The Bachelor 20 - Ben Higgins - ATFR - *Sleuthing - Spoilers* #3

stuckinsc wrote:Free trip to LA on TPTB, why the heck not? Bet he gets extra people in his church because of it.

As for the charade, I think Benlo handled that well...Ben was funny when he said, "Ah, hey man, thanks for coming to LA..." But, I'm glad they are waiting for a traditional wedding.

I don't see any signs right now that indicate that Benlo won't stay together...yes, their relationship was accelerated, but doesn't mean it isn't as real as other engaged couples who have been together for a long time - strength is a whole other question. Will probably just get stronger over time. It's funny...I didn't think anyone could come close to Sean as the bachelor imo, but Ben might even top him in my mind despite all of his flaws and ily's. If Ben really wrote his own blog for people (especially this last time), I can see how he put his entire self into this process and is so grateful to have the love of his life by his side now. You can tell he is just a big goofball (but with an introspective side, too) I see a real depth (even through all her "likes" - valley girl "likes") sensitivity, and sincerity with Lauren. Fitting her middle name is "Grace".

Buckeye_Fan wrote:So - the 3/4 Mesnick never happened, did it?  Or did I miss it?

Mostly hype with a dousing of smoke and mirrors.

I'm pretty 50-50 on their chances right now, as in neither outcome would surprise me. I must say I was a lot more optimistic a few weeks ago, and it's not because I think he was really conflicted, I'm just not impressed by his character anymore. He's kind of been devolving into MEBen ever since the Jubilee dumping when he kept chastising her for not holding his hand. Then the ILY nonsense and only caring about his feelings rather than the women's... They might be fine now, but his actions still speak of his character. I'm sure he's a nice friend and all, but I wouldn't want to date him. I personally think Lauren can do better, but luckily it's not up to me. I'm glad they seem to be planning to go back to normal life ASAP. That way at least we'll know that they're together because they want to, not because they have to wait until DWTS, or some other gig, is over. Good luck to them!

Kashathediva wrote:

Mommyof1 wrote:I just can't believe that Ben's pastor flew in for this charade put on by TPTB.

I wonder if CM and CO. told each family member and the pastor that the couple was going to surprise everyone by getting married live on stage and used this ruse to get them all in attendance. 
Then I have to wonder if CM and CO. used this to make the couple believe that since they flew in both families and the pastor in for the ATFR that the couple would cave and get married on live tv. Using the excuse that all the important players were there. 
This way each party did not know the full story or be on the same page as the other, yet would feel pressure to perform the role TPTB were asking of them. TPTB used the element of shock and surprise and did not let Ben or Lauren realize family was there until the last minute. They seemed thrown off balance by the whole live marriage suggestion.
I am soooooo glad the couple did not fall for this idiotic manipulation and stood their ground. Ben looked like a deer in the headlights.

Ben handled it nicely though. And Lauren let him and just giggled at it all. I also doubt they'd get married during a half assed bip wedding.

I really wanted to know what Ben whispered to Lauren's ear though.

So many things about the After seemed off. They seemed to just be trying to fill time. I didn't like JK and his dolls and the whole "maybe there will be a wedding" suggestion seemed very silly. At first I thought maybe a wedding really was going to happen...so glad it didn't. The family interactions seemed very nice and their supporting Ben and Lauren will help with the transition.

As much as most people expect it and TPTB seem to demand it I would prefer no proposal. Especially  in this situation with how torn and confused Ben was he didn't seem ready to me to propose. I hope he really knew who was F1 before Neil Lane showed up. If not that's a bit of a red flag. JMO

I really don't know about BenLo either. I was really rooting for them but I just can't get over the breakup with Jojo. He kept telling her he loved her and yet was able to propose to Lauren a few hours later?. Honestly, I hate saying this, but looking at him with Lauren now, he seems to have had more of a personality with Jojo. And Lauren seems to have him in check... Like on jimmy kimmel when she said, I have trained him to let me sleep in. I don't know. I hate not seeing the Benlo spark I saw on tv. I wish them the best though. Also did anyone see this little clip...

http://twitter.com/KateCasey/status/709621118483574784/video/1
@katecasey Twitter
Yikes!!!

^Well that was awkward.

Correct me if I'm wrong but is this new? Doom and gloom called down upon the new couple? Then what new? If they make it, they make it. If they don't then they don't. I think they have a better chance than most. If Jojo emerged as the F1 I think they'd be fighting and arguing more because by her own admissions, she's an in your face kinda person and loud. She said that in the intro package when her bro Ben went on Ready for Love. Lauren was the best pick for Ben, and if they hardly had any issues on the show, she surely was tested right after the FRC. Yet they emerge united with their family's backing . That bodes well for them in my book.

^^ I don't really see that as being that awkward. So much is going on around them. It isn't like he just up and left her, he gave her a big hug. He just didn't see the kiss coming.

Imo, Ben has a lot of growing up to do.

kraft33 wrote:I really don't know about BenLo either. I was really rooting for them but I just can't get over the breakup with Jojo. He kept telling her he loved her and yet was able to propose to Lauren a few hours later?. Honestly, I hate saying this, but looking at him with Lauren now, he seems to have had more of a personality with Jojo. And Lauren seems to have him in check... Like on jimmy kimmel when she said, I have trained him to let me sleep in. I don't know. I hate not seeing the Benlo spark I saw on tv. I wish them the best though. Also did anyone see this little clip...

http://twitter.com/KateCasey/status/709621118483574784/video/1
@katecasey Twitter
Yikes!!!

Including a bit more to that 6 second clip would've showed them sweetly kissing about 10 times, Ben initiating it.
https://youtu.be/ZW03o9UNDiA
Check from 3:16.

Justafan2 wrote:^^ I don't really see that as being that awkward. So much is going on around them. It isn't like he just up and left her, he gave her a big hug. He just didn't see the kiss coming.

Someone thinks they found another pin for their voodoo doll of doom.