Desiree Hartsock - Bachelor 17 Contestant - Discussion

Operator: Welcome to ABC's The Bachelor Call with Cathy Rehl as the leader. This call is being recorded. By staying on this call, you are confirming that you consent to this recording. If you do not wish to be recorded, please disconnect from the call at this time. Thank you, Ms. Rehl, you may begin your call.

Cathy Rehl: Welcome, everybody. Thanks for being here today with us. We are getting towards the end of our season, unbelievably, already. Today we have Desiree Hartsock with us, as you know. Desiree got sent home after our hometown dates.

And obviously, had quite a dramatic experience with her brother on those. We're sort of limited in time because Desiree does have to get to work. So, we are going to go ahead and do one question in the follow-up. And I think we will start right now with that. Thanks.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, to ask a question, please press star then the number one on your telephone keypads. Again, star one to ask a question. Your first question comes from Gina Scarpa from RealityWanted dot com.

Gina Scarpa: Hey, Des.

Desiree Hartsock: Hi.

Gina Scarpa: So, I was wondering, in the special that aired this week. Sean said that your brother really didn't have anything to do with his decision to let you go. Do you agree with that?

Desiree Hartsock: I don't think that my brother helped my chances in (sing). I think that it did have some to do with Sean's decision. But ultimately, you know, he made the best decision that he could. And maybe there will be a better explanation at (Women Tell All).

Gina Scarpa: I hope so. And then when he did let you go, you kept saying that you felt like he had made a terrible mistake. And after you've had some time to think about it, and look back on it. Do you still think it was a mistake to let you go when he did?

Desiree Hartsock: In the moment, I felt that I had. That we had the best connection that I, you know, embodied all the qualities that he wanted in a wife. So, in that moment, I did feel it was a terrible mistake. And we didn't have enough time. However, looking back, you know, he did have great relationships with the other girls. And all things happen for a reason. So, I, I don't think it was a, a mistake.

Gina Scarpa: Well, thanks. Lots of luck to you.

Desiree Hartsock: OK, thank you.

Operator: Your next question comes from Andrea Reiher from Zap2it.

Andrea Reiher: Hi, Des.

Desiree Hartsock: Hi.

Andrea Reiher: I was so sad to see you go.

Desiree Hartsock: Thanks.

Andrea Reiher: My question; this is kind of weird. The other night after you were sent home. Ali Fedotowsky tweeted that the next Bachelorette just went home. And so, I was wondering, do you have any comments on that? Is that something you'd be interested in?

Desiree Hartsock: You know, this being on the Bachelor was a very emotionally draining experience to go through. And, I mean, if I were offered the opportunity to be the next Bachelorette, I would - I would definitely have to think about it. And, you know, give it some thought. And make sure I'm prepared to get back, back onto that emotional rollercoaster.

But, I do believe in the experience. And I know that the feelings, you know, first hand of what I experienced are real. And I do believe that it can work out for the best. So, I, I probably - you know, I'd probably say yes to the opportunity.

Andrea Reiher: Great. Well, all right, well, thank you so much for speaking with me today.

Desiree Hartsock: You're welcome. Have a good day.

Operator: Your next question comes from Beth Kwiatkowski from Reality TV World.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: Hi, Desiree. How are you?

Desiree Hartsock: Good, how are you doing?

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: Good. So, Chris Harrison told T.V. Guide in a recent interview that when Sean eliminated you, he was pretty sure the Bachelor, quote "let go of the love of his life." That's obviously a pretty bold statement to make especially since there were reports out there that Sean did end up getting engaged to the woman he selected at the end of his journeys. So, I guess, you know, does that surprise you? Do you agree with Chris Harrison on that? What are your thoughts?

Desiree Hartsock: From the beginning, I feel that Sean and I had a natural chemistry that really did shine. I think a lot of people could see that. And I, I don't know. I mean, being in that - being in those circumstances it does change. And it's not all about just having chemistry.

