From Perfect Match to Married: Marissa George Tells All

Summary

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What's the Reality?

Episode: From Perfect Match to Married: Marissa George Tells All

Host: Amber Desiree (AD)
Guest: Marissa George
Release Date: June 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this vibrant episode, Amber Desiree sits down with Marissa George—star of Love Is Blind season 7 and the latest season of Perfect Match. Marissa opens up about her whirlwind romance and secret marriage post-show, offers an inside look into her reality TV journey, and dishes on career changes, villa drama, and moving to Japan. This honest, free-flowing conversation covers everything fans wanted to know: behind-the-scenes tea, relationships, growth, and how Marissa is rewriting her narrative off-screen.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Marissa’s Secret Marriage and Relationship Timeline

• The Secret Nobody Knew
  • Marissa reveals she’s married, a well-kept secret that never leaked.
  • [02:10] “Yeah, surprise, everyone. It was like the best kept secret. I'm surprised it never got leaked. I was very happy about that.” – Marissa
• Timeline and Rekindling Romance
  • After filming Perfect Match, Marissa flew to Japan to reconnect with her now-husband.
  • The pair first met in 2013, repeatedly tried dating but distance (both in the military) got in the way.
  • [03:11] “A week and a half later, I flew to Japan to rekindle things with my current husband.” – Marissa
  • Spent Nov-Jan in Japan, got engaged, and married on March 21.
  • [04:41] “I'm free as a bird. So I went out there and stayed till January. Yeah.” – Marissa
• Moving to Japan
  • Marissa will soon be moving to Japan, to the same area she lived in during her Navy days.
  • [04:49] “He's stationed there for right now so that I'll be moving out there in just a few weeks.” – Marissa

Privacy, Social Media & Keeping Things Quiet

• Why She Kept It Private
  • Valued having space from the public eye to pray, discuss, and make decisions in privacy.
  • [05:33] “It really gave us the time to pray privately, figure out, like, what we wanted, where we want to go from here.” – Marissa
• Did Her Husband Know About Perfect Match?
  • He didn’t know she was on the show until afterward; she texted him during and after filming.
  • [05:48] “I don't know if he would have been down for all that.” – Marissa

Post-Show Life, Self-Growth & Detachment From On-Screen Persona

• Personal Evolution
  • Marissa and AD bond over feeling detached from their televised selves.
  • [07:05] “There comes a point... you live your real life and surround yourself by those who are supportive... all the other stuff is just stuff.” – Marissa
• Notable Shift in Vibes
  • [06:45] “There's an air about her... Now I see you're a happily married wife. Why would you care?” – AD

Perfect Match Experience & Relationships

• Intentions on the Show
  • Entered Perfect Match not seeking love, just enjoyment post-breakup.
  • [08:03] “I genuinely was not looking to be in a relationship with anyone, including my current husband.” – Marissa
• Status with Damari
  • They parted as friends after the show with mutual understanding.
  • No continued personal contact, just group chat interactions, with everyone being respectful about her marriage.
  • [08:53] “There's no need to. He's very... respectful of my marriage and knows that I'm there...” – Marissa
• All Cast Group Chat
  • The entire cast stays in a group chat, which is far friendlier than her previous Love Is Blind cast experience.
  • [09:33] “It's quite friendly, to be honest, compared to Love is Blind.” – Marissa

Triumphs and Career Shifts

• Becoming an Attorney
  • Marissa describes failing the bar during her Love Is Blind finale, then passing and announcing it during her Perfect Match finale, giving her a sense of closure and new beginnings.
  • [09:54] “It feels very full circle because I found out I failed the bar by one point... And then to find out [now], I am an attorney. It felt like I could finally breathe.” – Marissa
• Moving Beyond Influencing
  • Intending to use her legal knowledge to help influencers/content creators with contracts and representation.
  • [40:41] “I'm focusing more on, like, building my legal career... providing services to influencers... affordable and accessible options.” – Marissa

Comparing 'Love Is Blind' and 'Perfect Match'

• Approach & Takeaways
  • Love is Blind: Entered with intention to find a life partner, took it very seriously.
  • Perfect Match: Entered for fun, didn’t seriously look for love, which protected her from emotional hurt.
  • [12:18] “I just didn't feel like it's the show to find love for me. ...But I like Perfect Match better, to be honest.” – Marissa

Casting, Breakups, and Online Narratives

• Handling Breakup Speculation
  • Addresses rumors that she broke up with her ex just to go on Perfect Match, clarifies it was a toxic relationship.
  • [16:12] “That's because he went forward to the public about that... But he knows exactly why. ... Go ahead. Run with it.” – Marissa
• Initial Reactions to the Villa & Other Islanders
  • Immediately attracted to Damari for their chemistry and banter; describes overall vibe of the villa as good-natured and fun.
  • [17:36] “You just meet someone, you have natural chemistry... I wasn't trying to catch hard feelings, just...we had instant banter.” – Marissa

Game Decisions & Villa Loyalty

• Challenge Decisions Explained
  • Loyalty to Jimmy P. based on Love Is Blind connection and strategic reasons, not wanting to separate established couples.
  • [19:13] “I think Jimmy's a really nice guy. ...But Chris...and Kayla...had a strong connection. Go off into the sunset, you two.” – Marissa

Villa Drama & Communication

• Emotional Triggers & Conflict with Damari
  • Openly discusses her emotional reaction in their on-screen argument, noting rejection sensitivity dysphoria and triggers from past experiences.
  • [20:56] “I just got triggered...abandonment, rejection...seeking reassurance and didn’t really know how to process or say that out loud.” – Marissa
• Editing & Perception
  • Marissa points out how certain scenes were emphasized and others (like happy times with Damari) went unaired, shaping public perception.
  • [31:18] “I think they're able to take something...and just make it more... Instead of showing me and Damari having the time of our lives, they show us constantly in these, like, weird conversations.” – Marissa
  • [32:21] “That’s why... I have not felt the need to really over explain... people… are not gonna listen to me anyways.” – Marissa

