Dating seems to be completely different for everybody. For Monique, love has taken form by means of telephone calls, video visits, and intentional emotional connection contained in the unconventional world of Love During Lockup, this time for a second time.
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Monique instructed BOSSIP that she didn’t hesitate to share her story once more, this time from a spot of peace and readability.
“I didn’t thoughts sharing this expertise once more, as a result of I felt like this case was real, it was pure,” Monique instructed BOSSIP. “I used to be comfortable, and I didn’t thoughts sharing a very good expertise with folks. I simply needed folks to know the place I used to be at in my life proper now.”
That sense of grounding is central to her storyline this season. Viewers meet Monique in the course of a private reset. One marked by vital weight reduction, a transfer from Chicago to Ohio, and a long-distance relationship with Titus, who’s at present incarcerated.
A Reset Rooted In Growth
Monique says the choice to depart Chicago was about greater than love: it was about stagnation.
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“I used to be born and raised in Chicago. I really feel like I wasn’t rising there. I didn’t really feel comfortable there anymore,” she defined. “I simply felt like I wanted an entire new reset.”
Ohio, whereas quieter, supplied area to refocus. Though her relocation was influenced by Titus’ incarceration there, she says the transfer is non permanent and intentional.
“This transfer right here isn’t everlasting. Titus doesn’t wish to be right here when he will get launched, so that is simply one thing non permanent. So when he will get out, we’re going to depart.”
Dating Behind Bars And Breaking Misconceptions
Dating somebody who’s incarcerated typically comes with assumptions, particularly round cash and constancy. Monique says these narratives don’t replicate her expertise.
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“The greatest false impression is that the individual inside is utilizing you financially, or they’ve so many different girls,” she stated. “That may be true for some, however me and Titus’ relationship is so completely different than what folks might imagine.”
For Monique, emotional depth and never proximity has been the muse.
“We arrange video visits, we take heed to music, we play video games over the telephone. I’ll be sitting right here sipping on my wine and having dinner,” she shared. “We make it work to the place we’re nonetheless creating that emotional connection. It actually simply looks like a protracted distance relationship.”
How Titus Entered Her Life
After relationship males who weren’t incarcerated, Monique says one thing was nonetheless lacking.
“I used to be missing that emotional and psychological reference to these males,” she defined. “That’s what I actually attempt for with an individual.”
On a whim, she joined Write A Prisoner and located Titus. She candidly expressed that it was out of boredom, but she discovered a shock.
“I noticed him, and I simply thought he was so form. I reached out to him. We had been messaging for about three days, after which he known as me, and we simply immediately clicked. We talked daily on the telephone since then.”
That connection, she says, has helped her step into herself extra confidently.
“He loves my ‘Leo-ness,’” she laughed. “He loves how daring I’m, how robust I’m. He uplifts me. It’s a optimistic relationship, and I didn’t have that earlier than.”
Trust, Protection, And The Question Of Cameras
One of the season’s early moments sparked dialog on-line. Titus is putting in safety cameras in Monique’s residence through his pal. She says the second has been broadly misunderstood.
“It wasn’t about monitoring,” Monique clarified. “I’m within the metropolis on my own. I don’t have household or mates right here. It got here from him wanting to guard me.”
She additionally emphasised that Titus doesn’t have entry to the cameras.
“He doesn’t have a cellphone in jail, so it’s not like he’s monitoring something.”
Meeting In Person And What It Will Mean
Despite by no means having met Titus face-to-face, Monique believes that second will carry readability.
“I’m going to be tremendous overwhelmed,” she stated. “But I do know it’s going to be affirmation. Like, this was the correct factor. Me shifting, me doing the present with him.”
The couple plans to stay collectively after his launch, and Monique says she feels prepared for what comes subsequent.
Navigating Public Opinion And Staying Grounded
While viewers are vocal on-line, Monique says she leans on her instinct and her associate.
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“Sometimes it’s irritating as a result of individuals are simply ready for one thing dangerous to occur,” she stated. “Why do folks wish to see any individual get harm?”
Titus, she says, reminds her to remain current.
“He’ll say, ‘Why are you studying feedback once we’re speaking on the telephone? We’re good.’”
What Viewers Will See This Season
Monique hopes audiences method the season with openness.
“You’re going to see me and Titus constructing our relationship up till launch,” she shared. “People are literally seeing us do the groundwork.”
When requested what she hopes viewers take away, her reply was easy.
“I need viewers to see that I’m comfortable.”
Love During Lockup airs Fridays at 9 PM ET/PT on We TV, with episodes streaming the identical day on All Reality and the following day on AMC+.