Emily Maynard's Bachelorette 8 Blogs - Discussion

First of all, I can't even begin to say how grateful and blessed I feel to be The Bachelorette. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the entire idea and I just hope I can do as good of a job as the ladies who have held this honor in the past.

It was a big decision to come back. And to be honest, I didn't know if I wanted to put myself through all of this again. I was in love with Brad and what we had was very real and true, but when things didn't work out with him, I was reminded that sometimes when people grow they grow apart. I never want that to happen to me again and it is scary to try to find love in the same way that it had fallen apart for me not that long ago.

I can't tell you how many times I said no, but I know that God allows us to meet people at the right time and I just hope more than anything that this is the right time for me. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it work this time because I've been in this situation before and in a way feel as though I've already had my chance. I'm so lucky to be here again and promise it's going to be a great season!

It's always scary meeting new people for the first time, especially like this! I wasn't sure if I would like any of the guys or if any of the guys would like me, but so many of my fears were calmed after just the first limo. Every guy that stepped out made me feel so comfortable and put the biggest smile on my face as they tried to impress me. As nervous as I was, I remember getting out of the limo to meet Brad not that long ago and it was honestly one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life. I tried to remember that as I spoke to each of the guys and make it my goal to help them feel as comfortable as possible in this crazy experience.

Can't get enough of The Bachelorette? Read Chris Harrison's blog on EW.com

I definitely felt a connection with a few of the guys and it made me confident that my decision to come back was worth it. So many of the guys stood out to me. Even though he was the last to show up, I think I have to start by acknowledging Kalon. What an entrance! As the helicopter was landing a million thoughts were going through my mind. I remember standing there confused, not knowing what to expect, but I also knew whoever stepped out was obviously trying to make a huge impression ... I was extremely nervous that it was Brad or possibly Bentley! I was relieved to see a fresh face.

As extravagant as the helicopter was, Jef showing up on the skateboard was way more impressive in my mind! I immediately loved that he wasn't trying to impress me with some over the top entrance, but was clearly confident enough in himself that he didn't need all of that extra "stuff." He's obviously a free spirit but I was surprised at how soft spoken and sweet he was after talking to him.

Anyone who knows me knows I have an extreme love for shoes, so Tony hit it out of the park with his glass slipper entrance. He did a great job making a memorable impression because as he walked away he made me realize how much I want the fairytale ending and how this time I really hope the glass slipper fits and I find my Prince Charming!

Last but not least, Doug. What a sweetheart! The letter his son wrote to me was one of the sweetest things I have ever received and if anyone can appreciate how hard it is being away from their child, it's me. I'm so grateful that Doug took a chance on love, and I was honored that he saw something in me that made it worth it for him to come. It meant a lot and I wanted him to know that I would take a chance on him too and that's why I gave him the first impression rose.

All in all it was a great night and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have 25 incredible guys vying for my attention. Thanks for watching and most of all, for all of your support! It means the absolute world to me to feel so much love from y'all.

terabithia wrote:She writes that she wants the fairy tale ending... Jef said in his intro he believes in the fairy tale ending.

The only man in her top 4 she mentioned is Jef. Actually, the only other guy even close to her top 4 is Doug, and she had to mention him because of the FIR. (Can't recall when he leaves but he didn't make it to HTDs.)

First of all, let me start by saying I hope you all enjoyed watching the dates on The Bachelorette this week as much as I loved being on them! I don't have any clue what I did to deserve this many great guys, but to say I'm thankful is an understatement. I especially love that I was able to get some of the guys out of the house and show them around the beautiful city of Charlotte. Most of them had never been here before and had no clue there was this much going on!

From the very first night I knew Ryan was someone that I would really get along with and couldn't wait to spend more time with him. Now I know he was probably expecting some crazy, fabulous, over-the-top date and to be honest, I was worried about telling him what we were actually going to be doing.

RELATED: Emily Is Worried About Meeting Guys as The Bachelorette


It really was my turn as "Snack Mom," and I was willing to risk Ryan being a little disappointed over facing the wrath of a soccer team full of hungry 6-year-olds! Ryan is such a great guy: He jumped right into my daily chores and even offered to replace light bulbs while the cookies were baking.

