Reza Farahan on His Marriage to Adam Neely: “Opposites Do Attract”

Reza Farahan has lived his life like a gold-clad open book during his eight seasons on Shahs of Sunset, and that includes the good, the bad, and the wild. Most significantly, Reza has taken viewers inside his marriage to Adam Neely, who he, yes, actually wed on the show.

The couple have certainly weathered a few storms during their time together (and will face a new drama as Season 8 of Shahs of Sunset plays out), but at the end of the day, as Reza explained in a recent interview with The Daily Dish, they are pretty much perfect for each other because as the old adage goes: “Opposites do attract.”

The Daily Dish: What does being married and having a life partner mean for you? What is it like having Adam in your life?

RF: Having a life partner is such an amazing experience. I didn’t understand relationships. I come from a broken home and Adam has really taught me what being in a loving relationship [is like] — and building something special for the long haul, you know? If you had asked me 10 years ago, “Can you picture yourself being married and imagine growing old with someone?” it would freak me the f--k out. But, thanks to Adam and lots of therapy, that’s not the case anymore.

When was the moment that you knew Adam was the person you’d want to spend your life with?

RF: I knew Adam was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with when I saw my family turn that corner and really embrace him as someone who is a part of our life and our family. And I realized, like, he is the one.

We know it hasn’t been perfect for you. How do you bounce back from those downs and get back to the ups?

RF: If there is a bright side to the demise of my friendship with MJ, it is my relationship with Adam and how much stronger he and I are now. MJ was my go-to, she was the first person I spoke to every day, my first text message. She was the person I would confide in. I would discuss my relationship with her, she would give me advice, and because of our fallout, it brought Adam and I a lot closer together. It forced us to communicate a lot more, which over the past few months has really, really changed the dynamic of our relationship — and has made us a lot stronger, a lot more communicative. We’re like best friends now, whereas before, we were a couple, but we weren’t best friends. Because of the loss of MJ, it’s really forced me to give that time and devotion to Adam. It has changed for the positive.

What would you say you love most about him and what would you say he loves most about you?

RF: So, yesterday I sent Adam this thing about when your husband is a Leo, and it had a couple characteristics on there and he actually looked up, “What it’s like when your wife is a Leo,” and sent it back to me and said, “No, bitch. This is more like you.” And everything about Leo is… it’s a lot more out there. The thing I love about Adam is that he’s so earthy and grounded. He loves nature, he composts, he helps the butterfly population by raising Monarch butterflies. He’s so loving and caring, and all about the opposite of what runs me — and it helps me to see and appreciate the world in a different way. 

And I think, for Adam, it’s probably the same thing on the flip side because we’re so different. I show him and he experiences a different world because of me. I think for us, opposites do attract. 

What would you say is next for the two of you?

RF: Unfortunately, because of what transpired this year, we probably put the baby thing on hold indefinitely. As time has healed both of us a little bit, I think we’re both going to start to open up and entertain that, and hopefully figure out how we are going to have a family, whether that’s adoption, surrogacy, or whatever that may be.

What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned about love and being in love?

RF: The biggest thing I’ve learned about love, which has been a big life lesson for me because I’m all or nothing, is “slow and steady wins the race.” Small investments in your marriage pay off huge dividends. It’s not about these grand gestures, it’s about small, little things over time. Doing the right thing constantly, being good constantly add up. It’s not like a one and done. I’m more instant gratification. I want to do a big thing, and I’ve learned that when it comes to love and marriage, it’s like putting pennies into this gigantic piggy bank. And after a long time, then you reap the benefit.

Want more Shahs of Sunset? New episodes air every Sunday at 9/8c or catch up on this season through the Bravo app.