The Finale and Villa Revelations

• Not Surprised by Drama
  • As “mom and dad” in the house, she and Damari knew most of the gossip beforehand, but was surprised by the Kayla boyfriend reveal.
  • [33:26] “Me, Damari and I were known as mom and dad in the house. We knew everything that was going on...” – Marissa
• On Hashim Exposing Ally
  • Critiques how Hashim exposed Ally’s secret, calling it a lack of “bro code” and pointing out misogyny in not apologizing to her.
  • [34:31] “As a man to another man, you don’t embarrass your friend’s girl like that.” – Marissa
  • [36:21] “He apologized to Jimmy, but never to Ally. And I think that goes to show misogyny.” – Marissa

Unseen Support & Female Friendship

• Support Among the Women
  • The show didn’t show the extent to which the women supported Ally’s decision-making in her relationships.
  • [37:39] “The girls really supported Ali in leaving Jimmy P. and going with Hashim. I think that would have provided context...” – Marissa
• Long-Lasting Bonds
  • Keeps in touch with villa friends Mackenzie, Allison, Kayla, Natalie, and Ally, but not many Love Is Blind friends (except Katie).
  • [36:33] “I keep in close contact with Mackenzie, Allison, Kayla, Natalie, and Allie. ...All the original girls in the house...” – Marissa

Future Plans

• Looking Ahead
  • Moving to Japan, focusing on legal career, dreams of building a family soon.
  • [40:41] “Japan with my man, period. And start my legal career...eventually kids would be really nice.” – Marissa
• AD’s Closing Sentiment
  • [41:29] “Babies, Japan, husband, attorney. Like, this is like, best case scenario. I'm so, so, so happy for you.” – AD

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Independence and Growth:
  • “There comes a point... you live your real life and surround yourself by those who are supportive... all the other stuff is just stuff.” – Marissa, [07:05]
• On Handling Social Media Narratives:
  • “You could. He could say whatever he wants, and I'm gonna be like, you are irrelevant to me. I know that sounds harsh, but I just don't care.” – Marissa, [16:39]
• On Editing’s Power:
  • “They're able to take something that is and then just make it more... Instead of showing me and Damari having the time of our lives, they show us constantly in these, like, weird conversations.” – Marissa, [31:25]
• On Villa Friendships:
  • “The girls really supported Ali... I think that would have provided context.” – Marissa, [37:39]

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Important Timestamps

• The Big Reveal – Marissa Is Married: [02:06]–[03:02]
• Timeline & Journey to Japan: [03:11]–[04:45]
• Differences Between Love is Blind & Perfect Match: [11:12]–[12:43]
• Bar Exam, Self-Worth, & Career Turns: [09:54]–[10:56]
• Handling Online Rumors: [16:06]–[16:50]
• Explaining Game Moves & Loyalty in the Villa: [19:13]–[20:44]
• Addressing Editing & Show Perception: [31:18]–[32:12]
• Hashim & Ally’s Finale Bombshell: [34:01]–[36:21]
• Unseen Girl Support: [37:39]–[38:40]
• Future Aspirations, Japan Move, and Legal Career: [40:41]–[41:29]

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Closing Thoughts

This episode is an honest, heartfelt, and unfiltered catch-up with Marissa George, offering real answers to off-screen questions, debunking rumors, and sharing the realities of life after reality TV. Full of warm encouragement, sharp insights, and refreshing candor, it’s a must-listen for fans—but this summary captures all the key moments and lessons for anyone who missed it.

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Transcript

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[Host (AD)]

I'm sorry, I can't even do the small talk right now. I literally cannot do the small talk.

[Marissa George]

Let's just dive in. Let's just dive in.

[Host (AD)]

I need to get into it. My girl is married.

[Marissa George]

Surprise.

[Host (AD)]

I'm sure we're all wondering, what is the timeline, girl? What is. What's the timeline with me? Break this down for us. Were you shocked and surprised by all the accusations being thrown around and all the bombs being dropped?

[Marissa George]

At the finale, Ari and I were known as mom and dad in the house. So, like, we knew everything that was going on.

[Host (AD)]

Welcome back, y' all to another episode of what's the Reality? You guys, I have one of my homegirls on here. You will know her from Love is Blind season seven. And now perfect match. You guys welcome Marissa George to what's the Reality.

[Marissa George]

Hi, everyone. Thank you, AD for having me. How are you?

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, I'm sorry, I can't even do the small talk right now. I literally cannot do the small talk.

[Marissa George]

Let's just dive in. Let's just dive in.

[Host (AD)]

I need to get into it. My girl is married. A wife.

[Marissa George]

That is true.

[Commercial Narrator]

Hello.

[Marissa George]

Hi. Yeah, I. Surprise. Yeah, surprise, everyone. It was like the best kept secret. I'm surprised it never got leaked. I was very happy about that.

[Host (AD)]

Were you wearing a ring or no?

[Marissa George]

Heck yeah. I wore my ring everywhere. You think I was taking this bad boy off? No, I was like, I'm wearing my ring. But I was. And like people recognized me with the ring, but I don't know if they like didn't put two and two together. I have no idea. But it Never got leaked.

[Host (AD)]

Holy. Oh, wait, put the ring back in the camera.

[Marissa George]

There she is. This is my engagement ring. And then this band is one that we made in Japan. You can actually like. It's a 18 karat gold ring and we actually, like, made.

[Host (AD)]

Didn't fire. Oh, my God.

[Marissa George]

Yeah. So he made this one for me and it wasn't supposed to be the wedding band, but I love it so much and I'm like, I don't want anything else. This is perfect.

