GROOM: Aras (Age 35)

BRIDE: Jalissa (Age 23)

LOCATION: Fresno, Texas (Just outside Houston)

RELATIONSHIP DURATION: 5 months

ENGAGEMENT DATE: They have been engaged for 2 months

Jalissa and Aras’ love story is one of passion, cultural differences, and deep-seated questions about their future. They met a year ago in the most unexpected of places—a gas station—where Aras was immediately taken with Jalissa’s beauty and asked for her number. What began as a simple exchange quickly turned into a whirlwind romance, with the two seeing each other almost daily. They’ve been together for only five months and have already been engaged for two months, a pace that raises eyebrows especially among Jalissa’s family.

Their relationship is full of love, but it is also marked by challenges rooted in their different cultural and religious backgrounds. Aras, a Muslim from Turkey, has strong ties to his family and traditions, while Jalissa, a Christian from the U.S., is more independent in her lifestyle. One of the most significant points of contention is Aras’ extremely close relationship with his mother, who is deeply involved in his daily life, sometimes even intruding into their personal space. This dynamic makes Jalissa uncomfortable, leading her to wonder about the role his family will play in their marriage.

Additionally, their differing perspectives on what’s appropriate and what isn’t couldn’t be farther apart. Jalissa enjoys going out, dancing, and expressing herself freely, while Aras’ cultural upbringing condemns such behaviors. He often questions her choices, making her feel judged. In turn, she worries about whether he expects her to conform to more traditional gender roles once they are married. She doesn’t want to be a “kept” woman and only a stay at home wife and mom. Furthermore, the topic of religious conversion looms over them, as Aras’ family would prefer her to embrace Islam, something she is unsure about.

Deeper concerns lie beneath the surface. Jalissa has doubts about whether Aras is with her for love or if there are ulterior motives—especially since he is on a visa. She also questions whether his attraction to her is genuine or merely a fetish, fueled by his admiration for Black culture and celebrities like Tupac. Meanwhile, Aras wonders if Jalissa’s family will ever fully accept him as a foreigner and as someone who does not fit the mold of their expectations.

These unresolved issues have led Jalissa and Aras to seek an experience that will provide them with clarity. They want to confront their fears head-on, ask the hard questions, and see if their love is truly strong enough to withstand the pressures of cultural differences, family expectations, and personal insecurities. Before they take the final step into marriage, they both need reassurance that their love is built on honesty, respect, and a mutual vision for the future.

Example Questions From Jalissa to Aras:

  • Do you have a fetish for black women? Or, are you with me because I am black?

  • Will you introduce new rules and chores for me once we are married?

  • Do you still talk to your ex?

  • Is part of the reason you want to marry me is because I offer a path to citizenship?

  • Do you really like my natural hair?

  • Do you need me to convert to Islam in order for our marriage to work?

  • Do you wish that I came from the same culture?

  • Do you want me to dress more conservatively?

  • Do you want me to change who I am in order to be your wife?

  • Are you willing to create boundaries between you and your mother for the sake of our marriage even if it creates conflict between you two?

Example Questions From Aras to Jalissa:

  • Will you ever be okay with my mother living with us?

  • Do you fundamentally like my mom?

  • Would you convert to Islam for me?

  • Have you ever cheated on me?

  • Will your family approve of you marrying someone that isn’t black?

  • Do you tell your friends the details of our relationship?

  • Do you think that I am trying to change you?