MAFS: Second Chances- Season Finale: Eyes on the Prize

Y’all.

Y’ALL.

Somebody hold my wig. My edges have been completely snatched.

It took me a WHOLE week to write this recap because I was just so confused, stressed and overwhelmed. Y’all saw the season finale. Let’s jump right in.

Ok, so last week we saw how David and Vanessa’s trial marriage to Isabella and Dre went, living together for a week. This week, it was Shannon and Tara’s turn to try their hand at being spouses.

The couples check out their new digs, and Shannon and Vanessa seem super excited to experience this together. As we all witnessed, their courtship was always a little rocky.  From “I can’t be serious,” to the T-shirt from Thailand, it was always up in the air how far Shannon was going to make it. During the tour of the house, Vanessa suggests that at least for the first night, they sleep in separate beds.

Shannon:

Vanessa’s reasoning was that she just spent a week sharing the bed with Dre and to jump into bed with Shannon immediately just makes her uncomfortable, and frankly, I understand.
Over dinner, they have a discussion and you can tell that y’alls friend Shannon is just not feeling the arrangement. Vanessa thinks it would be best based on the history of their relationship, and suggests that they speak to Pastor Calvin about it before they hop under the sheets together. Shannon is protesting and putting up a fuss, talking about his comfort and at THIS point, I’m giving him the hugest side eye.

Shannon, sir. You been sleeping alone this whole time, what’s one more night? Boy. Good night. Go to Ikea, get you a body pillow and leave Vanessa alone.

In Tara and Dave’s house, they’re toasting to “new beginnings and second chances” and I'm just gushing. Team Tara, where y’all at?? I’m a sucker for a good story and the fact that she and David reconnected after five years, and she’s made it down to the final two, just has me all in my feels. They’re getting ready for bed, and telling each other the great qualities that they’re finding in one another, and I'm thinking,  "finally, Dave is finally making decisions in his best interests." Tara is good for him, and although I love Isabella, I’m firmly rooted and invested in him going this route.

Pastor Calvin comes over the next day and sits down with Shannon and Vanessa to discuss the same bed incident, and Pastor Cal sides with Vanessa on the issue. It comes out that Shannon needs reassurance that someone is interested in him, and to him that means that they’re fully involved in each other’s lives.  Pastor Cal explains that as the man of the house, and a potential husband, his job is to make her comfortable, even if that means that he has to take a back seat on what it is what he wants. He needs to be confident.

Pastor Calvin: I believe Shannon dropped the ball on this one. This shows a great deal of insecurity on his part.

Us:  

I think we’d all agree.

Pastor Cal gives them an assignment to feed each other blindfolded and trust to be fed by the other person, which should should help them learn to build on each other and the relationship.
Shannon starts with feeding her carrots, and then strawberries, and Vanessa gives him a sour patch kid, and jalapeño. They for sure have a sexual chemistry that we can all see. I’ll admit that it was making me super uncomfortable, mainly because I’m definitely Team Andre. At this point, I became concerned.

Pastor Cal also visits Dave and Tara and discusses with them how they think their relationship is moving along. It’s very evident at least to me, that Tara is very into Dave. Dave likes the attention, but I was actively hoping and praying that he returned the energy. Pastor Cal challenges them to plan a romantic and thoughtful gesture for one another, which I loved. Dave plans this football themed living room picnic with matching shirts and the picture that they took together 5 years ago. Tara takes David to a river in the woods, where she explained that they were both lighting Chinese lanterns and floating them in remembrance of their fathers.

Me:  

I really do love them together. This is so perfect.

Shannon takes Vanessa on a surprise date to a helicopter ride.

Couple things: 1. Vanessa’s skirt was cayuttee! Go girl.

2. As scary as my ass is of heights, I would have definitely had to take a Xanex or something, however-- I can appreciate the gesture. That was an idea that was out of the box and something that Vanessa seemed to really enjoy and appreciate—evident by the kisses she kept giving him.

It’s heading towards the end of the week, and they meet at a donut shop to discuss the decision she has to make. I can tell that their relationship seems to have grown and has gotten Vanessa really thinking about who she wants to be with. David and Tara have a last minute conversation as well over dinner and Tara lays it all out there for him—saying how much she cares and wants to be with him.

On the last night, Shannon and Vanessa have on matching pajama onesies.

Us when Shannon comes out:

They have a slumber party and give each other massages. There’s definitely lots of sexual chemistry, but something tells me that it might not be enough to sustain the relationship.