[Host (AD)]

I'm obsessed. Okay. I'm sure we're all wondering, what is the timeline, girl? What is. What's the timeline with? Break this down for us.

[Marissa George]

The timeline is my. Okay, the timeline. I. I left Perfect Match, and a week and a half later, I flew to Japan to rekindle things with my current husband. So me and him have known each other since 2013, and throughout the years we've connected and we tried dating a few times, but he's in the military, I was in the military. We never lived in the same city ever, so it just never worked timing wise. And then finally, after Perfect Match, I had, like, nothing else going on. I'm like, you know what? He's like, do you want to come out to Japan? I'm like, you're going to fly me out to Japan? Yeah. So I went out there and we had a lot of serious talks. And he's always been very serious about wanting to settle down with me throughout the 13 years. And I have been too. It's just like this never was right. I was. There's a lot of stuff I had to work on and so got there in November, hung out there to, like, January. Ish. When I left in January, we talked about marriage. We knew that was going to happen. Got engaged, got married March 21. You. There's a timeline. You went to.

[Host (AD)]

Wait, you went to Japan in November and stayed until January?

[Marissa George]

Yeah. I'm like, not. I wasn't doing any law work. I did some, like, you know, influencing work. But I thank God I have the luxury to be able to kind of travel and be wherever. And so we were like, this is the perfect timing. We've had horrible timing. I'm free as a bird. So I went out there and stayed till January. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

Does he live in Japan or was he just stationed there?

[Marissa George]

He's stationed there for right now so that I'll be moving out there in just a few weeks. You're moving to Japan? I am. It's the same, like, location that I used to live at when I was in the Navy. So it's like, it feels like home. I was there for a couple months, and it just was like, I feel like I'm 22 again. I'm just kidding. But, like, I was just, like, at home. I felt very comfortable.

[Host (AD)]

That's so funny, because I do remember, like, watching. Watching your stories and, like, your Instagram. Like, obviously, I follow you on Instagram, and I'm like, wow, she's still in Japan. She's still in Japan. She's still in Japan. She's still in Japan. Little did I know you were cultivating a whole new life. That is incredible. That is insane.

[Marissa George]

It was kind of nice to have, like, the privacy to do it.

[Host (AD)]

Right.

[Marissa George]

Was honestly, very nice. Like, not the need to post him or I or our relationship. It really gave us the time to pray privately, figure out, like, what we wanted, where we want to go from here. So it was nice.

[Host (AD)]

So did he know you were going on Perfect Match?

[Marissa George]

No. So I talked to him. I talked to him, actually, like, at one point during Perfect Match, like, we texted. But no, I don't know if he would have been down for all that.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

You know what I mean? But, yeah, definitely. Right after we were texting, he knew I was single.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Marissa George]

Because I. He knew I was single, so he always was like, hey, are you single? I'm like, yes, I'm single and free.

[Host (AD)]

Wait, is. Is he watching Perfect Match with you or.

[Marissa George]

No, no, absolutely. He's busy at work. Yeah, he's working. He's doing a man's job. I am not. No, he doesn't need to watch it. Yeah, nobody. Nobody should watch that. Like, if they're. You don't want to watch your wife on tv.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Marissa George]

Smashing out another guy or, like, you know, kissing other men. Like, you don't want to see that.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. Oh, my gosh.

[Marissa George]

Okay.

[Host (AD)]

Well, congratulations. I'm so happy for you.

[Marissa George]

Thanks. I'm happy. I'm. I'm doing well.

[Host (AD)]

You look happy. I was. I was telling you I was on your live, and I'm like, there's an air about her that, like, she just does not give a. I can't tell, like, what it is, but there is something that's giving, like. And now. Now I see you're a happily married wife.

[Marissa George]

So what?

[Host (AD)]

Why would you care? I love that for you.

[Marissa George]

Yeah, I definitely don't. Yeah. I don't feel. I'm sure you can relate. Like, there comes a point where you're just, like, you're in your real life. You have your husband, your Children like you just. You live your real life and you surround yourself by those who are supportive of you. And all the other stuff is just stuff. So it feels like that.

[Host (AD)]

Just background noise.

[Marissa George]

Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

No, I know that feeling so well because I literally was where you were. I'm like, I'm sorry. My life has. That ship has sailed. I don't know who that girl is on that show. I'm a completely different person. I don't know what's going on. I don't even know who you're talking about.

[Marissa George]

Exactly. That's the weird part is, like, people are like, oh, yeah, four months. Like, she hasn't grown. It's like, I'm a different person. Excuse me. Like, I am. Don't. Don't worry about who you saw on the camera.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Marissa George]

We're good. We're good, we're good, we're good.

[Host (AD)]

Okay, let's talk Perfect Match a little bit. Let's talk about when Perfect Match wrapped. What happened with you and Damari after you left Mexico.

[Marissa George]

Yeah, yeah. So me and Damari, throughout the experience, talked about, like, what we were looking for. And he knew. I actually genuinely was not looking to be in a relationship with anyone, including my current husband. Like, I was just out of another relationship. Shocking. And I just was like, I want to have fun and be free. And so we knew pretty early on that it wasn't gonna be anything beyond the show. And, you know, with casting, like, you're allowed to come on the show for whatever your goal and purpose is, and mine wasn't to find love. Now, had that happened, that's a different story. But that's not what happened. So when filming ended, we walked away as friends and very appreciative and full of gratitude for experiencing that together. I love that.

[Host (AD)]

Have you guys spoken since the show wrap?

[Marissa George]

No. There's no need to, really.

[Host (AD)]

Not even a check in?

[Marissa George]

Yeah, no. Like, we're in a group chat. Right. But there's just no need to. He's very. He's, like, respectful of my marriage and knows that I'm there, and he's known about it. You know, the whole cast has known about it for a while, so I think everyone's just being respectful.

