Love Is Blind Recap: The Social Network

As a movie buff might say: Stepping out from my pod, I’ve finally managed to put names to faces this week. Our lovestruck duos embarked on their vacations in Honduras, but the excitement was somewhat subdued, with everyone enjoying a relaxing if predictable getaway. However, there were hints of tension in Dave and Lauren’s relationship, suggesting stormy waters ahead.

Upon our return to Minneapolis, things really start heating up. The city may be home to over 425,000 people, but the dating scene feels shallow as everyone seems to know each other or have shared past experiences. It’s like every fish in the pool is connected in some way, which makes navigating relationships quite challenging.

The real test begins when we face the opinions and pressures from family and friends. How our couples handle these external factors gives us a glimpse into who has built a strong foundation that can withstand the tests of time. The movie’s second act is about to unfold, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Initially, it’s important to resolve the suspense from the previous week. Taylor possesses an app to identify who has unfollowed her on Instagram, and the production team is permitting her to use it. Daniel expresses concern that Taylor might discover his profile, but he also claims he wouldn’t cheat the system. The atmosphere is tense, yet they manage to find moments of levity. Taylor tirelessly scrolls through her followers, commenting on losing many followers, but doesn’t find Daniel. Eventually, she stops checking. Daniel comforts her, saying she’s not going crazy and offers to accompany her home if she has doubts about Honduras. However, Taylor, reassured that their bond isn’t based solely on physical attraction, is prepared to proceed further. This means we continue following the journey of five couples. Let’s analyze what transpires, couple by couple.

Monica and Joey

A week ago, I mentioned my lack of familiarity with these two individuals. However, this week, I’ve come to know them more deeply. Unfortunately, this newfound knowledge has left me feeling less favorably towards them.

In Honduras, everything seems to be running smoothly; Monica is relieved that her tall stature doesn’t pose any issues, and she listens carefully when Joey shares about his childhood exposure therapy for his severe OCD. However, upon my return to Minnesota, I can see some potential complications arising.

As a movie buff might put it, Joey’s casual attitude towards their cleaning routines seems like a ticking time bomb to me. I believe that their contrasting laundry habits could eventually ignite disputes and may hint at deeper differences in cleanliness habits. To give you an idea of how intense this can get, Monica once shared a story about a spider that sent shivers down my spine so profoundly that I can’t even bring myself to elaborate on it any further. Let me just say that if such an encounter had happened to me, not only would my laundry remain untouched by the floor forevermore, but I would be inspecting every single pair of pants meticulously before donning them for good measure.

It so happens that clothes have been a common topic for this pair this week. Joey finds it intriguing to discover that Monica’s family swaps socks, leading him to speculate about a shared sock box among his colleagues. (To be honest, only one of my coworkers seems open to the idea; everyone else finds it somewhat strange or suspect.) I can’t help but wonder if this implies that every member in their household has identical foot sizes. Isn’t that interesting?

As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when Monica’s dad missed the perfect chance to bust out their favorite dance move during the “fam jam,” a gathering that felt ripe for such a display. Strangely enough, it seems only Joey and Monica’s sister, Nicolle, remained unaffected by his charm. Later on, Joey hinted that Nicolle’s frosty demeanor might stem from lingering issues with Monica.

Admittedly, Nicolle didn’t appear overjoyed when the jokes about her boyfriend harboring feelings for Monica were tossed around, and the tense moment between them when Nicolle predicted I’d be the first to get married carried a certain electric charge. However, it takes me aback that Joey would be so outspoken after just one encounter. Essentially, he’s implying that my potential sister-in-law is envious of Monica, which puts Monica (and potentially her family and Nicolle’s boyfriend once they watch this) in an awkward position.

To rephrase, I’m not asserting that Joey is incorrect, but I have a strong feeling that he and Nicolle will meet again because it seems unlikely for Monica to go through with her wedding if her sister and fiancé continue to harbor negative feelings towards each other. However, their attendance at the altar doesn’t necessarily mean they will get married. At this point, I don’t foresee them exchanging “I do”s.

Virginia and Devin

This couple’s Honduras adventure was rather uneventful, but they were all smiles and affectionately dressed in coordinating purple outfits. Virginia cherishes being called “Mrs. Buckets,” while Devin openly shares his contentment with their relationship to anyone who will listen.

In Minneapolis, they take turns showing their homes for their shared apartment while gathering items. When Virginia inquires about how expensive Devin’s shoe collection might be for her, he indicates one of his numerous pairs and quotes its price at $700. I believe the film crew shouldn’t have revealed the exterior of that building. It seems someone has added Devin to their watch list.

This week, the couple has been discussing finances extensively. Virginia finds Devin’s idea of having separate individual accounts alongside one shared account acceptable. She’s also open to contributing towards his medical bills, considering that decisions should be made with the well-being of their partnership in mind. However, Devin is surprised by her proposal for a prenuptial agreement, finding it as puzzling and worrying as understanding bisexuality. Similarly, when Virginia brings up the topic of a prenup to Devin’s family, they also perceive it as a warning sign.

