An expert reveals the healthy way to get Bronte to leave Harrison

Married At First Sight’s Bronte and Harrison are refusing to break-up but there’s a wild reason Bronte is sticking with the relationship

OPINION

Harrison and Bronte staying together is triggering because it reminds me of all my fabulous female friends being shackled to below-average guys.

Anyone watching Married At First Sight this season has gotten close to yelling at the television that Bronte should leave Harrison.

Harrison just being Harrison while Bronte suffers through it. Source: Nine

The problems in their relationship are as obvious as Bronte’s fake tan.

Bronte might not be perfect, but Harrison is just awful. He is demanding, moody and gaslights Bronte easily three times a day.

He always accuses her of betraying him; meanwhile, his mean-spirited behaviour betrays her on a never-ending loop.

In response to his absurdity, Bronte wants to win him over. The meaner, crazier and more nonsensical he is, the more Bronte desperately wants to decode the mystery that is Harrison.

Of course, there is no real mystery.

He is a selfish average man who takes gym selfies and gets his kicks by tormenting his romantic partner so he can feel mysterious and complicated when he is basic and simple.

Bronte is fabulous and could do much better. Source Instagram

Bronte is seconds away from becoming a wine meme. Source: Nine

I’ve seen versions of Harrison my whole life; he is often dating one of my friends. So what do you do?

I can see the public turning on Bronte. We are sick of her being silly enough to stick with Harrison, and I’ve been there myself in my own life.

Actively avoiding my friend because she’s tied herself at the hip to a man who treats her poorly and socially is insufferable.

Never forget the time my mate dated a white man with a tribal tattoo and when I asked what tribe he was in, he got the sh*ts and complained that I was “weird”. Sir, you’re wearing someone else’s culture you know nothing about, but sure, I’m strange.

Bronte is constantly being asked why she stays with Harrison. Picture: Supplied/Channel 9

So what should you do if your mate is dating her own Aldi version of Harrison?

Counsellor and psychotherapist Julie Sweet explained that you need to leave your judgment at the door if you want to help your friend navigate a lousy relationship.

“For any relationship where we see a friend who may be in what we perceive as an unhealthy relationship, it is important to suspend judgment. You’d be surprised how difficult this can be,” she said.

Instead of making snarky comments – no matter how tempting that might be – Sweet recommends leading with kindness.

“Compassion is needed along with open questions and clear communication coupled with empathy and active listening,” she said.

“A simple formula is expressing to your friend in a safe way how you’re feeling, naming the situation you’re referring to and then stating what you need, or where appropriate, what support you can offer.

“Guiding and supporting friends is paramount, and projecting or directing your friend must be avoided,” Sweet explained.

Sweet also advised that monitoring your friend’s reaction was crucial when talking about their relationship.

“Paying attention to your friend’s response when you share your fears or concerns with them – if you’re met with defensiveness, this is an indicator your friend may struggle with what they are hearing from you,” she said.

“If, however, your friend demonstrates emotion or gratitude or even a disclosure around their experience, this will be an opportunity to strengthen your friendship and offer further guidance and support.

Bronte and Harrison's MAFS journey has been rocky. Picture: Channel 9

Many Aussies believe Bronte needs to leave Harrison. Source: Instagram

However, if you don’t feel comfortable approaching a friend directly about their stormy relationship, Sweet explained that there is still stuff you can do to help.

“You can always refer to an external resource such as a support group, group therapy or individual therapy. That way, your friend receives professional support and is still aware of the love and care being given by you. It’s a win-win,” she said.

Still, Sweet quickly emphasises that no matter how much you care for your friend, you can’t make them leave a relationship.

“As we all know, you can’t make someone change. That’s an inside job, and it’s theirs, not yours – so always be sure that your advice or support comes from a place of understanding as all you can do is assist the change.”

The reality is no one can make Bronte leave Harrison but Bronte.

Hopefully, once the show finishes, she’ll have a long lunch with a supportive girlfriend who will give her the space to be able to realise she deserves better than Harrison and I’m prepared to volunteer as a tribute for the role. 

Originally published as An expert reveals the healthy way to get Bronte to leave Harrison