Emily Maynard's Bachelorette 8 Blogs - Discussion

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

We had all been together so many times and it was never mentioned that they had ever met before and that's where my feelings of mistrust came in. If you knew Cassie the way I do, you would know what a great person she is, and that I'd be lucky to have a chance with one of her exes! Although I wish I would have known the specifics earlier, I understand the show didn't want to color my opinion of him. But I was concerned that Arie hadn't told me. I kept feeling like I should just come out and ask him about their relationship, but I didn't because I'm looking for someone that would just be straightforward with me. It was such a relief to finally have it all out there, and as you can see, we picked up right where we had left off.

Hearing 'I Love You'
During dinner, I was so caught off guard when he told me he loves me because it was still so early – not to mention the stressful day we had just had – but it was absolutely everything I had hoped for since my very first date with him. Arie and I can have disagreements, but we always bounce back and are even stronger than we were to begin with. Whether it was our bump in the road in London, or this mess in Prague, we always communicate really well. To me that's the most important part of a relationship.

I understand the show didn't want to color my opinion of him. But I was concerned that Arie hadn't told me.

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

realityfan26 wrote:No woman I know would let that go unquestioned. Emily didn't even ask for a hint???

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

hawkku wrote:

realityfan26 wrote:No woman I know would let that go unquestioned. Emily didn't even ask for a hint???

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

Im having a hard time believing Emilys blog on how this went down. Arie had already revealed so much that I dont think he would have ever tried to hide that from her on purpose. He was totally lost. He was either told not to mention it and was trying to play by the rules or he thought she had already been told long ago and it was not anything that needed to be discussed. Cassie is around Emily constantly. He probably thought she mentioned she knew early on. She seems to be towing the company line here and I dont feel like shes being very honest.

skitts wrote:

hawkku wrote:

realityfan26 wrote:No woman I know would let that go unquestioned. Emily didn't even ask for a hint???

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

Im having a hard time believing Emilys blog on how this went down. Arie had already revealed so much that I dont think he would have ever tried to hide that from her on purpose. He was totally lost. He was either told not to mention it and was trying to play by the rules or he thought she had already been told long ago and it was not anything that needed to be discussed. Cassie is around Emily constantly. He probably thought she mentioned she knew early on. She seems to be towing the company line here and I dont feel like shes being very honest.

Per 1F, this was all 'cool and interesting'...can someone clarify this statement regarding Cassiegate?

cindebugg wrote:

skitts wrote:

hawkku wrote:

realityfan26 wrote:No woman I know would let that go unquestioned. Emily didn't even ask for a hint???

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

Im having a hard time believing Emilys blog on how this went down. Arie had already revealed so much that I dont think he would have ever tried to hide that from her on purpose. He was totally lost. He was either told not to mention it and was trying to play by the rules or he thought she had already been told long ago and it was not anything that needed to be discussed. Cassie is around Emily constantly. He probably thought she mentioned she knew early on. She seems to be towing the company line here and I dont feel like shes being very honest.

Per 1F, this was all 'cool and interesting'...can someone clarify this statement regarding Cassiegate?

He said it was a shocking, cool, interesting story. Whatever, Jef. You know, I'm not buying Jef's version of these events that he had in his interview. He says he didn't know until he was home and that the guys didn't know anything about it but Jef says he and Arie talked about everything. Something isn't ringing true for me.

jlccaz wrote:So long as the Cat isn't made to ride on top of the van, like Romney's dog.

cindebugg wrote:

skitts wrote:

hawkku wrote:

realityfan26 wrote:No woman I know would let that go unquestioned. Emily didn't even ask for a hint???

Before we started filming I had been told that there may be one contestant on the show this season who had dated Cassie, and I was asked if I would mind. Once I knew it was almost a decade ago, and knowing that Cassie is engaged to another one of my favorite producers, Pete, I was fine with it. I put it way out of my head as I was gearing up to meet the men, so when Cassie took it upon herself halfway through the season to tell me who the guy was, I was definitely surprised.

Im having a hard time believing Emilys blog on how this went down. Arie had already revealed so much that I dont think he would have ever tried to hide that from her on purpose. He was totally lost. He was either told not to mention it and was trying to play by the rules or he thought she had already been told long ago and it was not anything that needed to be discussed. Cassie is around Emily constantly. He probably thought she mentioned she knew early on. She seems to be towing the company line here and I dont feel like shes being very honest.

Per 1F, this was all 'cool and interesting'...can someone clarify this statement regarding Cassiegate?