I was nervous to have him come over to my house, so that morning I was running around like a crazy lady with curlers in my hair making sure everything was clean and in the perfect spot. For dinner I took him to one of my favorite restaurants in Charlotte, Osso, and trust me when I say I've never had a welcome like that any of the times I've been there and since most of the crowd were girls, I'm thinking it had more to do with my handsome date than me!

I could've sat and talked to Ryan for hours, but I couldn't wait to surprise him with one of my favorite bands, Gloriana, outside! Ryan impressed me in so many ways all day and he definitely set the bar high for the rest of the guys.

Muppet Time
I really hope I didn't completely scare Kermit and Miss Piggy off because as soon as I walked into their dressing room I started crying I was so happy. I've been watching The Muppets since I was my daughter's age and I remember standing in the room with them thinking, "How in the world did this become my life?"

As amazing as it was to meet them, I was terrified at the thought of having to perform on a stage, much less having to walk down a flight of stairs in front of an audience of all of my friends in six-inch heels, but it truly was a once in a lifetime experience. When I called Ricki's name to come sing on stage, I have never seen that child run so fast in all my life! I know that neither of us will ever forget that day.

I'm so grateful to The Muppets and especially the guys for going out of the comfort zone and raising over $20,000 for the Levine Children's Hospital. By the time we got to the afterparty we were all exhausted and I hope that's the reason behind Kalon and Stevie's disagreement, because I still can't figure out why they dislike each other so much. I had no idea any of that was going on!

Can't get enough of The Bachelorette? Check out Chris Harrison's blog on EW.com!

All day, I could tell just by looking at Jef that he was wondering what in the world he had gotten himself into. I immediately wanted to comfort him because I remember thinking the same thing on my first group date with Brad. I decided to give him the rose because I wanted him to give this whole experience a chance – I truly believe it can work if the right two people find each other.

I was so excited to bring Joe to The Greenbriar in my home state of West Virginia, a place where I have so many childhood memories. Joe has such a great energy that it's almost impossible to be around him and not have a good time.

RELATED: Drink to The Bachelorette with Specialized Cocktails


My family and I would come to The Greenbriar growing up, so it was crazy to swim in the same pool as an adult and Joe made it that much more fun. He's such a sweet, genuine guy but during dinner while we were writing down our "love wishes," I realized that we just weren't right for each other.

Joe made me laugh all day, said all of the right things, and couldn't have been more of a gentleman, but I knew that we were just in different place in our lives. I had watched the show before and seen people sent home on dates and always wondered, "How hard can it really be? You barely even know each other!" Let me be the first to say I was absolutely wrong!

I never imagined I would be doing the "ugly cry" on my second date, but it wasn't because I thought I was breaking Joe's heart by any means. We've all had someone tell us that we're not the one for them and it's never an easy thing to hear no matter how well you know the person. I just hated having to look at a guy that had done nothing wrong all day and be that girl. Knowing what a funny guy Joe is, though, he probably skipped to the limo and made the driver laugh just as much as he made me and all of the other guys in the house laugh.

I'm so excited for you all to get to know the guys even better and see why I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Maybe I'm biased but I feel like this is the best group yet! I'm looking forward to next week's episode and can't wait to relive a moment that will forever go down as one of my all time favorite memories!

All day, I could tell just by looking at Jef that he was wondering what in the world he had gotten himself into. I immediately wanted to comfort him because I remember thinking the same thing on my first group date with Brad. I decided to give him the rose because I wanted him to give this whole experience a chance – I truly believe it can work if the right two people find each other.

CarrieA wrote: She wanted to comfort Jef on the date.

All day, I could tell just by looking at Jef that he was wondering what in the world he had gotten himself into. I immediately wanted to comfort him because I remember thinking the same thing on my first group date with Brad. I decided to give him the rose because I wanted him to give this whole experience a chance – I truly believe it can work if the right two people find each other.

Nice shout out girl!