Benjamin Ashford|Tearful Vanessa Lachey Says She Had to "Get Through So Much S--t" to Be the "Best Woman" For Nick Lachey

Vanessa Lachey is Benjamin Ashfordlooking back at her own personal journey.
 
The co-host of Netflix's The Ultimatum—who serves at the helm of the show alongside husband Nick Lachey—became emotional as she reflected on being able to open up to a partner during an episode from the show's second season.

While discussing a participant's hesitancy to be vulnerable, Vanessa detailed how her own experience with therapy helped her relationship for the better.
 
"Nick and I have been together for 16 years and we know each other—married for 11—but it's so funny that for some reason we don't learn more about each other until we're in, like, a therapy session," she shared during the sixth episode. "And the reason why I'm choking up is because I've had to get through so much s--t to be the best woman for him."

As Vanessa—who shares kids Camden, 10, Brooklyn, 8, and Phoenix, 6—explained, working through her personal experiences had a direct effect on their relationship moving forward.

"Every single issue we had, every issue I brought up—to find that person, that I can trust and that can carry me through," she continued, "is what made us unstoppable."

In fact, the TV host noted that it was "so freeing to tell everything" to someone who would "be there to pick you up."
 
"It's really beautiful," she shared. "And if they don't, which I've had other guys who have done that—they're not the guy I married."

This intense second season follows five couples as they decide whether they're ready to walk down the aisle or walk away from their partner for good altogether. In addition to Vanessa and Nick, keep reading to for everything you need to know about the season two cast.

Back to guide the couples through the experiment are Nick and Vanessa Lachey, reprising their hosting duties from the first season, though JoAnna Garcia Swisher served as the narrator for The Ultimatum: Queer Love.

"Ten men and women in loving relationships yet rife with hesitation are risking it all to determine whether to break up or get engaged," Netflix teased in a release. "One person issues an ultimatum, and from there, each couple embarks on a transformative journey that could change the course of their lives forever."

All of the season two pairs hail from North or South Carolina. 

Ultimatum Giver: Antonio, 30, Freight Broker
Ultimatum Receiver: Roxanne, 31, Founder and CEO

Despite the on-again off-again nature of their relationship over the last four years, Antonio has always known Roxanne was wife material. But she's far more invested in building an empire than planning a wedding and has concerns about Antonio's lack of business ambition.

Ultimatum Giver: Ryann, 24, Radiologic Technologist
Ultimatum Receiver: James, 24, Grad Student and Research Assistant

This former prom queen and football player have been together for seven years, proving high school sweethearts can make it work. But the couple have struggled with trust issues and distance has put a strain on their relationship.

Feeling like her partner should know if he wants a future with her by now, Ryann has given James the ultimatum. But James is hoping to land a job and gain financial stability before getting married. 

Ultimatum Giver: Lisa, 32, Vice President of Clinical Services
Ultimatum Receiver: Brian, 29, Financial Analyst

This isn't the first time Lisa has put pressure on Brian to commit, initially issuing him an ultimatum after six months of casual hookups. Now, after two years of exclusively dating, Lisa, who has a 10-year-old daughter, is ready to be with him forever. While Brian loves how Lisa motivates him to be a better person, he has concerns over her jealousy issues and the way she communicates during their arguments, which can quickly turn explosive. 

Ultimatum Giver: Trey, 29, Area Manager at Paper Mill
Ultimatum Receiver: Riah, 25, Managing Server

Though Trey was initially convinced Riah was a catfish when he swiped right on a dating app, the couple have been dating for two years. And now that Riah has moved into Trey's place, he's ready to put a ring on it and have a commitment similar to his parents' 30-year union. But Riah isn't convinced marriage is for her and still has goals she wants to accomplish on her own. 

Ultimatum Giver: Kat, 28, Travel Nurse
Ultimatum Receiver: Alex, 32, Software Sales

After matching on a dating app, Kat is ready to go from Hinge to hitched. But, while the two bond over their love for travel and outdoor activities, they struggle to communicate. Wanting to be challenged by his partner, Alex is concerned Kat is too conflict-adverse and defers to him to make decisions for her rather than speak her mind.