Shockingly, Nikki and Shawn are My Favorite 'MAFS' Couple

Season 20 of Married at First Sight is nearing its end. With only two weeks left until Decision Day, the couples are tasked with the biggest decision of their lives thus far: staying in the marriage past the experiment’s expiration date - or calling it quits. The experiment has been controversial to many, questioning the validity of whether an arranged union, through trusted experts based primarily on compatibility factors, is enough to grow into love and sustain a lasting marriage. The past few seasons have brought about several ill-matched pairings, though a few couples have lasted beyond the reality television cameras. The newest season on Peacock has brought about a fresh lens, new experts, and a higher production value. And shockingly, the couple I deemed wouldn’t make it to the end has become the one I root for the most. Shawn and Nikki’s rocky start has transformed into a mature union with great promise. 

When meeting with the experts individually before being matched, there were signs that both Shawn and Nikki were out of touch with reality in today’s dating landscape. As the oldest pairing on the season, and probably in the show’s history, they seemed stuck in their ways and attached to their list of wants. At 47 and 46, respectively, Shawn and Nikki did have a lot in common, on paper at least. Both have successful careers in their respective fields; they are academically and socially thriving; have financial stability; and desire a partner to share their successes with. The obvious “problem” is their dating journeys have not been as fruitful. And once they met at the altar, it was clear why.

Seeing Nikki walk down the aisle, Shawn was immediately smitten. Nikki was disappointed. She didn’t even realize Shawn was the man selected to be her husband, sending red flags to social media users who immediately clocked that she was not attracted to him. Nikki immediately seemed shut down of sorts, though there was something in her that told her to at least try, but it was proven to be the ultimate test. 

Maybe catching on to the fact that Nikki wasn’t feeling his short king aesthetic and high-pitched voice, Shawn let his insecurities shine in the worst way. He chose sexual innuendos and jokes of a sexual nature, making an already uncomfortable Nikki shy away further. While attraction is not everything and is something that can develop over time, Nikki couldn’t get past the idea that Shawn isn’t typically the type of build or look she’d go for. They clashed from the honeymoon.

During a poolside conversation in Mexico, their opposite communication styles were apparent. Most interactions from that point on were combative. Shawn, in the eyes of most viewers, was insufferable. Everything about his stance was a battle to win, he approached conflict in a combative, defensive, and controlling nature. 

Nikki, on the other hand, admittedly matched his energy. And Nikki was no angel. Oftentimes, it seemed she searched for a problem. She came off, at times, as nagging and unable to start the day anew following an argument. 

Shawn appeared heartless and argued like he was in litigation. Arguments about sex, or lack thereof, were paramount for Shawn. For Nikki, she wanted an emotional connection and to feel respected. Both seemed judgemental of the other. Ironically, even their argument style was compatible and fueled by ego. It didn’t seem like they’d be able to turn a corner, but the last few episodes showed a different side and gave me hope.

At first, their ages and being set in their ways seemed to be the barrier. But in the latest episodes, their maturity seems to be their superpower. Both have been able to take a step back and self-reflect on how they individually contributed to the issues in their marriage. They both became dedicated to a new approach. Shawn has begun to speak from his heart, versus an analytic framework (no pun intended if you watch the show). As a result, Nikki has softened. Both have planned thoughtful dates and seem to actually listen to what the other desires and apply it when interacting. They seem more playful with one another. I personally can appreciate when two people can do the work to try and show up as better versions of themselves for one another. That’s real growth. 

A lot of the other couples aren’t buying it. In fact, in the last episode, one half of a couple said boldly they don’t think Shawn and Nikki should stay married. Almost no one believes that Nikki has gained any physical attraction to Shawn. But judging from whatever sexual experience they had, and the nightcam catching Shawn emerging from their bedroom with an open room and his john swinging, I beg to differ. Whatever happened sexually between Shawn and Nikki, Nikki was feeling it. Basically, Shawn is giving if big d-ck energy was a person.

The lovey-dovey-ness between the two is definitely lacking, but I can also argue that a lot of that has to do with their age. For starters, I don’t know too many nearly 50-something-year-old couples who are tonguing one another down in public. Holding hands is usually enough for them. More than anything, it seems they want true companionship. They also have 0 interest in trying to prove whatever they have to anyone but each other, and the experts, which I can appreciate.  

Shawn and Nikki are a more mature, analytical, and socially aware couple. While the others are in their late 20s and early 30s and more inclined toward PDA, Shawn and Nikki are more about building for the long term. Most of their intimate moments are caught by a nightcam in their apartment, or happen off camera. And it seems to work for them. 

With only a few episodes left, I am hoping this couple can go the distance. With continued therapy after the experiment, I believe things can only get better for them. As long as they block out the noise from the viewers and stay focused on one another, anything is possible.