Relationship seems completely different for everybody. For Monique, love has taken form by way of cellphone calls, video visits, and intentional emotional connection contained in the unconventional world of Love Throughout 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 blissful, and I didn’t thoughts sharing a great expertise with folks. I simply wished 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 Development
Monique says the choice to go away 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 blissful there anymore,” she defined. “I simply felt like I wanted an entire new reset.”
Ohio, whereas quieter, supplied house to refocus. Although her relocation was influenced by Titus’ incarceration there, she says the transfer is short-term and intentional.
“This transfer right here isn’t everlasting. Titus doesn’t need to be right here when he will get launched, so that is simply one thing short-term. So when he will get out, we’re going to go away.”
Relationship Behind Bars And Breaking Misconceptions
Relationship somebody who’s incarcerated usually comes with assumptions, particularly round cash and constancy. Monique says these narratives don’t replicate her expertise.
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“The most important false impression is that the individual inside is utilizing you financially, or they’ve so many different ladies,” she mentioned. “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 hearken to music, we play video games over the cellphone. 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 an extended 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 try 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 sort. 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 cellphone 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 sturdy I’m. He uplifts me. It’s a optimistic relationship, and I didn’t have that earlier than.”
Belief, Safety, And The Query Of Cameras
One of many season’s early moments sparked dialog on-line. Titus is putting in safety cameras in Monique’s residence by way of 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 associates 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 mobile phone in jail, so it’s not like he’s monitoring something.”
Assembly In Particular person And What It Will Imply
Regardless of by no means having met Titus face-to-face, Monique believes that second will carry readability.
“I’m going to be tremendous overwhelmed,” she mentioned. “However I do know it’s going to be affirmation. Like, this was the appropriate factor. Me shifting, me doing the present with him.”
The couple plans to dwell collectively after his launch, and Monique says she feels prepared for what comes subsequent.
Navigating Public Opinion And Staying Grounded
Whereas viewers are vocal on-line, Monique says she leans on her instinct and her associate.
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“Typically it’s irritating as a result of individuals are simply ready for one thing dangerous to occur,” she mentioned. “Why do folks need to see someone get harm?”
Titus, she says, reminds her to remain current.
“He’ll say, ‘Why are you studying feedback after we’re speaking on the cellphone? 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. “Individuals are truly 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 blissful.”
Love Throughout Lockup airs Fridays at 9 PM ET/PT on We TV, with episodes streaming the identical day on All Actuality and the following day on AMC+.