Virginia and Erik will say "I do" on season 12 of Married at First Sight. But will their relationship last beyond the honeymoon?
34-year-old Erik is a pilot for a major airline who also served in the Air Force. Erik's demanding career has had a negative impact on his romantic relationships, and his first marriage ended in divorce. Now, this self-described "jokester" is looking for "a down-to-earth girl who just wants to have fun" with whom he can share his life. The experts have paired him with 26-year-old Virginia, a customer experience specialist who is finally ready to settle down after five years of the single life. She previously pushed away potential partners for fear of rejection. But after some soul-searching, she decided that she truly wants a serious commitment.
Although the experts hope Erik and Virginia have the right qualities to go the distance, there are some compatibility issues that may cause problems in their marriage. After her parents' painful divorce left her with trust issues, Virginia is looking for a man who is "loyal" so she never fears being abandoned. She also hopes her future husband will join her on adventures and accompany her to social events. Erik travels frequently for work and is often away from home. Will Virginia's independent streak keep her feeling secure during those times or will she resent her husband for leaving her alone?
In addition to their eight-year age difference, Erik and Virginia seem to be at different levels of maturity. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the sociologist on the matchmaking team, expressed her concern that Virginia was not truly done with her single days. Virginia is a fun-loving, carefree woman who loves to party every weekend with her large group of friends. At the bachelorette party with the rest of the season 12 brides, she drank to the point of throwing up. Contrastingly, her new husband is a self-described "traditional guy" who comes from a conservative family. Will she fit in with Erik's old-fashioned family? Will Erik want to join Virginia on a night out with friends or will he want her to settle down?
While Virginia and Erik have some glaring compatibility issues, the experts seem convinced that Erik will provide the stability and maturity Virginia craves while Virginia will help bring out Erik's fun-loving side. Episode two of the hit matchmaking series will feature the couple's nuptials, and their first time meeting face-to-face!
Married At First Sight airs Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on Lifetime.