I spent Friday night with my bestie watching Love is Blind with the D.C. cast. And oh my gosh, if you enjoy watching someone yell at the television, watch Love is Blind with a divorce attorney. I’m normally not a reality TV or pop culture person. I generally hide under a rock from reality TV, but it was interesting to watch. It’s definitely a cute show made to make you have lots of, “Aww isn’t that cute” and, “Ewww, no!” moments. Also, I loved hearing Hannah’s Appalachian accent, it reminded me of home. 

One of the biggest takeaways though is just how fast this show pushes people to get engaged. And while some people had the kids/no kids discussion, not everyone did. How can you not discuss whether or not you want children?

But way more than that, no one had money discussions, except for Leo going on and on about how much money he had – which was not good. And the cringeworthy talks between him and Brittany; I’m hoping their off-air discussions are better, and there is a good prenup! Also, I watching people being manipulative in my imagination, and handed out color-coded cards when people did or said certain things like a feisty soccer match. I pictured Ilona Maher tackling them as she yells, “Tell the truth!” 

I just don’t understand how people get engaged without discussing their finances deeply. It is one of the top reasons for divorce! Talking about the expectations for both persons on earnings, retirement planning, asset planning, how to handle expenses and savings are HUGE. You need to be able to grow and change together. And the only people really talking about finances were doing so in a toxic, unconstructive way. I know we didn’t see all of their discussions, but getting engaged needs to include hard and tough discussions and working through adversity together. Adversity isn’t just sharing what you’ve personally been through, and the other person being there for you, it’s developing problem-solving methods as a couple. 

Of course I had to do a little digging. Only 24.32% of couples who got engaged on Love is Blind actually got married, and two have already separated/divorced. Yay, fact-checking!  

So… as is all in things in real life… enjoy the show for what it is: ENTERTAINMENT. And maybe yes, consider that looks may be less important than you think they are, and that television isn’t all fairytale endings once the cameras stop rolling.

And remember: Virginia law considers engagement rings to be conditional gifts, meaning they are given with the expectation that the receiver will marry the giver. If the couple breaks up, the giver is legally entitled to the ring, regardless of who broke off the engagement. 

Happy Watching!

– From Your Resident Divorce Attorney Yelling at the TV Like Your Crazy Uncle

SEE ALSO: Why a Prenuptial Agreement is on the Wedding Checklist