So, I don't know. I don't really know what to say to that. Because Sean knew what he was doing with each relationship. And like I said, he made the best decision that he could. So, I think he, you know, ended up choosing the love of his life. And that's not me.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: OK. And you were on Twitter a couple of days ago that... You know, it was something like you can't ruin something that isn't complete. So, you know, be easy on your brother. And you also a man who truly loved you would see past the family member you hardly see. Could you elaborate on that a little bit?

Like, many viewers expected you to go home and be angry at your brother. But that doesn't seem to be the case. It's almost like you seem a little mad at Sean for letting (Nathan) influence his decision about your relationship. Like, is that accurate to say?

Desiree Hartsock: I'm not mad. I was never mad at Sean. And in that moment, I was very, very upset with my brother. And I was very confused as to what - like (inaudible). I know that my brother was very skeptical of the whole experience and of the show. But I had no idea it was going to, you know, go that far. Because, of course, I don't justify anything that my brother said.

And I don't justify the way he, you know, said it to Sean. But, he was protecting me. And he had a strong opinion about our relationship, like Sean and I. That he didn't feel that, you know, Sean was going to be the right guy for me. So, you know, looking back, I can't be mad at my brother and stay mad at him. Because it all works out, you know, for the better. And it's just, I don't know. I can move on and know that Sean and I aren't meant to be together.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: OK, perfect, thank you, Desiree.

Desiree Hartsock: You're welcome.

Operator: Your next question comes from Lauren Wang from KITV.

Lauren Wang: Hi, Des, how are you?

Desiree Hartsock: Good, how are you?

Lauren Wang: Good. So, now that you're. That Sean let you go home which I am very sad about. Who do you think is best fit for Sean out of their last three?

Desiree Hartsock: You know, I, I really don't have a biased opinion on that. All of the remaining girls they have very unique and different qualities from each other that I know Sean would be attracted to. So, you know, I really don't have a, an opinion on who he should choose. I just know that he'll end up making the right decision.

Lauren Wang: And, are you still in contact with Sean and any of the other girls from the show?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I am definitely not in contact with Sean. I do speak to a few of the girls that are, you know, really close friends.

Lauren Wang: Can you elaborate on who you're so close to?

Desiree Hartsock: Yes, and from the House, you know, I became friends with pretty much everyone. But, I connected most and became, you know, greater friends with, with (Jackie), (Wendy), and (Daniela).

Lauren Wang: OK, thanks Des.

Desiree Hartsock: OK, you're welcome.

Operator: Your next question comes from Kate Monteiro from OK! Magazine.

Kate Monteiro: Hi, Des, how are you?

Desiree Hartsock: Good, I'm doing good.

Kate Monteiro: So, we were wondering. What did you think about how Sean defended himself with your brother during the hometown dates?

Desiree Hartsock: During the home town dates?

Kate Monteiro: Yes.

Desiree Hartsock: Is that what you're asking? I actually think he did really well.

Kate Monteiro: (Inaudible).

Desiree Hartsock: That's what you're talk - asking, right?

Kate Monteiro: Yes, that's right.

Desiree Hartsock: That's OK. I actually think Sean handles himself, you know, very, very well. Because I know my brother is like he can - the way he presents himself can be pretty intense. And I think Sean is... I honestly think Sean handled it really, really well. And I know it really made him upset. And he still held back. And, you know, still stood up for himself. So, I think he did well.

Kate Monteiro: Absolutely, and do you still think Sean is the farthest thing from Playboy after watching your show?

Desiree Hartsock: I think any - you know, (inaudible) actually, you do have to kind of. You date like 25 women at one time. So, I don't consider that a playboy. I think that's just the circumstances. So, I still think he's, you know, far away from being a playboy as anyone could be.

Kate Monteiro: OK, thank you so much.

Desiree Hartsock: OK, you're welcome.

Operator: Your next question comes from Anna Jones from MSN.

Anna Jones: Hi, guys, I just...

Desiree Hartsock: Hi.

Anna Jones: Hi. Some quick Canadian contents in here. What did you think of (Bob) -

Desiree Hartsock: Of who?

