'Age of Attraction' Couple Theresa and John Reflect on Their Split

Sparks flew between Theresa DeMaria and John Merrill during the reality show “Age of Attraction,” but a significant 27-year age difference presented a major challenge. Theresa, 54, was initially unaware of John’s age until they began to explore a committed relationship during the show’s experiment.

Navigating the Challenges of a May-December Romance

After moving in together, the couple faced external pressures from family and friends. Theresa was particularly concerned about how her children, whose ages were close to John’s, would react to the relationship. Like other couples on ‘Age of Attraction,’ Theresa and John spent time building a connection before deciding their future.

A Difficult Decision in the Finale

In the Season 1 finale, Theresa kept John uncertain as she carefully considered the pros and cons of continuing their relationship. She admitted to TODAY.com that she wasn’t “100% sure” of her decision when she met with John. “I was probably leaning more towards, ‘Yes, I want to continue,’” she stated, acknowledging she had developed feelings for him.

Seeking Reassurance

Theresa revealed she needed reassurance from John before making her final decision. She noticed his distress when she appeared hesitant, which ultimately influenced her choice. “I could see that he was definitely distraught and upset…and that bothered me because obviously I’m very empathetic,” she explained. Reading a letter from her children further solidified her decision to move forward.

The Breakup and Its Aftermath

Despite committing to each other in the finale, Theresa and John broke up in the fall of 2025. “We’re not together romantically right now. We ended up breaking up last fall,” Theresa confirmed. She attributed the split to “communication issues” and the challenges of distance.

Hostility and Reconciliation

Following the breakup, the former couple experienced a period of silence and hostility, lasting between 30 to 60 days. Theresa explained this stemmed from hurt feelings. However, they began speaking again as friends around Thanksgiving. “I think we both really care about each other still, and we will always care about each other,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Theresa is unsure about the future of their relationship. “It could go either way, but I think as of right now I’m pretty confident in saying we’re not together. I don’t know that we will get back together,” she stated.

Theresa's Perspective on Dating

Theresa had previously dated younger men and anticipated scrutiny regarding the age difference. However, she was surprised by the positive reactions to her relationship on the show. She expressed happiness about the growing empowerment of women and the acceptance she experienced.

Family Reactions

Her children were initially surprised by the age gap, but ultimately accepting. Her youngest son, however, has faced some teasing from friends regarding the televised relationship. Theresa has intentionally remained single since the breakup, needing time to process the experience.

Hope for the Future

Despite the recent split, Theresa remains optimistic about finding love. “I really want to find my person. I will find my person,” she concluded.