It’s decision time, and at this point, I am fully invested.  I want to come to the weddings! I will be David and Tara’s Flower Girl. I want to plan Vanessa’s Bridal Shower. We’re all besties!


David and Vanessa are on their way to the meet their singles, and I am freaking tf out. In my heart of hearts, I felt like I knew who each were gonna choose. But then I’m like… we can’t put anything past our boy Dave… I mean, he sent Jordyn and Misha home and I was thoroughly confused when he did that, so who even knows? I started stress eating chicken wings.

Watching Vanessa get ready, (hey girl, that dress is cuttteeee) was tap dancing on my nerves too, I knew Dre was best for Vanessa since I saw his blonde top bounce into the room at the first meeting, and I was hoping that last minute Shannon wasn’t able to ruin that. (No shade, beloved)

Isabella shows up first to speak to David. They sit on the couch and discuss their relationship so far. They toast, and talk about their how many good times they had. Then…

David: I want to be in a relationship, I want to be married, and I feel like, we’re not quite there.

Me:

Y’all know I have nothing against Isabella. But the child is 24. When I was 24, I was getting drunk on a Tuesday, and falling asleep in my clothes. (Disclaimer: I may or may not still do that—but I digress) She’s too young to commit to someone on David’s level, and I think he made the right choice… finally. Isabella looks visibly disappointed, gives a shallow hug goodbye and leaves. I feel bad for her, but I believe this is best for both of them.

Next up: Shannon.

That’s a nice suit, I’ll say that much.  They meet on the couch and discuss their relationship and how many ups and downs they’ve had so far. Vanessa admits that it’s been an awesome experience, but at the end of the day, she thinks that he should be with someone different.

Shannon: I agree.

Me: Uhhh.

Shannon: You’re gonna live your life and be happy. I’m gonna live my life and be happy… (To us) Maybe I’m dodging a bullet.

Us:

Shannon… was all that necessary boo? You feeling some type of way? Looks like Vanessa made the right decision anyways. Just go home and back to your body pillow.

Tara’s turn!!

At this point, I’m super excited, and planning my flight to Atlanta because I am just ready to attend this good wedding and eat all the hors d'oeuvres and turn up at the open bar. But then…

David: I want to get down on one knee and propose to you and be happy for the rest of our lives. But I just couldn’t get there.

Us:

Babbbbbbyyyyy, I fell out. What is happening??? David said he loved her just two days prior and then broke up with her tonight?  He’s left empty handed, and not marrying anyone, and not a date in sight. I was clutching my imaginary pearls for dear life and my blood pressure went through the roof. David, you ok??

And poor Tara. Just crying and carrying on. I felt so bad for her. I’m so sorry this happened to you, sis. We were all on your team.


Sigh.

Vanessa?? Girl, Don’t disappoint me.

Andre walks through the doors looking amazing per usual, and he and Vanessa get to discussing their relationship.

Andre: I was going to read this card to you, but *rips card in half* I can’t put on paper what you mean to me.

*insert me, freaking tf out* 

So they continue to discuss their time together and Andre tells her how much of a better person she can make him and has made him already, and how they have grown and will continue to grow. And then…

He gets down on one knee…

Us:

Andre: Will you marry me?

When I tell y’all, I screamed?? Carried on like I was the one who helped him pick out the ring! Like it was ME being proposed to. And our girl said yes!


Ugh!

I am so happy at this outcome, and didn't I tell y'all this would happen? They look so cute together, and I know this will be a union that will only get better and I am so excited.

As for David…  I still have hope that he’ll find love soon. I know he’s a hopeless romantic and I feel for him, but maybe a couple more sessions with the relationship experts will put him in a better place.

Love is an amazing thing when it’s with the right person, and I truly wish that each one of us find it. 

I'm happy that Vanessa and Andre were able to do just that. 

Sigh. 

It's over and done. What a journey.

Girl. And we got a whole wedding to plan! 
 

MAFS: Second Chances-Episode 8: The Final Four

Shit just got real. Ok, so how many of us were at the edge of our seats during last night's episode? *raises hand* Let’s start with the breakups.

I wasn’t exactly sure who David was going to break up with, and I couldn’t quite say that anyone stood out over the other, but when he showed up at Misha’s door? I’d honestly say that I was surprised. And poor Misha looked really hurt. I think it may have had something to do with her telling him that Melika might not be here for the right reasons, because we all know how David reacts when someone says something bad (even if it’s true) about someone that he likes. *insert eye roll*

David pretty much tells her that the spark is fading, that they should go their separate ways, and I’m mildly annoyed. David would have had the opportunity to build with Misha if he wasn’t spending so much time on Melika, but that’s neither here nor there—the deed is done.