[Host (AD)]

They knew you were married or in a relationship?

[Marissa George]

They knew I was married. Like, I told them I was. They knew when I got to Japan, I was going to be in a relationship. Yeah. Like, I was like, I'm going to go to Japan because we're all, like, friendly in our group.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Marissa George]

So wait, is the Group chat.

[Host (AD)]

The whole cast?

[Marissa George]

Yes, the full cast.

[Host (AD)]

Interesting, huh? Interesting. How did that go?

[Marissa George]

It's quite friendly, to be honest, compared to Love is Blind, it's quite friendly.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. No, I can imagine. Wait, so you also announced on social media that you're officially an attorney. So many congratulations for you, girl. Like, tell me how that. How does it feel to be done with that journey?

[Marissa George]

It feels very full circle because I found out I failed the bar by one point. The finale of my season of Love Is Blind. And then for me to find out on this season finale of my season of Perfect Match, I am now an attorney. It felt like I could finally breathe and really kind of put this last chapter of my life behind and really move forward with my marriage and my future career. I didn't realize how much I was holding onto some things from the past as far as just like, guilt and shame and embarrassment for Love Is Blind and for failing the bar and all these other things until I found out I am an attorney. Then I was like, okay, these past couple years have been hard, but it's time to move forward. I have so much to look forward to, so it feels great.

[Host (AD)]

I'm so proud of you. Congratulations. Because I do remember that little cloud over you for a while, and I was like, we need to get our girl in the sun. And now I feel like you're in the sun. I'm so happy for you.

[Marissa George]

I'm in the sun. Yeah, Absolutely.

[Host (AD)]

Okay. I keep bopping around because, I mean, your life, there's just so much that. Okay, let's back to Perfect Match. How is this experience different for you compared to your experience on Love is Blind?

[Marissa George]

So for Love is Blind, I went into it looking for love. Like, for real?

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

Like, I think it's just a more of a serious show in that sense. And I was like, I'm gonna find my person here. Little did I know my person was already out there. But I thought, you know, let me try this avenue of dating. With Perfect Match, I went into it as, let's have some fun in the sun on the beach with some hot guys. Like I said, I was newly single, and I was just excited to, like, be outside. So I did not take it seriously in the sense of finding love. Like, you never hear me say, I love Damari or like, I'm falling in love. Like, that just wasn't for me. Obviously. Different experiences for everyone. But I just didn't feel like it's the show to find love for me. I know that you can find love, but the chances Are crazy. Like, you have to be the exception, I feel like. So, yeah, it's just different. But I like Perfect Match better, to be honest, because just my heart wasn't in it the way it was with Love Is Blind, so I didn't get hurt the same way. And it was just genuinely fun.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, I can relate. I love Perfect Match way more than Love is Blind. Like, I just, you know, obviously, I'm such a success story and I couldn't be more, you know, excited about the way my life turned out. And like you said, it's an anomaly for something like this to happen. And I don't know, I just. I can relate. Like, let's scrub Love is Blind from the Internet.

[Marissa George]

Like, yeah, let's just get past that. And, like, I've seen a lot of chatter online about Love Is Blind people who go to Perfect Match and how we're just, like, so much more intense. And I think probably why you were able to walk away with, you know, your. Your match. And we just take things. Even though we. I went in there light hearted, I still take things somewhat seriously, you know, I mean, because of our experience. It's in our blood.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

People forget. People forget. Like, especially for you. Like, it's more than just, oh, you got. You and Ollie met on Perfect Match and it was, you know, green flowers from there. It takes real work for relationships to work. So for you and Ollie to actually have made it, it's truly, like a very true sex story.

[Host (AD)]

Thank you. Did you bring any of your lessons from Love is Blind into Perfect Match?

[Marissa George]

I think the PR answer is to say yes, but I don't know. I guess because I just approached them differently. I think ultimately, yes, because I learned a lot of lessons through Love is Blind. So. Yes. But I. I didn't, like, go in and think, okay, I did this on Love is Blind. I want to do it differently here. I was just more like, the only difference I want to do is just have so much fun and not, like, get hurt.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, that was about it. How did you end up on the cast? Because last time I saw you, we were at, like, the Netflix party, and I'm pretty sure you were in a relationship.

[Marissa George]

Yeah. How did we get.

[Host (AD)]

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[Marissa George]

So I was a. Yeah, I was a pretty late cast. I think I started casting September. October, I think. October. End of September, beginning October, I think, maybe. No, no, no, no, no, no. Yeah, yeah, September. I think September. Because I think we started sometime in October. Either way. Yeah, I was in a relationship. We broke up in the beginning of August, end of July. And that relationship was dead a year before I broke up with him. It just was not a good relationship. It was very toxic on both our ends. And a lot of arguing, a lot of fighting. Take Damari and I arguing in that one scene, and just times it by 10. It was unhealthy. None of my friends or family wanted me in that relationship anymore. And so I got out of that when I was actually on vacation. Wow. And I was like. Because I just. I know this sounds horrible. We lived together at the time. And I was like, I can't. We're having. I try to break up with him so many times, and I just never went through. And sometimes it just takes getting away, breaking up and being like, I'm over here. You get your stuff out. Bye. And that's ultimately what happened. Thank God. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

People are saying that it's. You broke up with him so you could go on Perfect Match. How do you.

[Marissa George]

Yeah, that's what they say.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

That's because he went forward to the public about that, and there's not much I could do about that other than just speak the truth. He and all his friends and everyone knows why we broke up. And there's not much I can say about that. But he knows exactly why. Like, I'm not too worried about that. But, yes, that is the narrative. And I'm like, sure, go ahead. Run with it.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, go. Whatever. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

[Marissa George]

I just don't care.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

I hate that, man. I just do not care. Yeah, Like, I. You could. He could say whatever he wants, and I'm gonna be like, you are irrelevant to me. I know that sounds harsh, but I just don't care.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, no, that's okay. Let's. Let's move past him. I'm. I'm over talking about him as well. So what was your first impression of everyone in the villa?