He said it was a shocking, cool, interesting story. Whatever, Jef. You know, I'm not buying Jef's version of these events that he had in his interview. He says he didn't know until he was home and that the guys didn't know anything about it but Jef says he and Arie talked about everything. Something isn't ringing true for me.

The Bachelorette: Emily Maynard Blogs All About her Hometown Dates

Even though I had so much fun traveling the world with all the guys on The Bachelorette, I couldn't get back home to Charlotte, N.C., fast enough! Being able to spend time with Ricki and do my everyday mom stuff helped me put everything back into perspective.

But I was also really happy to start the hometown dates with Chris in Chicago. The last time I saw him was at the rose ceremony in Prague, and I didn't want him to worry that I was still upset with him about everything that happened. He had told me so much about his family from the very first night, so I couldn't wait to meet them! As soon as we walked in I could feel the love that this family has and it couldn't have been sweeter. I was caught a little off guard when Chris's dad asked me if I felt love, but I told him the truth – I wouldn't have been there if I didn't.

However, I was speaking about the experience as a whole, not knowing he would tell Chris I was falling in love with him, although I did have strong feelings for Chris. He has so many attributes that I look for in a husband and any girl would be lucky to have him! I had a really hard time sending him home, but wanted to stay true to the promise I made his sister that I wouldn't keep him away from his family if I didn't see him at the end with me.

I never know what to expect when I'm with Jef and of course, he surprised me once again! It's hard to believe the same guy who knows about Chloé bags can shoot clay pigeons like it's his job! Just like me, there are two sides to Jef and I love that we can bond over so many different things. Even though his parents weren't there, I absolutely loved his family, especially his sweet little niece, June! I could tell they were skeptical – just like my own family was – but hopefully after seeing the two of us together they were able to see how real it can be. They made me feel so welcome, and while talking to his sisters I felt like I was talking to my girlfriends back home. I was sad to leave them, but had no idea what Jef had planned for the second part of the day. The letter Jef wrote me was so perfect. I loved that everything he loved about me had to with my heart and the way I make him feel, not superficial things that undoubtedly will fade.

On my last season of The Bachelor there was a lot of drama surrounding the NASCAR date. I want it to be very clear that I love the racetrack and have so many wonderful memories there, but was only upset because I felt like I was put in an unfair position and my past was being brought up too frequently. I told Arie I was totally comfortable at the track, and I know he never would've taken me there if I hadn't. Arie was just as nervous as I was to meet his family, which didn't help calm my nerves at all. But by the end of the night I knew I had no reason to be nervous. His mom is one of the coolest ladies I've ever met and she actually gave me a skirt – you'll see me wear it in an upcoming episode! I saw a different side of Arie after meeting his family and have an even bigger soft spot in my heart for him.

When I pulled up and saw Sean standing there with his dogs I thought I had accidentally crashed a Ralph Lauren photo shoot. Seriously, how in the world is this guy so perfect that even his dogs are well behaved? I'm starting to wonder if Sean is even human! However, after seeing the room at his parents' house that he supposedly lived in, all my dreams were shattered. Not because I thought he lived at home (though if you saw the way his mother had decorated their home you would want to live there too), but because that room was a MESS! I'm always cleaning something so that room sparked some serious anxiety in me. Thank goodness it was just a joke and even though I never got to see his actual home, I'd be willing to bet it's in perfect order, too! I knew I'd love Sean's family and it was such an honor meeting the people that raised such a gentleman. I'm very thankful to his sister for talking him into opening his life to this crazy experience!

I know it's an overwhelming day, but at the root of all the craziness is something very real for me so I can't say thank you enough to each of the families for opening up your homes and being so welcoming. I have some memories I'll never forget.

Tune in next week when we head to the beautiful island of Curacao!

Ashley’s season:
Ben F2: My next stop was Sonoma. I had never been to Northern California so I was excited to see what it was all about. Sonoma is such a quaint little town, it made me feel like I was really home.

Ben's family was one of the families that surprised me the most. In my mind, I thought they were going to be loud, outgoing, and somewhat goofy like Ben. I was so surprised to see that they were quite the opposite. They were sophisticated and conservative. His mother reminded me of Coco Chanel! I was so nervous talking with her and felt somewhat intimidated.

Ben's family has been through a lot in the past few years and I sensed a guard and protectiveness over him. Watching Ben's interview brought tears to my eyes. It was nice to see him dig deep into his heart and be comfortable showing emotion that he held in for so long. This is one of the things I love to see throughout this journey. It is about finding love, but it's also about finding yourself and I'm so happy to be a part of that with Ben. Honestly, I always enjoy my time spent with Ben. He's so fun to be around and lives a truly incredible life.

