Холостячкa #11

barish

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

<center>'The Bachelorette': Chris Harrison Blogs Episode 7
</center>Well Bachelor Nation, it’s been another exciting week. Clearly this season has been different from any other season we’ve ever had. Kaitlyn definitely has handled things in her own way, and even though it’s a little different from the usual, I have to say it’s quite refreshing. This isn’t the first time we have changed things around dramatically, but it’s clear that with a different Bachelorette, we needed a different way to go about things.
Kaitlyn obviously let her emotions get the best of her a couple of times so far, and that’s not always a bad thing. Part of falling in love can be letting go of what your brain tells you and just following your heart. It’s fun and it’s exciting, but when you’re dating a whole bunch of men at once, you run the risk of further complicating things.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

And as we can see, with Shawn that’s exactly what’s happened. None of us were there when they had their time alone in San Antonio, but the conversations they had obviously gave Shawn a deadly combination of confidence and insecurity. And who can blame him? When someone you are falling in love with spends time with someone else, how can you not just about lose your mind?
<center></center>Anyway, you’ll see that this gets even more intense next week when Kaitlyn is open and honest about her relationship with Nick. Shawn’s love of Kaitlyn and strong disdain for Nick really come to a head — this feud is nowhere near over.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

<center></center>Ah, the two-on-one date. One of the weirdest and most awkward dates anyone in the world can ever go on. Joe may seem quiet, but let me tell you, he was probably the most well liked guy amongst the guys. He’s a real jokester with a very dry sense of humor. JJ also started to grow on the guys at this point, so the two-on-one date had a particular weight. This date was Joe’s first time on a train, which took them to their destination. It was a day of firsts for everyone, including JJ, who was sent home on a two-on-one for the first time (and hopefully his last). I must commend JJ for being open and honest about his past. Good relationships are built on trust, so I think he was wise to put his past on the table. It didn’t work out with Kaitlyn, but I’m quite sure that wasn’t why.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

<center></center>The cocktail party was in a beautiful old castle in Fingal Ireland. It’s called Luttrellstown. (I’m told its where Beckham & that Spice Girl got married.) The staff there made the best desserts I’ve ever had in my life. But while my life was sweet, that night, Kaitlyn once again found herself working herself out of the hole she had accidentally dug for herself. Thankfully, at the top of the hole was Ben H., who is one of the sweetest fellows in the world. I don’t think this man can hold a grudge. He’s just too good.

We also had to say goodbye to Ben Z. From the first day of this season Ben Z. has been a clear favorite, both of ours and of Kaitlyn’s. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, the fire between him and Kaitlyn ran out of fuel. Watching him leave was painful, but he was a great sport every single day and I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of him.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

After a long week (seems like two!) in Dublin, we were all ready to go see the Irish countryside. Killarney is one of the greenest and most beautiful places I’ve seen, with some pretty epic golf courses to boot. The guys were more than a little peeved to see Kaitlyn take Jared for a road trip while they took the Paddywagon cross country. I’m sure you can imagine Nick and Shawn were excited for a 5 hour bus ride together!
<center></center>Jared has been such a consistent guy with Kaitlyn and their relationship seems to grow and grow. From nearly getting his lights knocked out on the boxing date to kissing the Blarney Stone — and the girl — he’s sure come a long way.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

And last but not least, with all the drama between some of the guys, guys like Chris, who we’ve affectionately dubbed “Cupcake,” have been pretty quiet. Until now. Flying a helicopter around the cliffs of Moher is a bucket list experience you need to add to yours. Saying goodbye to love while standing at the edge of those cliffs is less advised, but Chris had to do that very thing. It was really hard to see him get so hurt; he’s such a sweet soul, so seeing him cry was tough. We have a sweet tooth for him though, and we know he’ll find a woman with a great smile who is ready to receive his love.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

With all these complications and changes, it was really important for us to tailor this experience to Kaitlyn and her needs. We thought four hometown dates seemed a little premature, and she agreed. It’s the first time we’ve made such a drastic change, but we really think it’s going to make a difference for Kaitlyn and her guys. But that means even more guys will be going home next week, and things are about to get even crazier.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