[Marissa George]

1. I thought everyone was really good looking. I thought everyone was really nice, and it felt like everyone was there to have a good time. So, you know, obviously Damari, I thought he was very attractive. I think I walked in, and it was Damari and Nick and Damari found very attractive. Nick did nothing for me, and then Natalie was there, and she was gorgeous. So I was just like, this is going to be a great time. Yeah, great time.

[Host (AD)]

So like you said, from the moment you walked in, you're kind of drawn to Damari. What was it about him that made you feel so connected?

[Marissa George]

You know, when you just meet someone, you have natural chemistry, and I think that's just what we had. I was really basing on that. I wasn't trying to, like, catch hard feelings for anyone, so I was like, oh, you have a great smile. I could tell you're gonna love me. So, yeah, I don't know. We had instant banter was our instant thing. So it just seemed naturally to unfold that way. Like, we talk to other people in a group, and then we kind of gradually gravitate towards each other. So I think that's just what it was. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

What did you think of Damari's reaction to seeing his ex as a potential single in the boardroom?

[Marissa George]

I thought it was funny. I was like, bring her in for some drama. I thought it was really fun to just, like, spice it up. I want to see Damari squirm a little bit. Honestly, screw it. I want to see myself squirm a little bit. Like, you know, I was just here to have a good time.

[Host (AD)]

I'm here for the drama. Yeah,

[Marissa George]

we were making TV guys, but, yeah, I just. I now later on, I learned they had, like, deeper seated issues and conflict before. Had I known all that, I probably wouldn't have pushed so hard for her to get into the house at first. But I also thought it'd be nice to bring in another black girl. It was just me, Damari, and Yemen. And I was like, let's bring in some more color. And I think she would have made for some good times.

[Host (AD)]

I feel that I wish I would have had that option.

[Marissa George]

I know, I know.

[Host (AD)]

Okay, so since you won the second challenge, you and Damari got to decide if Chris or Jimmy P. Would be leaving the villa. What made you feel so loyal to Jimmy P in that moment?

[Marissa George]

I1 he's from love is Blind. Like, I have some little loyalty there, but I think Jimmy's a really nice guy. He Means well, even though it doesn't always come across that way. He has good intentions, I think. Think for the most part. But Chris was. Kayla was leaving the house, and I was like, why? Like, why separate Kayla and Chris? Like, they're both, like, why they're. Go ahead and leave together. They said they had a really strong connection. So I was like, go ahead off into the sunset, you two. I'm not going to break up Allie and Jimmy so that what Ali will have to match with Chris. Like, that was never going to work. So, yeah, it was more strategic of, like, you know, Jimmy and Ali already together. Send Kaylin Chris out.

[Host (AD)]

Do you think the narrative that he was there to play the game was

[Marissa George]

wrong, Jimmy P. Yeah, I think no. I think everyone was kind of playing a little bit of the game, you know. To what extent was each person playing? They all had their own varying levels of that. But I think people don't want to get kicked out the house, you know, nobody wants.

[Host (AD)]

Nobody wants.

[Marissa George]

Yeah, they. You want genuine connections. You can't force it. It's obvious when you force it. But I think Jimmy P. Meant by his playing the game more of, like, he's staying open because that's what he was, you know, what he wanted to do. Unfortunately, it was at the expense of Ally. It caused a lot of, like, anxieties and stuff on her end. But I don't know if he played the game. Maybe he played it more than others, but I think everyone was a little bit.

[Host (AD)]

So I did want to talk to you about that tense moment between you and Damari after he said that you made him feel comfortable. Can you share what you were feeling in that moment and, like, kind of dissect that for us all?

[Marissa George]

Yeah. Right before that, just to provide context. Right before that conversation with Damari, like, you could see me sit down. I already have, like, tears in my eyes. Yeah. Mackenzie had just left the house, and I was just, like, emotional already. And we sat down and I just. I wasn't actually seeking anything. But when he provided the information he provided, I just felt in the moment, like, great. I saw a pattern. I was like, okay, great. Of course you like me because I make you feel all these things, but, like, tell me why you actually like me. And I think maybe I hadn't been hearing it. Maybe I heard it and was ignoring it. I don't know. But I think a lot of that had to do with just I got triggered. I talk a little bit about the rejection, sensitivity, dysphoria, and whether it's real or Perceived or whatever. In that moment, I saw a pattern. And what it revealed to me was, okay, he likes me because I provide this for him. And when I then explained to him why I don't really care and like, that that's me kind of being more vulnerable, I kind of explained the RSD being a little bit more vulnerable. Kind of just like showing him who I am. And then for it to culminate into like, well, I don't have energy for this. Let's just match. It just kind of felt like, I don't know, it just triggered a lot of abandonment, rejection in me. And that's what you're seeing. You're just seeing me, like, kind of freak out a little bit. Like, a little bit of fear of, like, oh, God, this is just another guy who's gonna leave me. So I think I was just seeking reassurance in that moment and didn't really know how to process or, like, say that out loud. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

How has it been watching it back? And like, kind of the public perception of it all.

[Marissa George]

Watching it back is interesting because I know that's what was happening. I'm very self aware about it. And watching it back, it's just more like I'm kind of proud to see that I'm not as reactive like that anymore. I'm with a partner that I don't really need to be, but I've really worked on that with my husband, you know, so watching back is like. But I'm. I'm proud to be able to talk about something that's really important, that impacts millions of people. The public opinion of whether I'm like, an insecure person, manipulative, judgment, judgy, whatever. Like, I think that's projection. I think if you really look into the psychology behind what was going on in that scene, you would understand. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

Okay, let's get into the mixers. Did you and Damari set boundaries before?