Ali’s season: Chris F2
Onto the Cape. The most important part about my visit with Chris is how being at home relaxed him.” ... “ Also, I want to clear up the story that I told about the bracelet last week. Chris joked with me that it was my “get-out-of-jail-free card.” We thought it was a funny joke. Luckily, I never had to use it. Chris’s dad is an incredible person. I am so grateful to have the chance to get to know him. I love that their family slogan is “love is the only reality.” I think that is especially relevant in this situation.

Ashley’s season: JP F1
My last date was with JP in Long Island, New York. At this point, it felt like forever since I had seen him and I could not wait! On one of our dates I made fun of him because he said he liked rollerblading in New York City. I told him that rollerblading didn't seem like a sexy pastime for such a stud. This was my payback. He took me roller-skating hoping that I would fall on my face, but to his dismay, he was the one that fell!

But the best part of all was that I felt like I was at a middle school dance. It was romantic and silly, and I remember thinking just how happy I was in those moments. I was really nervous to meet JP's family for a different reason than he probably thought. I was scared that they wouldn't be pleased that I wasn't Jewish. Religion does not matter to me, but I had no idea how they felt about it, so I went into this date with nervousness on my shoulders.

What a relief! His family was so supportive and sweet. They were also very concerned about JP getting his heart broken. It became clear that he had a very emotional breakup that affected him greatly, and all they want is to see their son happy. I also learned that JP gets his sweet smile from his mother, and his intellect from his dad. I had so many great conversations with everyone, but the best part was seeing his Bar Mitzvah photo. Sweet mullet, JP! Now we all know why he shaves his head!


Ali’s season: Roberto F1
Roberto’s dad asked me about personal goals and how I would balance that with his son’s goals. I am glad that I answered him honestly and let him know that Roberto and I would share all responsibilities at home and at work. Being part of a marriage where all responsibility is shared equally is very important to me. I really respect Roberto’s dad for asking me tough questions.
A conversation you didn’t see is the one I had with Roberto’s mom, Olga, who is such a sweet, lovely woman. She actually gave me a crystal heart inscribed with the words “Love Never Fails.” My mom gives me similar things, so this gift meant a lot to me.

Roberto’s mom also taught me to cook tostones. I don’t cook, but I would definitely be willing to learn for Roberto . The night ended perfectly. Did you see the way his parents salsa danced together? Such chemistry between the two of them. I know I would have a lot of fun with Roberto’s family.

Jef:I never know what to expect when I'm with Jef and of course, he surprised me once again! It's hard to believe the same guy who knows about Chloé bags can shoot clay pigeons like it's his job! Just like me, there are two sides to Jef and I love that we can bond over so many different things. Even though his parents weren't there, I absolutely loved his family, especially his sweet little niece, June!

I could tell they were skeptical – just like my own family was – but hopefully after seeing the two of us together they were able to see how real it can be. They made me feel so welcome, and while talking to his sisters I felt like I was talking to my girlfriends back home.

I was sad to leave them, but had no idea what Jef had planned for the second part of the day. The letter Jef wrote me was so perfect. I loved that everything he loved about me had to with my heart and the way I make him feel, not superficial things that undoubtedly will fade.

Arie: On my last season of The Bachelor there was a lot of drama surrounding the NASCAR date. I want it to be very clear that I love the racetrack and have so many wonderful memories there, but was only upset because I felt like I was put in an unfair position and my past was being brought up too frequently. I told Arie I was totally comfortable at the track, and I know he never would've taken me there if I hadn't.

Arie was just as nervous as I was to meet his family, which didn't help calm my nerves at all. But by the end of the night I knew I had no reason to be nervous. His mom is one of the coolest ladies I've ever met and she actually gave me a skirt – you'll see me wear it in an upcoming episode! I saw a different side of Arie after meeting his family and have an even bigger soft spot in my heart for him.

veg_out wrote:Just a comparison of the past few seasons' Ettes and their comments on their F2:

F2 writeups:

Ashley’s season:
Ben F2: My next stop was Sonoma. I had never been to Northern California so I was excited to see what it was all about. Sonoma is such a quaint little town, it made me feel like I was really home.

Ben's family was one of the families that surprised me the most. In my mind, I thought they were going to be loud, outgoing, and somewhat goofy like Ben. I was so surprised to see that they were quite the opposite. They were sophisticated and conservative. His mother reminded me of Coco Chanel! I was so nervous talking with her and felt somewhat intimidated.

