Married At First Sight star Domenica Calarco has shared an emotional update with fans, detailing the significant challenges she faces as a solo mother. In a series of candid videos posted to Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Calarco revealed she was experiencing intense emotional distress, stating, "I'm falling apart inside."
Calarco, 33, described her struggles with co-parenting and navigating life after her relationship breakdown with ex-partner Jarod Bogunovich. She expressed feeling trapped in a "vicious cycle" with an individual who remains in her life despite her wishes, causing her to question her own perceptions when boundaries are crossed.
"I don't know if that is the definition of gaslighting or what it is, but I am stuck in this cycle, and it is a vicious cycle," Calarco stated. "I'm really, really struggling mentally and I haven't spoken about that."
She explained that despite attempts to accommodate the other parent, she often felt accused of overreacting during conflicts. "I'm the one making a big deal out of things. I'm the one taking things out of proportion," she said, adding that an apology following her emotional distress was presented as sufficient.
The reality television personality also spoke about the demanding nature of raising her daughter, Dove, alone while attempting to maintain a public image online. "People always say to me, 'How do you do it, Domenica? How do you look put together?'" she recounted. "I might look put together, but I'm f***ing falling apart inside, let me tell you."
Calarco highlighted the difficulty in balancing motherhood with her professional commitments, noting that she was falling behind on sponsored content filming. She admitted to not seeing friends for months, describing herself as a "s**t tiest friend."
She emphasized that the polished appearance she presents on social media is a stark contrast to her daily reality. "It's all fake, it literally is. It's an outfit, it's makeup that I can put on. Do you know what I can't put on? It's fixing my life," Calarco said.
Calarco concluded her videos by appealing to her followers for advice regarding her situation. She announced her pregnancy in March of the previous year and later confirmed her decision to become a solo parent after splitting from boyfriend Jarod. At the time, she expressed excitement about the new chapter and felt empowered by her choice to embrace motherhood on her own terms, while acknowledging the father's support in a co-parenting capacity.