If you’re aware whether a prenuptial agreement is something you want or not, it seems unusual if it wasn’t discussed during the podcasts. However, it appears we’ll have to find out if they can resolve this matter before the wedding. I’m not sure if it’s a deal-breaker, but it might be something he’s willing to overlook given his apparent enthusiasm for Virginia walking down the aisle in her wedding dress and his fascination with that painting of her pregnant with another child, encouraging him during a varsity game. Perhaps he desires these aspects of their relationship so much that he can overcome his reservations.

Taylor and Daniel

This pair on the Netflix show “Love is Blind” has been subjected to gentle mockery on social media platforms. Recently, TV writer Caitie Delaney tweeted, “I can hardly believe how fortunate this couple on ‘Love is Blind’ is to have found each other since they both adore Christmas. It all seems quite cozy and simple-minded.” However, I too found it intriguing how often Christmas was mentioned during the podcasts, but Taylor and Daniel have managed to convince me that their bond runs much deeper than initially perceived.

In this heartwarming tale set beyond the snow-kissed landscapes we’re accustomed to during Christmas, Honduras serves as an unexpected backdrop for a story that revolves around fast food, holiday cheer, and the unique bond between two individuals – Taylor and Daniel. Despite their shared affinity for these seemingly mundane aspects, their personalities intertwine remarkably well. It’s almost serendipitous how the president of the “overthinkers club” found a comfort in Daniel, someone who skillfully balances his gentle reassurances with a knack for countering Taylor’s self-deprecating remarks.

No, she doesn’t lose her sanity when she has to look away from him to listen to his voice; no, she need not regret the way she handled that Instagram conversation. Instead, Daniel is there to soothe her turbulent thoughts, a beacon of tranquility amidst her spiraling mind. In one poignant moment, Taylor’s eyes well up as she confesses that no one has ever spoken to her in the way he does.

While some might find their relationship uneventful, I find myself wholeheartedly rooting for them. I dare say, I hope old Saint Nick himself makes an appearance to officiate their wedding. Here’s to wishing these two the love and happiness they deserve!

Previously in Minneapolis, Taylor’s meeting with Daniel’s family, including his visually impaired sister who finds the entire situation intriguing, went smoothly. Are Daniel’s parents supportive of this marriage? Mr. Hastings not only affirms it but expresses wholehearted approval. Conversely, the atmosphere at Taylor’s house is strained. Her mom is highly apprehensive and feels excluded from the engagement process. Despite his illness, Taylor’s dad seems content just to support her. Daniel’s sincerity is so profound that he sheds tears while discussing his feelings for Taylor. To further demonstrate his commitment, he invites his parents to meet Taylor’s parents. The consensus in the room is that divorce is off the table, and both sets of parents accept that they will argue over where the couple spends Christmas. In the end, Taylor’s parents grant Daniel permission to marry her. It seems as though everything is proceeding without a hitch at this point. (I hope I don’t jinx it, but things appear to be going smoothly.)

Sara and Ben

It’s clear they enjoy themselves a lot in Honduras. I suspect they might be the first couple to openly discuss their intimate relationship, or at least the first ones comfortable enough to share with Dave about it. Ben admits that people might find it unusual to imply that his romance with Sara demonstrates love is blind because she’s quite attractive. In Minneapolis, his friends share this view and even slip in a comment about how handsome he is too. There’s a lot of praise for his open-mindedness, and when one of Ben’s friends mentions her girlfriend, it does show he’s close with LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite some reservations I have about him, Sara is completely convinced.

Later in their home, Sara comes across a TikTok video featuring someone emotionally questioning why unkind men are praised, seemingly referring to someone specific. Although the video doesn’t identify anyone directly, Ben believes it’s aimed at him, which seems significant. He explains that he has already blocked the TikToker due to concerns about what else she might reveal, an action that would be unusual if he truly can’t recall any issues with her. Ben claims they only went on one date together four years ago, and since then, he has forgotten their encounter entirely, unable to remember anything that could have caused such distress. Sara appears unsettled by this revelation and urges Ben to be completely open with her. It seems she is eager to trust him, and the clip hints at her standing at the altar. Perhaps it’s Ben who needs guidance from her when it comes to having faith.

Lauren and Dave

In my observation, neither Lauren nor Dave claim to have integrated physical and emotional aspects in their relationship historically, yet I’m not entirely convinced that they’re currently doing so. While in Honduras, the two of them appear uneasy rather than relaxed. It’s possible they’re just aware of the cameras – Lauren even makes brief eye contact with us a few times. However, it seems as if they’re striving to persuade themselves that everything is going smoothly and effortlessly.

In a private conversation, Dave admits that he recognizes Lauren isn’t prepared for sexual involvement, and he accepts that. However, he appears quite curious to explore if other couples share similar feelings or discomfort regarding the matter. He also mentions that he has no issues with Lauren’s sleeping or bathroom habits, yet he frequently discusses these topics with others, seemingly hoping to gauge any reservations about their experiment or their relationship. Yet, nobody seems to take the bait and express doubts.