Anna Jones: Of (Bob), the week six date in (B.A.M.).

Desiree Hartsock: I loved it. My gosh, (B.A.M.) is my like favorite place of all time.

Anna Jones: Yes. You seem to connect well in the (P.P.). Was that the place then you realized you fill in for Sean? Did you think he (was lost)?

Desiree Hartsock: I think we did, (apparently) connected on different levels. And I think, you know, that started really early on. But, yes, in Canada, I did. You know, I exposed more of my life. And I did feel vulnerable. And he took it very well. And I think the more that you show someone, the more you do fall in love. So, I was going that direction and following him up with him.

Anna Jones: Yes. Well, my thoughts to you go. And thanks for speaking to us.

Desiree Hartsock: Thanks.

Operator: Your next question comes from Erin Humphrey from RumorFix.

Erin Humphrey: Hi, Des. How are you?

Desiree Hartsock: Good. How are you doing?

Erin Humphrey: Good, thanks. I actually was really sad about you, seeing you go, actually. (Because I just liked the time). It was really, really fun. Anyways, yes, so, obviously everyone is so curious about what went down with your brother. And, it was such a, like a random turn of events.

Like, well, why do you? Some people are saying that you just wanted to get recognized on T.V., kind of like publicity. Or, some people were tweeting about like the (TR drugs) type thing. Like what? Is that a normal behavior for your brother? Or...?

Desiree Hartsock: No. Those (stands) are well far from the truth. I mean, my brother actually said those things because he doesn't agree with T.V. And, and he doesn't believe in, you know, Reality T.V. So, that's so far from, you know, what he really is about. And he's actually, you know. He wants to pursue ministry. And like he is a missionary. So, I - you know, he's definitely, doesn't do drugs or any of that.

But, you know, he, he does have a good frame, you know, a perspective. And he is very intense with the way he thinks. And it is completely far off from the way I think. And, you know, I'm not very close with my brother. We - I've been away from home since I was 18. So, you know, I see them maybe once a year. So, I, I think that's also where there's a disconnect from what was shown. And really what our lives are like as a family.

Erin Humphrey: Yes, OK. So, you were like take what he said to heart. Like, you - you didn't. Did you trust his opinion at the time? Or, you were just...

Desiree Hartsock: No.

Erin Humphrey: (Out in left field)?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I did not agree one (say it), with what my brother told Sean. Not at all, not for one second; and, you know, my brother's opinion would never influence my decision for any reason. You know, I love my brother. And I do value his opinions. But that would never steer me one way or the other.

Erin Humphrey: OK, great. Thank you so much, Des.

Desiree Hartsock: OK, you're welcome.

Operator: And you do have a follow-up from Beth Kwiatkowski from Reality TV World.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: Hi, Desiree.

Desiree Hartsock: Hi.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: So, while Sean admitted that your brother influenced his decision a little bit to send you home. Because he couldn't really envision him as a brother-in-law. He also said during the Sean Tells All special that there were other things lacking in your relationship compared to his relationships with the other women.

So, I just want to get your perspective on that. Do you have any idea what he might have been referring to? Like, of things that were lacking?

Desiree Hartsock: Yes, you know, it's a very different experience to be in. You know, it's not every day you share a boyfriend with other girls. So, looking back and watching the show, I do realize that maybe I did put up a guard more so than the other girls. It may not have looked like it after viewing. But, I really did. I was a little bit. You know, I was holding back a little bit more than I think a lot of the other girls were. Because I wanted to make sure that he was right for me. And not just me being right for him.

And so, you know, that takes time. And it takes me a little bit longer to really say I love you. Because I want it to be right. And I think it's hard with, you know, being. You know, you have to share so much in so little of time. That, that may be where it was walking.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: OK. And when you were having your last exchange with Sean after the Rose Ceremony, in which he sent you home. You mentioned that, you know, all you kind of do is give to people. And, and they tend to take you for granted. Would you mind elaborating on that a little bit? Like, were you kind of touching on prior relationships that you've been in? Or, like what were you referring to?