Ben's family has been through a lot in the past few years and I sensed a guard and protectiveness over him. Watching Ben's interview brought tears to my eyes. It was nice to see him dig deep into his heart and be comfortable showing emotion that he held in for so long. This is one of the things I love to see throughout this journey. It is about finding love, but it's also about finding yourself and I'm so happy to be a part of that with Ben. Honestly, I always enjoy my time spent with Ben. He's so fun to be around and lives a truly incredible life.

Ali’s season: Chris F2
Onto the Cape. The most important part about my visit with Chris is how being at home relaxed him.” ... “ Also, I want to clear up the story that I told about the bracelet last week. Chris joked with me that it was my “get-out-of-jail-free card.” We thought it was a funny joke. Luckily, I never had to use it. Chris’s dad is an incredible person. I am so grateful to have the chance to get to know him. I love that their family slogan is “love is the only reality.” I think that is especially relevant in this situation.

F1 writeups:

Ashley’s season: JP F1
My last date was with JP in Long Island, New York. At this point, it felt like forever since I had seen him and I could not wait! On one of our dates I made fun of him because he said he liked rollerblading in New York City. I told him that rollerblading didn't seem like a sexy pastime for such a stud. This was my payback. He took me roller-skating hoping that I would fall on my face, but to his dismay, he was the one that fell!

But the best part of all was that I felt like I was at a middle school dance. It was romantic and silly, and I remember thinking just how happy I was in those moments. I was really nervous to meet JP's family for a different reason than he probably thought. I was scared that they wouldn't be pleased that I wasn't Jewish. Religion does not matter to me, but I had no idea how they felt about it, so I went into this date with nervousness on my shoulders.

What a relief! His family was so supportive and sweet. They were also very concerned about JP getting his heart broken. It became clear that he had a very emotional breakup that affected him greatly, and all they want is to see their son happy. I also learned that JP gets his sweet smile from his mother, and his intellect from his dad. I had so many great conversations with everyone, but the best part was seeing his Bar Mitzvah photo. Sweet mullet, JP! Now we all know why he shaves his head!


Ali’s season: Roberto F1
Roberto’s dad asked me about personal goals and how I would balance that with his son’s goals. I am glad that I answered him honestly and let him know that Roberto and I would share all responsibilities at home and at work. Being part of a marriage where all responsibility is shared equally is very important to me. I really respect Roberto’s dad for asking me tough questions.
A conversation you didn’t see is the one I had with Roberto’s mom, Olga, who is such a sweet, lovely woman. She actually gave me a crystal heart inscribed with the words “Love Never Fails.” My mom gives me similar things, so this gift meant a lot to me.

Roberto’s mom also taught me to cook tostones. I don’t cook, but I would definitely be willing to learn for Roberto . The night ended perfectly. Did you see the way his parents salsa danced together? Such chemistry between the two of them. I know I would have a lot of fun with Roberto’s family.

Emily's blog posts:

Jef:I never know what to expect when I'm with Jef and of course, he surprised me once again! It's hard to believe the same guy who knows about Chloé bags can shoot clay pigeons like it's his job! Just like me, there are two sides to Jef and I love that we can bond over so many different things. Even though his parents weren't there, I absolutely loved his family, especially his sweet little niece, June!

I could tell they were skeptical – just like my own family was – but hopefully after seeing the two of us together they were able to see how real it can be. They made me feel so welcome, and while talking to his sisters I felt like I was talking to my girlfriends back home.

I was sad to leave them, but had no idea what Jef had planned for the second part of the day. The letter Jef wrote me was so perfect. I loved that everything he loved about me had to with my heart and the way I make him feel, not superficial things that undoubtedly will fade.

Arie: On my last season of The Bachelor there was a lot of drama surrounding the NASCAR date. I want it to be very clear that I love the racetrack and have so many wonderful memories there, but was only upset because I felt like I was put in an unfair position and my past was being brought up too frequently. I told Arie I was totally comfortable at the track, and I know he never would've taken me there if I hadn't.

Arie was just as nervous as I was to meet his family, which didn't help calm my nerves at all. But by the end of the night I knew I had no reason to be nervous. His mom is one of the coolest ladies I've ever met and she actually gave me a skirt – you'll see me wear it in an upcoming episode! I saw a different side of Arie after meeting his family and have an even bigger soft spot in my heart for him.

Which ones matches the previous Ettes' writeups about her F1?