This video might be funny and light-hearted, but let’s have a real talk for a sec. 💕
I get a LOT of hate on the show because Anthony and I don’t fit the stereotypical gender roles people expect. And honestly? We never cared. I’ve been the main provider for most of our relationship, and that has never made him less of a man or me less of a woman.
When I met Anthony, I didn’t fall for his income! I fell for his heart. His values. His kindness. His culture. His humor (yes true!). I watched this man work two jobs, crazy hours, with zero benefits in the US system… and still come home loving, supportive, and ready to build a life with me.
But living that life broke us.
Working nights, weekends, postpartum, missing moments with Ben because even with his 2 incomes I needed to work full time due to the high cost of living in California… I completely lost myself. I had PPD, anxiety, panic attacks, fear of driving, fear of failing as a mom. I felt empty, overwhelmed, and guilty that I couldn’t enjoy my own baby.
And yes, I resented the whole situation. Not him directly!
Therapy helped. Conversations helped. Anthony suggesting we move to France helped. A country where life isn’t a paycheck-to-paycheck battle every month. Where we can breathe again.
Leaving LA was HARD. I fought so much to build a life there. To get my VAWA green card. You don’t know my personal story but it made me really attached to what I built in LA.
That’s why I wasn’t doing good during filming, nothing against Anthony!
Anthony is smart enough to know that providing isn’t just about money. He provides emotional support, love, and the calm I don’t have. And if one day he earns more than me? Great. If not? Great. We are a TEAM. Roles evolve. Couples grow. That’s marriage.
I know I’m loud. Emotional. Messy sometimes. But like I said MOVING TO FRANCE was a lot for me…
You only see 10% of us on TV maybe even less! It’s not the full story, not the whole dynamic, not the years of fighting life together and us falling in love.
At the end of the day, our only goal is simple:
Grow old together.
Everything else is noise.
In many relationships today, traditional gender roles are evolving as couples find new ways to support each other emotionally and financially. This story highlights the challenges faced when societal expectations clash with modern realities, especially when a woman becomes the primary breadwinner. It's important to recognize that providing in a relationship extends beyond income to include emotional support, kindness, and partnership. Postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety are significant issues that affect many new mothers, often hidden behind the facade of daily responsibilities. The pressure of balancing work, parenting, and mental health can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed and isolated. This highlights why open conversations and professional therapy are vital to coping and healing. High living costs, such as those in California, add financial strain that can exacerbate stress within a family. The decision to move to a country like France, known for better work-life balance and social support systems, can provide much-needed relief and a chance to rebuild a fulfilling life. The experience shared shows the importance of a team mentality in marriage, where roles can shift and neither partner's contribution is diminished. The focus on growing old together, supporting each other's dreams, and facing life's challenges as a united front is a solid foundation for lasting love. Ultimately, this story sheds light on the complexity behind what is often seen on TV or social media. What viewers and outsiders see is a fraction of the full journey—a journey filled with resilience, personal growth, and unwavering commitment to each other, beyond societal noise.
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