90 Day Fiance couple Ashley Martson and Jay Smith are sharing the story of their love on TLC's currently-airing sixth season.
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Ashley, a 31-year-old bartender and mother of two from Mechanicsburg, PA, is engaged to Jay, a 20-year-old tattoo artist from Port Maria, Jamaica.
Ashley was previously engaged twice but called off both engagements because the men had cheated on her. However, after taking break from men, she met Jay at a bar during a vacation to Jamaica.
Although they parted ways after a whirlwind romance in Jamaica, Ashley revealed Jay -- whom she calls "the life of the party" and the "light" in her life -- contacted her on social media once she returned to the United States.
When Ashley subsequently returned to Jamaica to visit her man, Jay proposed marriage after only eight days together. Ashley then applied for the K-1 visa, and as shown in 90 Day Fiance's Season 6 premiere, the sixth season began with Jay only one interview away from obtaining it.
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During an exclusive interview with Reality TV World via email, Ashley and Jay opened up about their relationship and the obstacles they must overcome, such as cheating accusations. Below is what they had to say.
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Reality TV World: What has been the biggest issue in your relationship and why?
Ashley and Jay: Communication. We both have similar personalities and tend to shut down rather than discuss our issues.
Reality TV World: How confident were you, Ashley, that you were going to marry Jay when he arrived in the United States? Did you view the 90 days as a test window to see if the relationship could really work long-term, or had you been certain you two were going to get married from the moment he arrived?
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Ashley Martson: I was completely confident we would get married. Never thought it was a trial period. Just time to get the wedding planned.
Reality TV World: Jay, what were your personal and professional goals for coming to the United States? Are you looking to have children with Ashley? If so, how soon?
Jay Smith: Open a tattoo shop. We are not interested in having children anytime soon.
Reality TV World: Did you both feel your relationship had the support of your friends and family members?
Jay Smith: [My] family and friends are very supportive. Ashley doesn't have much family close to her that she has a relationship with. Ashley's friends are mostly supportive minus one crazy.
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Reality TV World: Ashley, did you have any doubts about Jay and concerns he may be using you for a future in the United States, that he might "flip a switch" upon arrival and prove to be someone different than whom you fell in love with?
Ashley Martson: I was concerned at first that Jay may be using me. I watched how he treated me and how connected we seemed to be on all 16 trips before bringing him here. Jay was genuine and I never got any thoughts he was in this for the wrong reason.
Reality TV World: Jay, did you fear everyone was always going to question your motives? If so, how did that make you feel?
Jay Smith: Yes, it makes me feel frustrated. People are so quick to judge me just because I'm not from the U.S.
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Reality TV World: Ashley, you had two failed engagements prior to meeting Jay. Were you hesitant to rush things with Jay because of your past and why do you think this engagement will work and end in a marriage when the others didn't?
Ashley Martson: I kind of just went with my heart and jumped right in. I believe this will end in marriage.
Reality TV World: Jay, did Ashley's dating history worry you or make you a little reluctant to move to the United States?
Jay Smith: No. she was in long relationships each time but was treated poorly. I would be more concerned if she allowed her exes to treat her so badly and she stayed. She knows her self-worth.
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Reality TV World: Has your 11-year age gap had any negative impact on your relationship?
Ashley Martson: Our age has no impact on our relationship whatsoever.
Reality TV World: Ashley, TLC said Jay still has a wild lifestyle given he's only 20 years old, so what made you think he was ready to settle down, get married, and become a committed husband?
Ashley Martson: We are both young and full of life. We love to have fun. Some call you immature, I call it living our lives to the fullest and we're happy. Jay made the decision to settle down and asked me to do the same. His actions made me feel like he was ready.
Reality TV World: Ashley, 90 Day Fiance's premiere showed you saying you weren't concerned if Jay had been cheating on you while he was in Jamaica, and you seemed to dismiss Natalie's claims that she overheard Jay talking about cheating on you in Jamaica. Can you elaborate on why you feel that way? Did you not consider your relationship to be an exclusive committed one during that time, and if so, did you also go on any dates or have any other relationships?
Ashley Martson: I said all that so Natalie would shut up about the cheating. Never was or is it okay for him to cheat on me. As a friend, it's your job to address a concern you have with a friend, If they choose to dismiss your concerns then you should just support their decisions in life. That's what real friends do.
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I was sick of hearing her mouth so I choose to explain to her it isn't her business and ultimately state we had an open relationship. What more can someone say to that answer? Nothing, my plan worked at that moment. Neither of us has any other relationships or were unfaithful.
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Reality TV World: Jay, what is your response to Natalie's concerns that you cheated on Ashley while you were in Jamaica? Had you been in any serious, exclusive relationships before Ashley, and if so why didn't those relationships work out?
Jay Smith: She's jealous and needs to stay in her lane. No serious relationship before Ashley. I was just running around in Jamaica. No one ever made me want to be exclusive.
Visit the 90 Day Fiance website section of Reality TV World for more exclusive interviews with Season 6 cast members!