Desiree Hartsock: Yes, you know, I was referring mainly to past relationships. And, you know, even friendships because I do care more about other people than I do myself. So, a lot of times people take that for granted. You know, and take advantage of it. But, mainly that was just past relationships that I was referring to. And for some reason in that moment, I like, was feeling the same I guess.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: OK, thanks, Desiree.

Desiree Hartsock: You're welcome.

Operator: You have a follow-up from Lauren Wang from KITV.

Lauren Wang: Des, what was the - your best experience being on the show?

Desiree Hartsock: My, my best experience; you know, there's so many to choose from. I can't even begin. Just to have some relationships with such amazing girls was really, you know, a surprising gift from the show. Man, I don't even know. Maybe also being able to be in a relationship. And see how it evolves. I think that was really interesting too. And, you know, opening my eyes to other things that I could, you know, have in relationships, or bring to relationships.

Lauren Wang: Were you surprised about anything that they showed an episode? Like, editing or anything like that looking back now?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I'm actually not surprised by any of the editing. I really, everything that was shown did happen.

Lauren Wang: OK, thank you.

Desiree Hartsock: You're welcome.

Operator: Your next question is a follow-up from Erin Humphrey from RumorFix.

Erin Humphrey: Hey, there...

Desiree Hartsock: Hi.

Erin Humphrey: I wanted to know. Are you still devastated over Sean? Or, do you...? Because I know (inaudible) a while. Or, have you been? You know, are you over it now?

Desiree Hartsock: No, you know, in that - after being let go, I did feel strongly that it didn't. You know, it didn't feel right for him letting me go that I was really upset. But, I'm also such a positive person. That, you know, I knew that he was doing what he needed to. And I've moved on. You know, I'm - I'm completely over it. And I just, I hope him the best. And I know that I'll eventually, you know, find my prince charming.

Erin Humphrey: Have you been dating anybody at all?

Desiree Hartsock: No, I haven't. I haven't even thought about dating to be honest.

Erin Humphrey: Have anyone been trying to set you up on, you know, blind dates, or anything like that? Since you've been kind of getting probably more attention from the show now?

Desiree Hartsock: I mean, I get random people who want to set me up.

Erin Humphrey: Yes.

Desiree Hartsock: Because, you know, they, they feel that they know me. And they know the best guys that are out there for me. But, no - I haven't. I haven't gone on any dates or been dating. I'm just, you know, focusing on myself. And...

Erin Humphrey: OK.

Desiree Hartsock: Hanging out together.

Erin Humphrey: All right, awesome, thanks, Des.

Desiree Hartsock: You're welcome.

Operator: And your next question is a follow-up from Beth Kwiatkowski from Reality T.V. World.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: Hi, Des, just the last couple of things.

Desiree Hartsock: OK.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: I wanted to get your general thoughts on the remaining women, (Ashley), (Katherine), and (Lindsey). You know, some viewers have been saying (Ashley) is a little too intense for Sean. And some girls we've talked to from earlier in the season have said that, you know, she wasn't really as, as fond as some of the other girls. And that's kind of what Sean's looking for. Like, I guess some of your thoughts on that kind of stuff.

Desiree Hartsock: I agree with the statements from previous, you know, girls. Sean is a very playful, like fun loving, really sarcastic, and witty type of guy. And he really is wanting someone who compliments that. And, you know, in the house. (Ashley) is an amazing woman. She just; you know, she can't let go as easily as a lot, the other ladies that are left. And, you know, she is a little bit more intense. And I don't - I don't really think that's what Sean is looking for.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: OK. And what about (Katherine) and (Lindsey)? Do you think they might have more of the qualities that Sean is looking for?

Desiree Hartsock: I think (Katherine) and (Lindsey), Sean really loves their playfulness, and their flirt; you know, their flirtiness. But, yes, I think you possess more of what Sean is looking for.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: OK. And, you tweeted that you watched the Amazing Race recently for the first time. Or, (do you know) there's a (inaudible) for your destiny?

