It was clear from the get-go that Married At First Sight New Zealand's James Hunt and Samantha Best were made for each other. Almost immediately after meeting for the first time at their tropical wedding in Vanuatu, they dived deep into the big issues, including personal health matters.
James' sensitivity around his sleep apnoea came up for discussion, before Sam admitted to suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It certainly wasn't romantic, but it set the tone for what would become a relationship of openness, honesty and empathy - just some of the many values they share.
"Early on, we realised there were so many things that aligned for us both," says James, 31. "We had open conversations both on and off camera about our struggles and how we feel, and it created a really safe environment that just continued to blossom."
In "Confessions Week", the Christchurch schoolteacher admits he's struggled with self-esteem throughout his life, to which Sam, 26, responds with compassion.
James reveals it was a combination of events that led to him eventually being unable to look at himself in the mirror.
"It started when I was young," recalls the Britishborn groom. "I was good at sports, but whatever I did just wasn't good enough. That started a rollercoaster of self-esteem issues."
Over the years, James noticed his friends were getting into long-term relationships, but for him, nothing stuck.
"I've always been the one who gets put to the side by women. I get on with them for a short amount of time, then they just decide, 'Nah, sorry! Some have been very blunt and said, 'You're just not good-looking enough."
Bullied in school because of his weight, James' experiences followed him into adulthood, when he developed a turbulent relationship with his body and the way he looks. When he moved to New Zealand, he weighed 112kg.
この記事は Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand の June 1, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand の June 1, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
JESS' TEARS OVER JUSTIN'S SHOCK ARREST!
Jessica Biel is reeling after her husband Justin Timberlake's shock arrest in the Hamptons during a night off from his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
NICHOLAS GALITZINE 'I WAS DRIPPING IN JEWELS!
The actor discusses working with Julianne Moore on Mary & George, from Wednesday on TVNZ+
JUDGE JAY-JAY
More FM radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
KIWI BROADWAY DARLING MY BATTLE WITH ANOREXIA
Theatre queen Scarlett reveals her behind-the-scenes struggle
EMMA'S PREGNANCY NIGHTMARE 'I SPENT ALL DAY VOMITING!'
The Matakana mum's morning sickness was so extreme, she was hospitalised 20 times
CHIEFS STAR EMONI'S HEALING JOURNEY
How family helped the rising rugby star bounce back from his shattered Rugby World Cup dreams
AMANDA KNOX'S NEW LIFE DOTING MUM & CRIME PODCASTER
From Italian prison to US podcast host, Amanda has reinvented herself in a big way
SHORTY STARS EMMETT & HOLLY'S HIDDEN HEARTBREAK
The acting duo reveal why a tragic loss has left them scared of starting a family
PIRIPI & STEPH WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!
The groom's TV confession left his bride reeling from the start
POSH & BECKS SECRET DIVORCE
A bombshell book has opened up painful wounds for the family