Sharleen Joynt on The Bachelorette: Episode Eight

Hoo boy. So many feelings! One man threatening to leave, two men crying…. We’re in week seven of filming now; meltdowns are basically par for the course.
<center></center>Despite the tears, I loved the transparency of this episode. I feel like they’re showing a lot of gory details, for better or for worse. The revealing of Kaitlyn’s off-camera time with Shawn where she told him he was “the one,” is huge. First of all, let me make clear that there is NO WAY Kaitlyn was permitted to visit Shawn and Ben H.’s room off-camera. Zero percent. They don’t want anything off-camera. On my season, after my second one-on-one in Miami, Juan Pablo and I sat at the back of the yacht while it was navigated home. The camera crew had gone back to shore on a different boat. It was just the two of us cuddled in a blanket, still mic’ed, and Juan Pablo’s producer left us alone, instructing us not to talk. When we continued to whisper, that same producer came back and literally sat with us, engaging us in mundane small talk, just to ensure we didn’t say anything of importance to each other. In total it was only maybe 15 minutes of off-camera time, most of which ended up being spent with that producer. So, you’re telling me they allowed Kaitlyn to visit the guys’ room off-camera? Forget about it. There’s just too much potential for relationship development without a camera to capture it.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

<center></center>Kaitlyn most definitely snuck out to visit the guys’ room and I love that about her. The most interesting part is that their off-camera time was clearly so developmental that production had no choice but to flesh it out. The real question is, how do you punish Kaitlyn for her disobedience? It’s not like they can fire her mid-season. There’s a lot of grey area as to what is “right” and “wrong,” but there is no doubt Kaitlyn knew what she was doing was (in production’s eyes) “wrong”—just as there is no doubt they were pissed about it. Her entire conversation with Chris Harrison and the change of Hometown plans felt like a giant wrist slap. It’s clear to all that it’s the Shawn-vs-Nick show now, so why waste an episode where we know, without suspense, who’s going home? Why not cut half the guys now and get down to it?

By now they would have been planning flights to certain hometown cities, arranging whose families would be available and when. (I was first tentatively asked about my parents’ Hometown Date availability as early as Week 5.) Suddenly the next stop is overnight dates? Those are usually filmed at some tropical resort, weeks later. Ponder all the flights, all the hotel stays, all the date activities. I find the sudden change in format of this very tightly-run, well-oiled machine very interesting.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

My predictions for next week’s Fantasy Suite dates…

Shawn, 28: Okay, so Shawn’s jealous and possessive side reared its ugly head this week. One could argue Shawn “knew what he was getting into” (I always hate that argument because, no, it’s never what you think it’s going to be), but in all fairness, it’s better to be kept in the dark as a contestant on this show. In Shawn’s case, he was told he was “the one,” which is like a free pass to feel deserving of special treatment, and was then chastised for feeling deserving of special treatment. None of this matters in the big picture, however. Kaitlyn was obviously terrified at the prospect of Shawn leaving, and the fact alone that she told him what she did, off-camera, tells us it’s him. Or that he’s at least final two.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

Nick, 34: Anyone thinking Nick’s here for the “wrong reasons” had to think twice this week; this is obviously not an easy process and he left heartbroken last time. He showed us his softer side in the form of reluctant tears, and frankly, it was endearing to see how hard he’s fallen for Kaitlyn. Despite her guilt about her private time with Nick, she did call it “perfect.” Their chemistry is through the roof.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

Jared, 26: I love Jared. He’s like the well-cast comic relief in a too-serious movie. He and Kaitlyn are just so easy and effortless together. They’re on the same wavelength and even have good chemistry. (Their kisses honestly might be my favourite, as weird as that sounds to say!) He’s still a distant third next to Shawn and Nick, unfortunately… I can see Kaitlyn and Jared ending up great friends after all this is said and done.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

The Bachelorette's Kaitlyn Bristowe Blogs About the Relationship That Truly Scared Her

I wonder how many times I can try and explain how hard this journey is to go through and for people to understand, but IT'S HARD! It is difficult having this many relationships at once and even more challenging when you have to watch people you care for struggling though the journey.