[Marissa George]

I think we did. I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure we did. Like, I think. I don't remember. I think we did. So I'm pretty sure we said, like, go have fun. If you're playing a game, do whatever. I think we knew there'd be some kissing, but it was like, he was like, don't be in there just making out with guys. And I was like, don't be in there making out with girls. And unfortunately, you only get to see me ever telling Damari not to do something. But Damari also had his boundaries and had his issues of how I moved about with people. And so what I did with Weston, like, we moved on from that pretty quick, him and I, because it wasn't like a betrayal. It was just more. I think he was shocked that I actually kissed somebody else. Yeah. But it wasn't a betrayal. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

Were you shocked when you saw how tame the boys mixer was compared to what y' all were going on about?

[Marissa George]

I don't know if I was too shocked. I do feel like the guys, you know, the guys all have their flaws and all, but I actually felt like they're genuinely some pretty good guys. Yeah. I don't think they're, like, douchebags, and I think they were trying to be respectful, as you could see, and they said they would be whether we believed it or not. But I think us girls just wanted to have fun. Like, we were like, we know the guys probably are having fun, so we're gonna do it too. So I wasn't necessarily too surprised, but I was kind of just like, okay, like, good on you. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

So let's fast forward now. You're doing the kissing challenge. What was that like for you?

[Marissa George]

I think it was fun. You know, it's a little gross and a little fun. Like, a little fun, a little gross.

[Host (AD)]

There was so many mouths.

[Marissa George]

So many mouths. So many mouths. Yeah. I mean, I think signing into that, signing up for a perfect match. I knew that would be one of the challenges, so I just, like, prepared. Having mouthwash in between some of the kisses is nice. And, yeah, it's not the best challenge, I will say, but it wasn't like I was. I didn't want to throw up after everyone was, like, relatively a decent kisser. Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

How did it feel watching the Damari and Brie kiss? Like, you're, like, literally standing right next, and you're just, like, like, bopping around in your headphones, and they're, like, having this intense, like, makeup make out thing going on right next to you. How is that watching?

[Marissa George]

It was funny to watch because I was like, damn, that's some chemistry they have. I was kind of digging it. Okay. I knew that they had put us next to each other, and I think that was pretty intentional. But maybe it wasn't, but I. I thought it was. You know, I think they do have a lot of chemistry. They want a whole show together. They have history. I'm not shocked that that kiss. And we had talked about the kiss, and I kind of knew that he was gonna put a little extra oomph into that one. So.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. Yeah, it was hot. It was hot.

[Marissa George]

I can't lie, it was hot. I had thoughts and good thoughts, not bad thoughts.

[Host (AD)]

Okay, so after the kissing challenge, Weston chose to take you on a date, and Kayla chose Damari. At any point during your date, did you consider matching with Weston?

[Marissa George]

I don't know if I strongly considered it, but I did. I like. It did cross my mind. Weston's great breath of fresh air. Really awesome. I think he surprised me in a lot of ways, and I felt like he really saw me in a way that, like, others in the house maybe weren't seeing me. Like, even when I say, oh, I know I'm chaos, and he's like, no, no, no. Like, you, you know, you let people, you know, be them true selves around you, things like that. And I. I really liked. He was so complimentary and just so sweet and genuine. And we thought the same about life and, like, positivity and stuff like that. So I did consider it for, like, a second. But at that point, that stage in the game, I was like, I'm. I'm okay with where I'm at. But I did consider a little bit. Just a little.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. He seemed like he was, like, pretty chill. Was he. Is he older? How old is he?

[Marissa George]

You know, I don't know. I think he's like 31.

[Host (AD)]

Okay. Yeah, he seemed a bit older than the other guys, or maybe that was just because he was like a cowboy and I don't know. He just seemed older.

[Marissa George]

Yeah, but he was. He was. He was kind. Very kind. And I wish if they had brought him in earlier, I. I don't know. Like, I think that might have been something interesting.

[Host (AD)]

Okay, what do you think was the actual root of the communication issues that you were having with Damari? Because I feel like there would be times where you guys would each be like, yeah, like, we have great communication. Like, he lets me talk and she lets me talk, and we have great communication. But, like, I don't think I ever saw the great communication. I think maybe I blinked and missed it. What was the actual route?

[Marissa George]

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[Host (AD)]

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[Marissa George]

Get the new alcohol free Dove whole body Dio. On Amazon or at Walmart today, you've

[Commercial Narrator 2]

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[Marissa George]

I don't think it was shown. It just wasn't shown. Me and Damari had the one little tiff about me being shady where I was like rsd and I don't like the way you're saying you like me. That was our one tiff. And then we had that really big one. Other than that, we weren't fighting all the time. Like, we just weren't. We weren't that couple fighting all the time. But it looks like it. Like, damn. I was like, Jesus Christ. So we did have good communication. That's why we won the challenges. We won because we were. We talked a lot. We talked a lot. I gave him so much space to be himself and talk and laugh and we talked about everything and he gave me space to talk and be myself. But what we continue to have an issue with is the interrupting. I did constantly interrupt him and in casual conversation, not even serious conversations. And I didn't realize, like, for him, like, I felt like, well, stop. I felt like it was controlling. But for him it was like he loses his train of thought as well. And I was like, so you're taking like, me who has to say what I need to say so I don't forget what I'm gonna say? And then him, he's like, well, if you do say what you're gonna say, I'm gonna forget. So it just was like frustration on that point. But it wasn't really that bad. It was just those, that one big fight and that was that. Yeah, but. And then the talk about like Cat KitKat, like, that wasn't a fight, that was like a conversation. And I just happen to be very expressive. I'm a sassy, like, fiery person. So while something may look More intense than it is. While it may look intense, it's usually not.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. Do you think a lot of, like, editing power or it just kind of.

