Harold Davis has been something of a fan favorite on TLC's Match Me Abroad due to his genuine search for love abroad and recurring presence. The 41-year-old artist from New Mexico first appeared in Season 1, when he travelled to Prague and developed a close bond with a woman named Michaela. However, unfortunately, their relationship terminated owing to long-distance issues and her cancer diagnosis.
Match Me Abroad follows Americans who work with foreign matchmakers to find love in different nations. Harold, who is on the autistic spectrum, has had difficulty dating in the United States and wishes women abroad would be more honest and upfront. Though his Prague relationship did not work out, he returns in Season 2, this time seeking love in Singapore.
Now working with matchmaker Dolly, Harold is meeting local women who, he believes, better appreciate his personality and height. But it hasn’t all gone smoothly. His first date in Singapore ended awkwardly after an uncomfortable hand-holding moment, leaving both unsure about their connection.
Harold’s history as depicted on Match Me Abroad detailed
Harold's international dating journey began in Prague during Match Me Abroad's first season. Working with Czech matchmaker Katarina, he hoped to find the straightforward communication style he believed Eastern European women possessed.
His connection with Michaela initially seemed promising. They shared interests in science fiction and appeared compatible on paper, leading Harold to develop strong feelings quickly. After just two dates, he was already considering proposing marriage.
The relationship progressed when Harold asked Michaela to be his girlfriend, though she felt it was too soon. Despite her hesitation, she acknowledged his potential and seemed open to developing their relationship further.
Harold’s feelings for Michaela came to a head in the season finale of Match Me Abroad when he proposed before leaving Prague. He bought a ring and needed to know where they stood before heading home.
However, when filming wrapped, things almost immediately became difficult. Communication fell out, and the long-distance gap proved more difficult than anything they could have possibly imagined at the time.
Months later, the true cause of their problems emerged. In August 2023, Harold shared that Michaela had been battling ovarian cancer during their time together.
Her diagnosis explained why things suddenly changed. Michaela had to cancel their final off-camera meetup to have surgery, which left Harold confused and hurt at the time.
Harold learned about her health during a quick phone conversation in which she stated that she was in the hospital for cancer surgery. She also revealed the terrible news that she will be unable to bear children owing to the required medical treatments.
Harold was more than quite affected by this somewhat harrowing experience; since he had actually and properly fallen in love with Michaela, he chose to keep her sickness a secret while filming, respecting her privacy. He was also coping with his own mental health issues and crises at the time.
Understanding the gravity of Michaela's situation, Harold created a GoFundMe campaign to help with her medical expenses and any basic necessities that she might need. This behavior demonstrated his care for her, despite the fact that their romantic relationship had ended.
What lies ahead for Harold?
Harold Davis returns for Season 2 of Match Me Abroad, and he's more determined than ever to find love beyond the waters he’s familiar with. After things didn't work out with Michaela in Prague, Harold shifted his attention to none other than Singapore, where he's had more luck with dating apps.
He argues that Singaporean women see him in a more positive light, one that is all-encompassing, kind, and interesting, without highlighting his autism. Another reason he selected Singapore was its anime culture. Harold is a huge fan and feels he would fit in better there, where his interests aren't seen to be "too nerdy," like he is in America.
Working with the matchmaker, Dolly, Harold hopes to create the type of genuine connection that slipped out of his grasp in Prague. However, early indications suggest that this voyage may be fraught with difficulties he’s simply not anticipating.
His tale emphasizes the difficulties of dating as an autistic person, as well as the complexities of foreign relationships. Despite the losses, Harold's desire to keep trying and going forward demonstrates his commitment to finding long-term love.
Match Me Abroad airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC and is available to stream on Hulu.