Vanessa breaks up with Chris.

Us: 

Thank the good Lord. Since the beginning of the season, I have been shouting and throwing things at my T.V. in hopes that Vanessa sends this young man home. I couldn’t deal with his basic ass vocabulary and him insisting during his self-recorded sessions that he was “the best man for her.”  Sir, please go and play with your Legos or action figures, because you are a child. I know he was hurt, but I’m so glad Vanessa decided to look past the fact that she was physically attracted to him and see that he’s not yet ready to be in a relationship with her.

And then there were 4.

On David’s group date at a painting class, he asks the girls how they’re feeling and talks to them about their experiences. Isabella discusses the fact that her ex boyfriends letter still bothers her, and starts to makes her a little hesitant about another relationship. At the same time, she’s trying to move forward and not let it get in the way of her and David’s relationship. We all know how tricky ex’s can be. One day you’re minding your ownbusiness- skin flourishing, hair growing, drinking water, doing squats and eating your vegetables, and the next thing you know, he’s in your inbox talking about “hey stranger.”
 

On Vanessa’s group bowling date, she also discusses with the guys how they’re feeling, and it’s obvious that they’re all nervous now that it’s down to such a small group. Shannon gets pulled aside because Vanessa feels like he’s been able to somewhat make his way back up to the top of her list although it was a struggle. Our boy Shannon is definitely super confident—cocky even—but it’s clear that he really does like Vanessa.

Pastor Calvin meets with Vanessa and David to talk with them about their choices and making the best decisions for themselves. He asks David what he thinks his greatest barrier is when it comes to finding love. David responds that he feels like he has a fear of losing it once he actually does find it and as a result, he ends up holding on too tight, driving the person away. Pastor Calvin reminds him that the people who wants to be there will stay. Anyone else? Let them go.

Yes! That’ll preach!

Then he tells Dave the secret to relationships is learning how to manage the like, and the spark. Who was taking notes? *raises hand* Pastor Cal got the juice!

When he speaks with Vanessa, they discuss her options, making sure that she’s giving everyone a fair chance so that she also makes the best decision. She tells Pastor Calvin about the two strongest contenders, Myles and Andre, and what she also likes about Shannon and Zach. Pastor Calvin tell both David and Vanessa that at this pivotal point, they need to have some more support in their corners, and their friends, who were there at the beginning of this process, will now come back to have group dates with the remaining 4.

Me:

Salem was the first group date with David and his friends and they go ice skating. Afterward, they’re able to have some time to talk and his friends get to ask her questions about family, how the process has been, and where she is when it comes to David. Salem is one of favorites, don’t get me wrong. But just like his friends mentioned a romantic connection—I just don’t see it between her and David. She’s the only one he hasn’t kissed yet, and I could see them buying matching t-shirts and baking pies together more than anything else. On the other hand, friendship is the foundation of any relationship, so maybe it could work.

Kenya and Danielle, Vanessa’s sister and best friend from high school, respectively—meet with Myles first. They discuss where Myles’s head is at with regards to Vanessa.

Myles: I don’t go into a relationship thinking that it’s not going to be the last one.

Us:

Danielle brings up the fact that if they were to do something long term, he would have biracial children, and his response was that he doesn’t think race or religion is going to have anything to do with the way he raises his kids. That did not go over well with Vanessa’s crew.

Myles, boo. You have to understand the complexities between, race, religion and culture, homeboy. He saves face by saying that the foundation of a relationship is trust, communication, patience and compromise and that they would basically work together to figure it out.  

Whoooo, great answer.  *wipes sweat* Myles you almost lost me.  

The next date is with Zach—he and the girls go play tennis together, and they talk to him about what he thinks the best thing about Vanessa is. He feels like she is a strong woman who knows what she wants out of life. They agree that he definitely seems into her physically, and that he’s cute, but as Kenya said, “Cute can’t carry a relationship.”

*two snaps*

David’s next group date is with Isabella, who although is a great match for him, brings up her ex-boyfriend multiple times throughout the course of the evening with his friends. Maybe she was nervous, more than likely this letter that he wrote her reopened some old wounds—either way, sis that’s not to be taken likely. David has a strong emotional connection with Isabella, but has she completely moved on from her ex?  His friends are not so sure.

