In my spare time, I indulge in what I call “trash TV,” and one show I’ve followed for a while is Married at First Sight – both the Australian and UK versions.
As a therapist working with individuals and couples, I find the relationship dynamics interesting. Still, this season has left me uneasy, and I stopped watching a couple of weeks ago. The behaviours the show’s experts encourage, especially around consent and communication, are troubling.
The Problem with Pushing Boundaries
Consent is a cornerstone of healthy relationships, not just in terms of physical intimacy but in emotional and relational boundaries too. Consent is an ongoing process where both partners need to feel safe, respected, and heard. Yet, this season of MAFS UK has raised red flags for me. Participants who’ve made it clear they are not attracted to their partners are being persistently urged to "work through it" and stay in relationships that are clearly making them uncomfortable.
This kind of pressure ignores personal boundaries and sends a dangerous message that in relationships, persistence should override genuine discomfort or disinterest. It’s hard not to question whether the advice would be the same if the roles were reversed - if it were women expressing these feelings instead of men.
Gaslighting on a National Stage
Gaslighting, a form of emotional manipulation where someone’s reality is dismissed or distorted, has also surfaced on the show. Seeing it play out publicly without intervention is unsettling. This behaviour is toxic, and by failing to address it properly, the show risks normalising harmful relationship patterns.
Consent Is Not One-Dimensional
Consent in relationships extends far beyond sex. It’s about having the freedom to say no—to intimacy, to emotional labour, to being in a relationship at all - without being coerced or shamed. The idea that once you're in a relationship, certain things like sex become an obligation or that discomfort should be overlooked for the sake of “working on it” is outdated and dangerous.
Unfortunately, the show seems to blur these lines, encouraging participants to ignore their instincts and pushing them to stay in uncomfortable situations. It’s troubling to see a public platform perpetuate narratives that can harm real-life relationships.
The Bigger Picture
As a therapist, I see firsthand how critical consent, communication, and mutual respect are to the health of any relationship. When TV shows like MAFS UK push harmful ideas about relationships into the mainstream, it can have a lasting impact on how people view their own boundaries and autonomy.
No one should feel obligated to stay in a relationship where they don’t feel respected, heard, or valued. Whether on television or in real life, consent and respect should always be the foundation.
A Final Thought
I do recognise that reality TV is heavily edited for entertainment purposes, and much of what we see may not reflect the full reality of the participants’ experiences. I sincerely hope that, behind the scenes, the individuals involved are receiving the support they need to process the impact the show may have on them - emotionally and relationally.
Take care,
Rose
Hello! I am a qualified counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist working with individuals and couples. If you want to learn more about me and my work, have a look at my website. I would love to hear from you!
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