The central issue between this couple isn’t infidelity, contrary to what the previous week’s preview suggested. Instead, it appears to stem from Lauren’s past relationship with a man known to Dave, whom she engaged in a friends-with-benefits arrangement for two months. While Lauren maintains that this was casual, Dave seems to perceive him as a serious boyfriend. Additionally, Dave seems to have reservations about Molly due to her previous on-again, off-again relationship. It’s intriguing that he expresses doubts about these women’s readiness for marriage, given his initial mindset seemed to be more about exploring if he could stop viewing women as objects in the pods.

I can’t help but empathize with Dave as he encounters Lauren’s friends in Minneapolis; it’d be nerve-wracking for anyone to be caught off guard like that, especially after being exposed in a fitness class and then having to make a good first impression right away. It seems that Lauren’s friends (who are married, I confirmed this!) are quick to defend her assertion that she never dated the unidentified acquaintance. They suspect he merely seeks attention on TV, as he reached out to one of them to propose disrupting the wedding, according to their story.

Although we never physically encounter this individual, he seems to be a recurring topic in conversations between Dave and Lauren following their return. Interestingly, it’s hinted that Dave’s friends, as well as his deeply cared-for sister, share connections with this enigmatic figure. Upon retrieving his phone, Dave found himself overwhelmed with messages from people aware of his engagement. What’s more intriguing is that these individuals have long maintained the belief that Lauren previously dated this mysterious man before the show.

Lauren yearns for an opportunity to clear her name and show herself in a positive light, yet Dave clings to the belief that she’s been romantically involved with someone else very recently. He notes their limited history together, and Lauren counters by explaining he hasn’t visited the apartment. Ugh. In the end, Dave feels his friends shouldn’t meet her. The situation looks bleak, but both Lauren and Dave maintain that they continue to cherish each other deeply and are determined to work towards their wedding.

It’s worth mentioning that Dave appeared uneasy upon discovering that Lauren’s father isn’t fond of the experiment, and there might be complications when Dave eventually encounters Molly. Consequently, even if they resolve their “situationship” issues, I’m not convinced that will solve all the problems these two may face.

Compatibility Tests

In a weekly tradition at my Vulture/New York Magazine office, I challenge my colleagues to share their opinions, much like Monica’s family shares socks. The percentage shows how many of us believe that the couple will ultimately say “I do.” Here are the latest findings from our poll:

🥇 Taylor and Daniel, along with Devin and Virginia, both have a perfect score of 100%

🥉 Joey and Monica come in third with a score of 40%

Unfortunately, Ben and Sara only managed to achieve 20%

Sadly, Dave and Lauren were not successful in this round, scoring zero points.

Taylor and Daniel have advanced one position and are now on par with Devin and Virginia, leading many of us to think that these four couples might be getting married soon. In contrast, Dave and Lauren haven’t convinced any voters yet, finding themselves at the bottom for the consecutive second week.

Investigation of the week: Who’s Tok-ing about Ben?

Back in 2023, I managed to solve this mystery rather quickly as I recalled a TikTok video from Andra (@hopeyoufindyourdad) that went viral last year. In March 2024, she shared her disappointment about the leaked Minneapolis cast on her account. She expressed her feelings, saying “I’m just drained and tired of a society that praises men who mistreat women and lie constantly,” while visibly emotional. Although she didn’t explicitly name him, it is now clear who she was referring to due to Sara’s description of the video and Ben himself admitting to the situation.

In January, I delved deeper into my claims in a subsequent TikTok post. I asserted that an individual at the University of Minnesota had been treating women as if they were objects and disposable for quite some time, and has harbored ambitions to become renowned. Notably, other details I disclosed, such as his status as a prominent baseball player on campus, align with widely available information about Ben.

Andra asserted that numerous women alleged disturbing incidents involving him following his filming in Minneapolis. She stated that once he left the show, he allegedly returned to the bars – possibly those he frequented excessively during college – and reportedly confessed to people about what transpired on the program. She ended her video by hinting at the rumored ending for this specific pair, implying she had a credible source. To protect the show’s integrity, I won’t disclose it here, but if you’re intrigued, check out her TikTok to the end.

Quote(s) of the Week: “Monica’s sibling is daringly trying out for this season’s villain role, along with Dave, who might find it rather awkward that he can’t participate in a SoulCycle class in the year 2025.” — One of My Colleagues.

A couple of last thoughts:

It’s amusing to note that the cast didn’t seem to naturally form couples during the Honduras party. I can almost picture a producer saying, “Alright, who among you haven’t had a private chat with Dave about this topic yet? Step forward.

I really enjoy it when the LIB camera team shares with us the books people keep in their private bedrooms. It’s evident that Monica is a fan of Sarah J. Maas, as her shelf also holds “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid and “Luckiest Girl Alive” by Jessica Knoll. Now, don’t you feel like we know her a bit more intimately?

• I was fully expecting a baby when Devin’s family was talking about their pet pig.

2025-02-21 14:55