Of all the guys, the one having the most difficulty was Shawn, and I totally understood. I don't think you ever go into this experience thinking you're going to feel feelings this deep. You want to, and you hope it happens, but you don't necessarily think it will. So how can you prepare yourself? I believe that's what Shawn's struggles were. He didn't expect to feel all the things he was feeling. It's so hard to care about someone and try and let your brain access those feelings in an average relationship. Now imagine adding in that you are trying to accept the person you care about has other relationships happening. It was only human for him to be upset.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

It's not possible to date all these different men without upsetting anyone. When Shawn asked me point-blank if I was in love with him, I was surprised. Again I found myself sitting there asking was it fair to say yes? Was it unfair to say yes? I could understand his perspective – it wouldn't have made sense for me to be in love and having intimate relationships with other people when I cared for him. Yet that's what was happening.

I am imperfect. I was confused. I knew I was falling in love with Shawn. I was falling for a couple people. And, if I am honest (which clearly I am), I was scared of Shawn. I was worried he wouldn't be able to get through the hardest part of the journey and he would leave. I NEED a strong man, not physically (although it doesn't hurt) but emotionally. I was questioning my decisions and having a tough time understanding my actions and my feelings.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

It was difficult to have that conversation with Shawn and have to switch gears to a two-on-one date the next morning. Two-on-one dates present challenges as is, so it was difficult to have to put my focus into two of my other relationships when I felt one was suffering.

Did I mention two-on-one dates are SUUUUUUUPER uncomfortable for everyone? Being in a JJ and Joe sandwich on the boat ride to the island was uncomfortable, although they made the best of it. Now don't get me wrong – it was nowhere near as uncomfortable as the Badlands date with Ashley I. and Kelsey on Chris Soules' season ... but it was still awkward.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

I would also like everyone to keep in mind that I had never seen the JJ that the guys in the house saw. So, at that point, I was still thinking he was a good guy. My crush on him started night one because he made a punny joke, and we connected. But I also think we all watched that crush fizzle a little since that first night. When he told me that he cheated on his wife, I felt a bit sick. That is my biggest fear in a relationship – that and falling out of love. It was brave of him to tell me that, and I do believe he learned a valuable life lesson. Having a family, putting them through that and losing so much, I can imagine it being an eye-opener. It was hard for me to understand his choices, but I respected his honesty. I think I was looking for that connection again with JJ, but it was lost.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

Joe, on the other hand, always made me laugh and was also a sensitive sweet guy! He's definitely that old southern gentleman who has manners and a sense of humor. YES PLEASE! The only thing that I was looking for was Joe's wall to come down and to hear how he actually felt, which happened, and it meant so much to me. I knew in that moment I had to say goodbye to JJ and get him back to his daughter. I needed more time with Joe.
I'm a big fan of love languages, and one of mine is quality time. I needed that with Joe in order to find out exactly where my feelings were with him. Going back and spending more time with him was ideal and worth it. He is something special. I learned more of who he was and where he came from. Learning those things made it easy for me to give him that rose.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

When I got back to my room, it hit me what a long and emotional day it had been for me. I was so tired. Going back to the hotel, I really couldn't wait to get into my sweats and just shut off for the night. I wanted to finish up my interview and go to bed and just process everything that was happening. But Shawn had other plans. When Shawn interrupted my interview, I didn't know what to think. I was preparing myself for the worst. I thought he was coming up to tell me he was leaving, which I feared. I thought maybe Nick had said something to him. I didn't want him to hear about what had happened between Nick and me from anyone else but me, and I just wanted the timing to be right for me to tell him myself.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)

barish

Despite my exhaustion, knowing he was there to further explain why he was having such a hard time was almost a relief. To be honest, I was happy he wanted to justify it. He had every right. He was there because I had said one thing and showed him another, and he had questions.

To give you some further insight, one night after the rose ceremony, I had snuck down to just say hi to some of the guys – not to be promiscuous but just to say hello. A few of them had mentioned how it would be nice to just chill and say hey once in a while without cameras (we all know I don't tend to follow rules) so I thought, "Why not?" not thinking of the long term or how it could alter anything. I just wanted it to be a quick, fun gesture, and it turned into me telling Shawn I thought he could be the one. So unfair to him, unfair to myself and unfair to the other guys. But Shawn was someone I felt so strongly about, and I just didn't want him to give up on me. So I REALLY reassured him.
Again, I challenge anyone to date this many guys and not make mistakes. This was one I made, and it only set him up to get more upset when it came to my other relationships. This is why I understood where Shawn was coming from when being upset.

__________________
“The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that something was wrong with me.” (c)