Shannon comes over to Danielle’s house for a one on, where they play a Pictionary like game, and talk, but once again his mouth/lack of seriousness seems to do nothing but get him in trouble. The girls do not seem to think that he is funny, cute, or serious and Kenya for one lets his ass have it.

Kenya: I think that you think, that you are THE  catch.

Oot! The forecast is rainy with a hint of shade. Shannon boo, you need to step it up.

It’s Tara’s turn, and y’all know that I’m on her team. I think she has Dave’s best interest at heart and his friends are able to see it. They ask her if she had to pick one person to leave, who would it be and she mentions Isabella—for the simple fact that she doesn’t know if what they both want out of life matches up. Tara says that her favorite thing about David is his optimism. Ours too, Tara. Ours too.

The last group date is with Andre and the girls, and I think he won them over. He was respectful, engaging and he made them laugh. He was able to point little things about Vanessa, like her nervous laugh and the way she smiles.

Us:

I’m so happy for them, and I feel like we should name it. Andre +Vanessa= Adressa? Yes!

#TeamAdressa

Finally, David meets with his friends and Melika, who hesitates when they ask what her favorite thing is about him. It takes Dave back to his first marriage where his then wife struggled to name 3 basic things that she liked about him. Melika eventually comes up with something, and says that she could see a future together, which makes David super excited. Meanwhile I’m just like:

She’s not the one, Dave. Bye.

Group dates: Check.

Meet the friends: Check.

The previews say that we’re meeting family next. Parental units and such.

Warm up your tea, lovelies. See you next week.
 

MAFS: Second Chances- Episode 7: No Half Steppin'

*Sips wine* Y’all. Multitasking is not my strong suit. I can barely walk and chew bubblegum, let alone date 5 people at the same time. I would absolutely definitely call someone, someone else’s name, or confuse their experience/conversation with another. I’m so proud of David and Vanessa for getting this far in the process without going absolutely insane.

Let’s get into it--

We were right about Vanessa’s elimination choice—David was super dry and unfortunately he had to go. Especially after he “jokes” about Vanessa putting in a good word for her sister… Sir, are you serious? Bye.

Shannon is back from Thailand now but honestly, I didn’t miss him. Although I’m rooting for him, I’m starting to see that he and Vanessa don’t necessarily have the natural chemistry that it takes to foster a long lasting relationship, and I think they’re starting to unwravel.

On their group date, Shannon gives her a T-shirt that looks like he got from Amazon.com and not actually from Asia, and I’m just looking at him, shaking my damn head. Bring her an elephant statue. Some native art. A damn seashell would have been appropriate. A t-shirt? Shannon you are about to be cancelled.

On David’s group date, he invites the ladies out to eat Korean bbq.  They’re talking and having a good time, and then out of the blue--- Maya shows up.

Yes, Maya. Remember her? The one who dumped David because she couldn’t take the stress. She showed up and I was like:

Baby girl—didn’t you voluntarily leave after telling David that you no longer wanted to be here and break his heart? She asked to speak to him privately and lets him know that she wants to come back. Now girl, not only are you running up on them on their group date and ambushing them, but where did you get this pink, mink/squirrel fur from? Is it ever even that cold in Atlanta?

Anyways, now our guy David is extraordinarily confused and the girls are extraordinarily pissed. Rightfully so. You can’t just dip out because the stress is too high and then decide randomly when things are flowers and butterflies that you’re ready to hop back on the gravy train. So Dave tells her that can’t give her an answer at the moment, but honestly, it’s a “no” for me dawg.

David and Vanessa both speak to Rachel the relationship expert, where they discuss the final 5. David talks to Rachel about how Maya is trying to Diddy Bop her way back into the competition and Rachel tells him to follow his heart but make decisions with himself in mind. She talks to Vanessa about the fact that she is the prize and she would need to make sure that the guys are working for her affection. Then she tells us some of the best advice that I’ve heard so far, in that it’s important to remember that No. One. Is. Perfect. That if perfection was a reality, there would be no love, and the point is to learn, grow and evolve with someone.

Can we get into this WORD?!

Vanessa has a one on one date with Zach where they go and get pedicures and he reveals that he hasn’t had one in about eight years.

*Clutches pearls* I’m sorry, what sir? What kind of dungeon have your feet escaped from? I don’t even want to know what your toes look like. But anyway, on this date, Zach seems less annoying. He seems to be making his way up to Vanessa’s good side after weeks of being a mystery-- they have good conversation, share a kiss and the date ends well.