[Marissa George]

Am I allowed to say that?

[Host (AD)]

Everyone gets so scared to talk about the editing, but you can literally say whatever you want.

[Marissa George]

Yeah, I would say. Yeah. I think we all know how these work with. How it works with these shows. I think they're able to take something that is and then just make it more. Right. So it's not that they, like, falsified anything. It's just like they focused on that thing. Instead of showing me and Damari having the time of our lives, they show us constantly in these, like, weird conversations. Like, even our dates were very disappointing. Like, we went to two beautiful dates, the one in the treehouse and the one like in the jacuzzi thing. It was like five seconds. Yeah. Like, they showed us five seconds of conversation. But then we see a whole scene with me and Weston, a whole scene with Kayla and Damari, and I'm like, you don't even get to see the conversations that we had. They were great. They were really great. And it sucks, but so be it.

[Host (AD)]

The people don't want context. The people want to take what they see and make up their own stories. Like, let's just call a spade a spade.

[Marissa George]

They do. That's exactly what they want. And that's why just this release of this show, I have not felt the need to really over explain. I've done very few podcasts. I've done. I've been very selective about that. And just like on the Internet, if people, like, there's no. They're not gonna listen to me anyways.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

So, yeah, facts.

[Host (AD)]

They've already made up their mind. They've. You've been prejudged since Love is Blind. So you could have gone on there and been an angel and done everything the way they wanted, the right way, and people would still hate you.

[Marissa George]

So, yeah, I think they just want me to finally be like, screw you to a dude. Do a good little one liner, a little fucking snap of my finger. They want me to be a stereotype of something I am not.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

And yep. I'm not going to be boxed into that. I will show my feelings and I'll be vulnerable and open and whether they receive it or not. Yeah. Okay. I love that.

[Host (AD)]

I love that. So relatable. Let's talk about the finale. Were you, like, shocked and surprised by all the accusations being thrown around and all the bombs being dropped at the finale?

[Marissa George]

No. I knew everything that was going to come out. Me, Damari and I were known as mom and dad in the house. We knew everything that was going on because we talked a lot, lot to a lot of the other couples, quite a bit. So wasn't too. I think I was shocked about the Kayla having a boyfriend thing because I pretty tight with Allison and close with Kayla, and I didn't know about that or I don't think. I don't know if it's even true, actually. But, like, I didn't know that was coming. No.

[Host (AD)]

So you said you talked to everyone. So you knew about the whole Hashim and Ally thing. How did you feel about that?

[Marissa George]

I did.

[Host (AD)]

How did you feel about Hashim revealing that?

[Marissa George]

Should I say I absolutely hate the way that Hashim revealed it. Even if he didn't specifically say exactly what they did, the conversation just, I feel like, could have been left, you know, for a private time. And I understand this is TV and we're filming and whatever she did on camera, but as a man to another man, you don't embarrass your friend's girl like that.

[Host (AD)]

No.

[Marissa George]

Like, that's not bro code.

[Host (AD)]

No.

[Marissa George]

Like, if you want to look out for your guy, that's okay. But what if your guy wants to make the decision to stay with Ali? Well, you just made the decision for him because now you forced his hand to look like you're embarrassing both of them. And I know that he apologized to Jimmy. I feel like Ali was owed an apology. I agree. Because whether Ali told Jimmy or not, maybe she was going to, maybe she wasn't. But that was between Jimmy and Ali. And I do feel like it was just said for drama. He wasn't really emotionally invested in her like that. Like what? He wasn't, like, hurt, was he? Like, I don't know. No, I didn't like that. I like Hashim a lot. I do. Didn't like that he did that. Two things could be true at the same time.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Marissa George]

For sure.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. That's a whole mess. It's a whole mess. I think I agree with everything you said. I think she's owed an apology. I don't think it was bro code. I don't think it was. I feel like my heart, like, I don't know. And then it's also, like, the other side of the coin, where it's like reality tv. You can get produced into saying some things that you don't really want to say. Or you're like, this is my last chance to get my 15 minutes and my Clip and my, like, time to shine. So, I mean, there's so many variables, but that doesn't excuse the fact that I don't think she should have been exposed that way.

[Marissa George]

Yeah. Like, personally, I'm like, I didn't like that. And, you know, whether they had time to discuss it before or not, I don't know. But that was between them. And so I knew. I knew that Hashim was likely going to bring it up. I had heard about it. I kind of figured. I was hoping he wouldn't. And ultimately, regardless what the public thinks, I think personally, like, Hashim should definitely apologize to Ali at one point, and he apologized to Jimmy, but never to Ally. And I think that goes to show misogyny.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah.

[Marissa George]

So there's that. Yeah, like, there's that.

[Host (AD)]

I mean, clock it. Is there anyone that you would say you're still close to as far as, like, the women in the villa, Anybody that you talk to on a regular basis?

[Marissa George]

Yeah, I keep in close contact with Mackenzie, Allison, Kayla, Natalie, and Allie. Allie quite a bit. So just on and off. Sometimes I'll go through long periods of just catching up with one girl constantly, and then maybe we switch around, but I keep up with all. All the original girls in the house for the most part.

[Host (AD)]

What about your love is blind girls?

[Marissa George]

Not really. No. I mean, yeah, it was never really tight after the show came out, so. No, no. I am really close with Katie. Sorry. I am close with Katie. I know Ashley A. Has reached out. Monica reaches out. Same with Alex and Hannah. But other than that, I'm not super close with them. I'm pretty close with Katie, though.

[Host (AD)]

Okay, cool. Okay. I know people get so iffy when I ask this question about, like, behind the scenes and spilling tea, but is there anything that you can share with us that we did not get to see, like, any BTS or something that happened that just didn't get captured or shown?

