Jasmine Secrest, a participant on season 16 of Married at First Sight in Nashville in 2023, now gives PEOPLE her take on the December 10 episode of season 18. This season, the show returns to Chicago with five new couples as they face the reality of married life together.

Unveiling the Intricacies of Married at First Sight Couples

Ikechi & Emem: Stuck in Their Feelings

On the show, Ikechi and Emem's story unfolds. Their emotions are intense, yet communication seems to be their missing link. Emem's family cares deeply but often fails to express themselves tactfully. Ikechi, with his pride getting in the way, goes into defensive mode instead of opening up. When Emem's cousin tried to offer some truth, Ikechi closed off, drowning in his own pride. At the core, Ikechi is uncertain about the marriage but instead of facing it, he deflects and plays the blame game. If he could just be honest about his feelings, things might improve.

Camille & Thomas: Communication Goals

Camille and Thomas are a shining example of couple goals. They communicate with such effort and respect. Camille may be a bit of a nitpicker, but she is direct and honest in sharing her feelings. Thomas listens attentively and reacts maturely. Although he may not always have the right words, his effort to make Camille feel heard and understood is evident. Their dynamic is warm and authentic, setting a high bar for other couples.

Juan & Carla: The Affection Gap

Carla clearly craves affection from Juan, and it's a struggle for her when it's not there. Juan seems to be on a different page when it comes to public displays of affection. He should be more upfront with Carla about his feelings instead of letting tension build. While Juan tries in other ways, until they address this affection gap, the couple may remain stuck. Hard conversations can make all the difference in a relationship.

Michelle & David: Are They In or Out?

Michelle and David's relationship is a mystery. David sometimes shows a spark, but it seems he's more concerned with his image than the actual relationship. Michelle, on the other hand, seems to have already checked out. Her reaction when David mentions working out with Madison shows her inner turmoil. There's a back-and-forth energy between them, and it's hard to predict where they're headed. They both seem to be playing games and need to snap out of it.

Madison & Allen: Forcing Something That Isn't There

Madison and Allen seem like a mismatched pair. They're both nice people but trying to fit into a relationship that doesn't work for them. Allen's lack of participation in an activity Madison put effort into was a major red flag. If you can't show up for the small things, how can you handle the big ones? Their struggle to find common ground is evident.In the end, this episode was a rollercoaster of emotions. It made us realize that relationships are tough, but communication is crucial.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Married at First Sight (produced by Kinetic Content) airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.