. But I wish he’d be more honest with Carl about where he stands. Instead of letting the tension build; an open, honest conversation could really clear the air.

Juan is definitely trying to be there for Carla in other ways, but until they resolve this love gap, I fear the couple may be stuck in a holding pattern. Sometimes it’s the tough conversations that make the difference.

Michelle and David: Are they in or out?

From left: Michelle and David in ‘Married at First Sight’.

Misha Media photo

Okay, Michelle and David? I’m struggling here. I can’t tell if David is really trying to make this marriage work or if he’s just doing it for the cameras. Sometimes he shows a little spark, but then I get the vibe that he wants to play husband more than he actually does being one. It’s like he’s more concerned about his image than the relationship itself.

Michelle, on the other hand, seems to have already checked out. You can see it in her eyes — she’s almost waiting for a reason to bail, and then… there’s that moment when David mentions working out with Madison, and bam— she is visibly upset. Which makes me think: If you’ve already mentally checked out, why let it bother you?

There’s definitely some back energy going on here, and honestly, it’s hard to tell where they’re headed. They both look like they’re playing their own games and I’m not sure what they’re going to get out of it.

Madison & Allen: Forcing something that isn’t there

From left: Madison and Allen in “Married at First Sight.”

Mood photos and videos

Finally, Madison and Allen. ugh I honestly don’t think this is the right thing for either of them. They’re both good people, but it seems like they’re trying to fit into a relationship mold that just doesn’t work for them. It’s like trying to force a puzzle piece into the wrong slot—it doesn’t work, no matter how hard you try.

I sympathize with both of them because they are obviously trying, but you can see that something is not right. And then there’s the group activity moment where Allen opted out completely — he didn’t participate in something that Madison put a lot of effort into. That was a big red flag. If you don’t show up for the little things, how can you show up for the bigger things? The situation is difficult, but it is clear that both are struggling to find a common language.

In the end, this episode was a whirlwind. So many emotions, so many moments that made me think, “Wow, I was there.” Relationships are hard, everyone, but if there’s one thing we can all take away from these couples, it’s that communication is key.

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Married at first sight (produced by Kinetic Content) airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on Lifetime.

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Source: HIS Education