The latest The Family Chantel season shows Pedro Jimeno and Chantel Everett on the road to divorce, and it's unclear why the exes didn't consider couples counseling. The topic was suggested first by Chantel's family, and then by Pedro's boss, after Chantel grew frustrated with Pedro in front of his coworkers and friends. Since allegations of domestic violence and restraining orders surfaced, it seems like Pedro and Chantel's relationship was always doomed. It's unfortunate that the couple didn't embrace counseling when it still might have helped.
Pedro and Chantel started their love story with a long-distance relationship, Pedro lived in the Dominican Republic, and Chantel was located in Atlanta. The former 90 Day Fiancé stars had enough chemistry and family drama to spark their spin-off, The Family Chantel. While the love was evident early on, season 4 has been full of tense stand-offs. Pedro focused on his budding real estate career, and Chantel was burnt out from 12-hour days on call as a nurse. Chantel only works three days a week, so Pedro didn't give her much sympathy over her grueling workdays, as she's also home a lot. Meanwhile, Chantel was growing jealous that Pedro spent extra hours at work with his coworkers.
In episode 8, Pedro's boss Laura said that she appreciated Pedro's apology for Chantel's blow-up the day before, and shared that she only wanted the best for them. She also asked the pair if they were open to counseling. Pedro shrugged off this question, still embarrassed that Chantel aired their dirty laundry. When he came home, he asked Chantel how her day was, and she said it had been bad, and apologized for sharing their business with his coworkers. Chantel explained, "we don't talk at home like this is unusual. When I get the chance to talk to you about something, and I think you're gonna listen, it all just spills out." He tried to listen, but Pedro reaffirmed that separation was probably one of the smarter things they could do, adding, "like, things not been good."
Chantel said, "You're entitled to do what you think is best. I don't want it. I'm not even gonna lie. I feel pathetic." She felt like she'd been begging for attention and affection, and surely hoped for better results. This would have been the moment to suggest therapy, but both seemed to have too much pride. It's hard not to want to jump into the scene, encouraging the couple to talk to a third party who might be able to help them get past their problems. On the other hand, maybe they were willing to try counseling, but without cameras present. Pedro got angry because Chantel brought up more negative feelings, rather than constructive solutions. He said, "what you want for you and for me. Fighting here every day under the house?"
If Chantel and Pedro opened up to the possibility of counseling, they might have taken their marriage in a different direction. To be fair, Chantel seemed like she could be open to it, whereas Pedro appeared to have shut down completely. Feeling alienated from his family, rejected by his father, and frustrated with Chantel for not supporting his new career got the best of Pedro. While Chantel wants to make things work, she's not open to taking full accountability for her role in their issues. Then again, Pedro doesn't even give her the time and space to try. It's easy to see why Pedro and Chantel are both frustrated, and it's just sad that each one can't clearly see the other person's perspective. For longtime fans of The Family Chantel, the whole thing is pretty heartbreaking.
The Family Chantel airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Lifetime.