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Married At First Sight’s Andrea Thompson has lifted the lid on her marriage to Richard Sauerman behind closed doors after sensationally exiting the experience on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, the photographer, 51, said she decided to end things with Richard, 62, because the couple’s constant arguments were starting to drive her “crazy”.
She added that watching their arguments on TV was “triggering”.
“The last week has been very traumatic for me to watch this. Your body feels everything you feel again, so it’s a lot and it’s sad,” she explained.
“Seeing our fight end. It was quite hard. In fact, I felt like I was going crazy by the end.
Married At First Sight’s Andrea Thompson has lifted the lid on her marriage to Richard Sauerman behind closed doors after sensationally exiting the experience on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, the 51-year-old photographer said she decided to end things with Richard, 62, because the couple’s constant arguments were starting to drive her “crazy”.
Despite the on-screen drama, Andrea insists her feelings for Richard were genuine.
“I never said I didn’t like Richie. I always said: “I like you, I’m here, I’m trying.” But of course I would withdraw when the borders were crossed again and again,” she said.
She added that watching their arguments on TV was ‘triggering’
Borders crossed
One of the main problems Andrea had with Richard was his lack of respect for personal boundaries.
“I’ve never seen anyone as bold and open as Richie, and Richie is very open and I talk like even the bathroom door, I had to ask him to close the bathroom door,” a- she declared.
One of the major problems Andrea had with Richard was his lack of respect for personal boundaries.
The final argument
Andrea detailed their latest argument, revealing that her attempts to communicate her feelings and concerns went unnoticed.
“I sat with my stitches because I turn to mush when I can’t talk…and he was talking for me and wouldn’t let me finish what I said,” she said.
Richard’s refusal to listen led to even greater frustration. “I had 12 points in my diary and he didn’t even let me pass three,” she added.
Andrea detailed their final argument, revealing that her attempts to communicate her feelings and concerns went unnoticed.
Communication breakdown
Andrea also expressed disappointment with Richard’s inability to engage in meaningful conversation.
“I just don’t think he was mentally capable of it,” she said.
“I actually looked forward to some of the conflicts because everything was going so well and I’m like, ‘ok, let’s see how we can get through the tough times’ and man, they were tough.”
Andrea also expressed disappointment with Richard’s inability to engage in meaningful conversation.
“It really hurts”: the downward spiral
Andrea traced the beginning of the end of the Photo Ranking Challenge and how it spoke about the brides taking part in the experiment.
“Yeah, probably from about week three during the photo challenge and I asked him not to use that kind of language because my parents and my kids are watching,” she explained.
“I have a business, it’s so embarrassing when Richie gets excited, Richie doesn’t remember the boundaries, and it’s really sad.”
Thompson traced the beginning of the end of the Photo Ranking Challenge
“It really hurt me that he didn’t place me first, because we were perfect until then,” she explained.
“And they didn’t show it to me, but I hosted it first. I pushed him against the wall at first because that’s what I would do for my partner.
“They come first, away from the others. So yes, I was crushed,” she added.
“And I know he watched every season of MAFS, and he would have seen the previous contestants not putting their partners first and seeing what that did to the relationship.
‘Go ahead, don’t you learn to watch this stuff either. I was even more hurt that he saw what it did to someone (by not putting them first). Why would you do that?’
The moment of clarity
For Andrea, one particular argument marked the point of no return.
“I was done after the fight. It was my limit one time too many,” she said.
“I really learned that it’s important to set boundaries and compare that to baseball.
“So, hit three and you’re out.” Not the 17th. So it’s a much more respectful way to live and I’m going to keep that for the rest of my life, I think.
Despite the rocky relationship, Andrea said the two reached a peaceful agreement.
Where is she with Richard now and who is she dating?
Despite the rocky relationship, Andrea said the two reached a peaceful agreement.
“We’re good with each other…I still care about him and I know he still cares about me,” she explained.
Andrea is also ready to dive back into the dating scene, but with a humorous caveat about her preferences.
Andrea is also ready to dive back into the dating scene, but with a humorous caveat about her preferences.
“Yes, I’m definitely dating again. I just wish someone would ask me out, and I have to tell you, if that guy shows up with a headscarf, I’ll run for the hills,” she joked.
She also spoke about a moment of unprecedented support from her fellow cast members and the solidarity she felt.
“Lucinda Light had some very strong words for Richie… The whole table shouted no at him, I loved the support from others,” she shared.
She also spoke about a moment of unprecedented support from her fellow cast members and the solidarity she felt. “Lucinda Light had very strong words towards Richie… The whole table shouted no at him, I loved the support from the others,” she shared