David goes on a one on one date with Misha, who I like for him as well. They go segwaying, which I’ve always wanted to try but too afraid that I would bust my entire ass and fall backwards. On their date, Misha lets him know that Melika told her earlier in the process that she couldn’t see herself kissing David because she doesn’t think she would feel emotionally connected enough.

David brushes it off.

Him: I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. At the same time, I have to trust Melika and her intentions.

Us:

I know we can all see that Melika isn’t the best fit for David. Why he can’t see it?

David’s next one on one date is with Salem. Now as I said before, I think Salem is a sweet girl with lots of potential and a probably a large walk-in closet. However, I’m not sure that David is the right fit for her. She seems very interested, but I foresee the cultural differences being somewhat of an issue. I’m not saying it couldn’t work, I’m just saying it might be slightly difficult because I don’t know if they have anything in common outside of being two sane and nice people. I see him kinda being like her older brother/best friend.

Chris joins Vanessa on a wine tasting one on one date, and y’all already know how I feel about him. All he can talk about is how his feelings are becoming stronger and albeit, he’s coming out of his shell a little more, but I’m still not into him for our girl, V.

He called Chardonnay “clear..” You mean, white wine??? Lord. Moving on.

On Isabella and David’s one on one to the golf course, she lets him know that her ex has contacted her and sent her a letter.  I can appreciate the fact that she’s honest with him about what’s going on in her life, because she was under no obligation to let him know that piece of information. They are able to discuss being vulnerable and open with each other, and although it was a little uncomfortable for the both of them, I think it brought them closer. Awwwww. I’m so #TeamIsabella.

David invites Melika over to his apartment for some cozy time and pizza making, where they discuss their futures—he asked her if he can see them together and what that would look like and she said that she “couldn’t answer that.”

David: That’s a normal/perfect answer.

Me:

It’s not a normal answer. How, pray tell, have y’all been together for weeks, many of which she’s been at the top of your list getting the majority of the attention and she talking ‘bout “she doesn’t know…”  David, stop chasing this girl—She’s gonna break your heart.

Andre was invited to Vanessa's house where she cooked a Jamaican oxtail dish for him. Ok, so for those of y’all who don’t know, I’m half Jamaican and I’ve been taught how to cook oxtails.  They take HOURS to make. You have to boil them, and then simmer them for AT LEAST 4 hours in order for them to be tender and soft—not to mention season them from the day before so that that the spices can permeate the meat because it’s such a fatty part of the cow. Ain’t nobody making oxtails for someone they don’t like. My family can barely get an oxtail dinner out of me, and they're my FAMILY. The fact that Vanessa went out of her way to make this dish tells me, she likes him more than she’s letting on. Yesssssssss, sis!!!   #TeamDre

Vanessa and Myles have a one on one where Myles cooks for her, they share a cupcake, and it’s sooooo cute.  The toughest competition is between Myles and Dre at this point, and I’m happy to see Vanessa seemingly becoming open but I’m worried that when it comes down to the final two, she will be struggling to make the right choice.

It’s now time for David to decide if he’s going let Maya come back to the group.  Earlier, David met up with his mom to discuss that potential. She wants to know why the girls didn’t like Maya to begin with and he tells her it’s because they thought she was phony and mean.

David’s mom: If more than one woman is telling you that, then it’s probably true.

US: YES, MA! WE BEEN TRYNA TELL HIM!

David meets up with Maya and after a bunch of back and forth, it’s decided that he can’t let her come back, and risk losing the potential with the other girls.

Us:

Thankfully David seems to me making better choices, and I’m sooooo happy. It’s now time for breaking up. Honestly, I’m not sure who David is going to end it with, but a piece of me thinks It’s going to be Salem, although I’m hoping it's Melika. I feel like they don’t really connect on a deeper level and I can’t see her being his wife. I think Vanessa will eliminate Shannon, although I’m hoping it’s Chris. Shannon hasn’t stepped up to the plate enough and on their last one on one, Vanessa’s interest doesn’t seem all the way there.

Till next week, lovelies. Oh, the anticipation!

MAFS: Second Chances- Episode 4: Side-eyes & Shenanigans

This week’s shenanigans are brought to you by the letter T. As in folks are TRYING it. It also stands for Tea. *sips* If you watched last night, you know what I mean, so let’s jump right into it.

First things, first, I called it! Pooya and Mandy-Grace are out.  There’s nothing worse than trying to date someone who may not be all that committed to the process. Making this decision this wasn’t easy for both David and Vanessa, but it was the right choice.


