‘Are You The One’ Perfect Matches Are Not ‘Made To Last,’ But This Couple Beat The Odds

Over seven years ago, Amber Lee Diamond did the impossible by finding true love on reality TV, all thanks to a season-long stint on MTV’s “Are You The One?”

The inaugural season of the match-making series has since seen the creation of dozens of other perfect matches and the development of seven follow-up seasons on the network. And despite it being nearly two years since a new season has aired, the alum is just one of many that have found renewed fame thanks to Netflix, which picked up the series in December.

Several years post “AYTO?” Amber says the series' fresh group of fans are shocked to learn her castmate turned perfect match turned husband Ethan Diamond are married with two kids.

“I love the new outpouring of love from my new fanbase,” Amber told International Business Times, “[But] they are shocked to find us with photos of our two daughters. One 6 already and the other 2.”

While reality TV couples don’t always stand the test of time, Amber and Ethan have made it work. Still, she admits it isn’t easy.

“TV relationships are not made to last - perfect match or not. There are far too many variables playing against you,” she explained to IBT.

Outside of having to contractually keep their romance hush-hush until their season finale aired, a long-distance relationship— Ethan is from Colorado and Amber is from Texas — coupled with newfound fame worked against them.

“Once you’re on TV and in the limelight, the excitement of extra attention from fans and old friends is often enough to make someone no longer want to be in a committed relationship,” she admitted.

“Ethan and I just happened to be very family-oriented people and wanted to settle down and start a family...We worked through the obstacles and focused on our shared goal and were able to thrive and build a loving home in Austin.”

READ: How Real Is ‘Are You The One?’ MTV Host Says Show Isn’t Rigged

After defeating the odds, Amber acknowledged that she tries to be “reasonably transparent” with fans on social media while keeping some semblance of her relationship private.

“Obviously, no one needs to hear about every single argument and hardship Ethan and I have been through, but I do think it’s important that fans understand that our marriage isn’t just a fairytale,” she said.

“We didn’t become a happy family solely because we were casted as perfect matches. We are where we are in our relationship because of the compromise, hard work, and communication that we constantly pour into our family and marriage...with hard work and understanding, true love can be built and does exist.”

The couple’s success has resulted in other “AYTO?” pairs reaching out to them for advice. Amber said that ultimately when it comes to making a made-for-TV romance work off the small screen, it is best not to compare one relationship to another.

“Making a reality TV relationship last takes a lot more understanding and patience than a typical relationship,” she said, revealing that she believes “trust” is key.

In a normal relationship, you cannot be ok with your significant other getting hundreds of flirty DMs daily. That would obviously be a major deal-breaker. However, since flirty fan DMs and extra attention is something inevitable in a realty TV relationship, you have to be extra open and honest with each other to create that security and understanding.

Should a relationship not work out after the cameras stop rolling, Amber said it is “totally OK to choose yourself over a relationship,” adding, “There should never be pressure in making a TV relationship work just for the sake of the show.”

As far as advice for possible future contestants, she said it’s important to stay true to yourself.

“It may get stressful and intimidating at times but try to stay out of your head and just have fun! Don’t compare yourself to your castmates because everyone was casted for a different reason and the only way you can stand out is to be completely true to yourself.”

“Are You The One?” fans can follow Amber and Ethan on Instagram @amberleediamond and @Ethan.g.diamond.

Seasons 1 and 2 of “AYTO?” are now streaming on Netflix.