[Marissa George]

I think what didn't get shown is the massive support the girls had for or Ali had with the girls. The girls really supported Ali in leaving Jimmy P. And going with Hashim. I think that would have provided context. Oh, yeah. We. Because. Because with Jimmy P, she was a lot more anxious, unsure, kind of a little bit more all over the place. With Hashim, there was a calmness to her. There was. And not that she needs to be calm, but she. There was a surety there. She wasn't, like, stressed about, is he talking to someone else? Is he doing that? She was like, yeah, we're. We're matched. And she was Able to be free and have so much more fun. So I think that would have been. That would provide a little bit more context of why, like, she switched. Unfortunately, she went back to Jimmy P. But, like, Jimmy did also really like her. So there's that. I think, trying to think if there's anything else. You guys all saw the Kayla Chris stuff. Not. I don't know. Not really. I feel like the cast is telling on themselves right now. Agreed.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. If you want to know what's going on, just go on. TikTok. At any given time, somebody from Perfect Match season four is live.

[Marissa George]

Yeah. What do you think about that? Isn't that crazy?

[Host (AD)]

Go off. Honestly, it's very entertaining. Go off.

[Marissa George]

You know, I'm here for it. Speak your truth, standing your truth. I mean, show your receipts, standing your truth. That's all you could do. And then. And then let's move on. Love Island's coming out soon.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. Literally. There's always something around the corner, so enjoy your 10 minutes. That's how I feel. Like, wrap it up.

[Marissa George]

Yeah.

[Host (AD)]

I know you kind of said that your husband is not watching it, and we're not, you know, promoting him to watch it. Does he have anything to say about all of this? Like, for you? Are you guys talking about it or just kind of?

[Marissa George]

We're not. Yeah, we're not talking too much about it. You know, it's not his favorite thing.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah, right.

[Marissa George]

Like, it's not the best thing. He's a professional, so, like, you know, but he knows who he married. And so I think that he has seen or he has seen some online chatter or online clips of me and Damari and maybe didn't enjoy how Damari maybe spoke to me and things like that, but she's. You know, he's my husband. He's going to think that as well, so. But otherwise, no, not really. It's like our first year of marriage. It's not ideal for this to be happening, but I'm definitely trying to move past it. For sure.

[Host (AD)]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Where did you guys get married?

[Marissa George]

In Savannah, Georgia.

[Host (AD)]

In Savannah.

[Marissa George]

We had, like, a little elopement ceremony. We had our parents, our siblings, and, like, one of our best friends. And it was. It was beautiful. It was perfect. We're gonna have a big wedding. We are gonna do a big wedding, hopefully at the end of next year. But, you know, the intimate one was amazing, so I love that.

[Host (AD)]

So before we wrap this up, what is next for Marissa? Like, what are you up to?

[Marissa George]

Yeah, so I've kind of taken a step back from influencing and doing content creation and I'm focusing more on, like, building my legal career a bit. I want to start, like, providing services to influencers and content creators regarding contracts and things like that. I know there's a lot of people who are not represented by brands, and so I want to be able to provide affordable and accessible options for me to, like, review contracts and help them with some of the taxes and things like that that comes with influencers and content creators. But otherwise, yeah, I'm going to move to Japan with my man, Japan with my man, period. And start my legal career. And I think, you know, eventually kids would be really nice. I'm ready.

[Host (AD)]

Babies, Japan, husband, attorney. Like, this is like, best case scenario. I'm so, so, so happy for you. I just remember, like, thank you. When you were here last time, like, it was just a different story story. Like a different you, even a different me girl. Like, we were completely different people. And now to be able to sit here and look at each other as wives that are like, flourishing in our own happiness, like, not caring about the world is such a beautiful thing. So I am so, so, so happy for you.

[Marissa George]

Thank you so much. Thanks for having me. And you're right, we have changed for the better. We are, we are becoming so we're right where we're supposed to be. I love that.

[Host (AD)]

Well, thank you. And as I always say, you have a spot here.

[Marissa George]

If you ever want to hop on

[Host (AD)]

and just talk about literally anything. I think what you're doing with like, influencers and contracts and brands is so powerful because we need that. Like, it's one, it's really hard. Two, it's very expensive. And three, we don't know what the hell is going on. So I think that's really, really dope. But if you ever want to hop on here and talk about anything else, you are more than welcome. If we book a flight to Japan, I'm coming. I'm bringing the baby and the hubby and we are going to come hang out with you.

[Marissa George]

You have a place to stay? I'm like an hour and a half outside of Tokyo, but by train. But you have a place to stay if you ever need. And I will give you all the racks and I'll be there. I love it. Hopefully you get to come out. Yay.

[Host (AD)]

Well, thank you and thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of what's the Reality? Be sure to follow us on all social platforms at what's the Reality Pod and I will see you guys next week.

[Marissa George]

Bye.

[Host (AD)]

What's the reality? What's the reality?

[Commercial Narrator 2]

You've likely heard about pdrn. Originating in Korean medical grade injectables, this ingredient supports skin rejuvenation and is often derived from salmon DNA. Medicaite's new Exo PDRN Prismatic Plus Serum unlocks the power of non invasive vegan pdrn. Through advanced biotechnology, it's proven to boost skin's natural rejuvenation by 50%. Like the clinical treatments, it's inspired by, Medicaite's XO PDRN Prismatic Plus Serum delivers full spectrum rejuvenation results to visibly improve skin health, tone, luminosity, firmness and volume while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Visit medikai.us. that's Medik and the number eight us to discover more. Use code podcast20 to save 20% off your first order.

[Marissa George]

Hi, I'm Angie Hicks, co founder of Angie. One thing I've learned is that you buy a house, but you make it a home. For decades, Angie's helped millions of homeowners hire skilled pros for the projects that matter. Angie the one you trust to find the ones you trust. Find a pro for your [e-mail].