Desiree Hartsock: Yes.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: I just wanted to (inaudible) looking around about that. Or, do you think you'd seriously consider applying for the Amazing Race?

Desiree Hartsock: I don't think I would actually really do it. I just think that it is something I would be really good at. Because I am very, you know, competitive, and adventurous. And I'd be good at it.

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski: Awesome. Best of luck with everything again, Des.

Desiree Hartsock: Thank you.

Operator: Once again, if anyone would like to ask a question, please press star one. And I show no further questions at this time.

Cathy Rehl: Thank you, everybody. We are progressing to the last couple of weeks. We will have somebody for you next week. So, and it should go back to the regular time, I believe on Thursday, at 9:30 Pacific, 12:30 Eastern. But we will letting you know about that. And have a good rest of the week.

docnash14 wrote:Desiree Hartsock: Yes, and from the House, you know, I became friends with pretty much everyone. But, I connected most and became, you know, greater friends with, with (Jackie), (Wendy), and (Daniela).

Am I missing something here? I thought I had read that Lindsay was one of Des' closest friends. So is Wendy supposed to be Lindsay?

veg_out wrote:

docnash14 wrote:Desiree Hartsock: Yes, and from the House, you know, I became friends with pretty much everyone. But, I connected most and became, you know, greater friends with, with (Jackie), (Wendy), and (Daniela).

Am I missing something here? I thought I had read that Lindsay was one of Des' closest friends. So is Wendy supposed to be Lindsay?

Dez knows Wendy the Ab Whisperer?!?!?!? Small world!

I think your edit is correct, doc!

coralrush wrote:Haha I was thinking the same thing. It must be Lindsay, they shared a bed in St. Croix!

Side note: If Linds & Des shared a bed, and presumably Cat and Lesley shared a bed... if Tierra hadn't decided to sleep on a cot, she would've had to share a bed with AshLee!!! hahahahahaha that amuses me to no end!

Also- that is hilarious transcription - (B.A.M) must be Banff, but what is (Bob)??

shoepie wrote:

coralrush wrote:Haha I was thinking the same thing. It must be Lindsay, they shared a bed in St. Croix!

Side note: If Linds & Des shared a bed, and presumably Cat and Lesley shared a bed... if Tierra hadn't decided to sleep on a cot, she would've had to share a bed with AshLee!!! hahahahahaha that amuses me to no end!

Also- that is hilarious transcription - (B.A.M) must be Banff, but what is (Bob)??

Bob. Battery operated boyfriend. I googled it and this was the best I found.

Random thoughts:

Desiree is my favorite but I am not sure if I want to see a Bachelorette start her sentences with "I mean" for an entire season!

Desiree's brother doesn't believe in reality TV? Funny didn't know it was a belief system.

Catdwoman50 wrote:

shoepie wrote:

coralrush wrote:Haha I was thinking the same thing. It must be Lindsay, they shared a bed in St. Croix!

Side note: If Linds & Des shared a bed, and presumably Cat and Lesley shared a bed... if Tierra hadn't decided to sleep on a cot, she would've had to share a bed with AshLee!!! hahahahahaha that amuses me to no end!

Also- that is hilarious transcription - (B.A.M) must be Banff, but what is (Bob)??

Bob. Battery operated boyfriend. I googled it and this was the best I found.

Random thoughts:

Desiree is my favorite but I am not sure if I want to see a Bachelorette start her sentences with "I mean" for an entire season!

Desiree's brother doesn't believe in reality TV? Funny didn't know it was a belief system.

I thought that too bur said, no not Des. What about the fake boyfriend was he introduced as Bob? That cant be right the question is in refernce to some thingmin Canada. Des also says "you know" too much, I think.

Peppermom wrote:I think having to weigh your words so carefully can lead to adding lots of "ok", "you know" and such when you might not in a normal conversation. These interviews must be hard because you want to come across as not bitter, not still in "love" and not against anyone. And you certainly don't want to inadvertently spill the ending. Which, if she is friends with Lindsay, she does probably know.