Why do you think you were a target for bullies in school?
There was nothing I did to deserve what happened to me but I think it came down to the fact I was very skinny and scrawny. I had frizzy hair, pale skin and I was very flat-chested. I was the weakling of the year group and that made me a big target from the get-go.
How was it handled at your school?
My parents contacted the school more than once, but the school didn’t really take any responsibility. I think they just wanted it all to go away. So I left there halfway through Year 8 and while I found friends at my new school, the bullying from students at my old school went online. I was then cyber-bullied.
How did that affect you?
I’ve thought about it a lot. I think it has impacted how I relate to guys because even though now I’m a confident person, like, I can talk to a guy, I do have walls up so I may come across as a bit stand-offish. So I do think the bullying is part of the reason I’ve never had a relationship. I’m scared to get hurt maybe?
Have you ever confronted any of your school bullies?
When I was 18 I went to a club and a group of those girls were there, too. That was the first time I’d seen them since I was 13. I immediately had a sick feeling in my stomach. They followed me into the bathroom and confronted me but I pretended they had the wrong person. It was awful.
When did life change for you?
The bullying eased when I was around 17, but it really was when I was 20 and started my job in door-to-door sales. You face a lot of verbal abuse and aggressive people, but I made up my mind that I was going to be the very best person at the job. It really helped me build up my confidence and resilience. I developed a really thick skin and I’m good at the job!
Why did you decide to go on Married at First Sight?
I don’t want to hit my 30s and still be single! I decided to apply on my sister’s wedding day. I was her bridesmaid and I realised I didn’t want to get left behind. It felt like I really needed expert help when it comes to relationships because obviously I haven’t been successful at all on my own. I’ve dealt with a lot in my life and worked hard on overcoming the bullying, so it was time to do something about my love-life. It’s going really well with Patrick so far.
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