In meeting with Vanessa, Pastor Calvin reminds her that the name of the game is to “get what she wants.” Both her and David will have to narrow down the pool by two this week, so she needs to decide who she’s built some of the stronger connections with so far.  Pastor Calvin also reminds Dave to treat his relationships sort of like his job. As a professional, he’s super confident, but in dating, he doesn’t want to hurt feelings.  In other words, Dave--- ain’t nobody got time for that.

So on Vanessa’s group date, she gets a chance to speak to Nathan. Remember Nathan? Our Arm Wrestling Macho Man? He and Vanessa were developing some slight friction because of his comments surrounding “sensitive subjects for women…” Uhhh. What?

They have a discussion to clear the air, and Nathan claims that it’s ok that Vanessa believes in equality of the sexes, but then says that “naturally” he would want a woman that has a “level of submissiveness to her.”

Me:

He continues. “You  want the woman to be a woman.”

Us collectively: 

Vanessa busts out laughing and walks away, which is probably the best reaction to something like this.

So let’s hit a time-out, real quick.

Not long ago, I wrote a blog post about the word submissive, what it means and how people –namely men—are misguided in its use. You can read about it here. The fact is, gender roles, have evolved in the last 50 years, past the so called “traditionalism” of women being at home, barefoot and pregnant. We’re politicians, musicians, scholars, doctors, businesswomen, wives, and mothers— no longer are the last two our only options.  It’s not about “my way or the highway” in the household, because we now have rights. Like to leave your ass if you’re being trifalin. What it IS about, is respecting each other and moving forward together as a unit. You don’t automatically have the final say just because you have a penis. That’s not how that works.

*steps off soapbox* I’m finished. Didn’t I say folk were trying it? Anyways.

Dave’s group date doesn’t go that well either. They meet up at the skating rink where the drama is reignited. Melika confronts Callie about apparently saying that she looks like she shops at Wet Seal. I’m not going to lie… I giggled a bit, because girl… she’s not exactly wrong. Wet Seal is for teenagers who use their allowances to buy matching crop tops with their besties.  
 

Melika has a conversation with David to let him know that Callie has become a “mean girl” and gossips about the others in the group.  Before Dave talks to Callie about it, he has a conversation with Jordan and finds out that Melika is actually the one who may not be there for the right reasons. Which… I could have spotted from a mile away. Melika wants to win the contest. This is not about David. This is about her ego. Anyway. David talks to Callie who ends up crying and leaving, and our boy is completely over it. Having to give a group lecture to the rest of the girls, he skates off by himself and Brittany joins him. He asks her out on the one on one date and it goes well.

Myles and Vanessa hit it off during the group pottery date. After Nathan and his comments, she needed his kindhearted genuineness. He’s focused on her, he’s sweet and doesn’t seem to be trying obnoxiously hard. He’s just being himself, so she takes him on the personal date. They do yoga together and then share a kiss. It’s cute. I think Vanessa likes Myles, but mainly because he seems so into her. I can’t call it.


On the smaller group date, Dave and the girls go to a paint and sip, where Maya, who is late, eventually shows up and talks to Dave outside. She feels like this process is stressful, says she can’t do it anymore and actually breaks up him. Now I know I haven’t been a Maya fan. At all. I felt like she was dramatic and attention seeking. But I feel her on the stress and exhaustion. All that estrogen and foolishness would have worn me out too, girl.   

On Vanessa’s  small group date, she goes zip lining with a few of the guys and then pulls Shannon aside to discuss how she felt that for someone who is about to go elephant riding in Thailand for 9 days, he didn’t do enough to make a lasting impression on her. All I'm saying is, he better bring her something back. 

Vanessa decides to take Chris on the one on one date instead, to get foot massages.  As y’all might been able to tell, I’m not on the Chris train. Probably never will be. Yes, he is cute, Fine. But he can’t even talk when he’s around Vanessa. The whole time on their date, I was like,
 

Dave brings the second small group date to the gun range and pulls Callie aside to see how she was feeling after the skating rink.  They have a conversation but Dave doesn’t seem to think she’s sincere. Looks like Callie might actually be on the chopping block soon.

On Vanessa’s second group date, they go on to a glass making class. (Side note: All these dates have been super interesting/fun. Currently making a list of date ideas for me and my imaginary bae)

Zach says he has a job opportunity coming up that might put him in a position to cut his hair, but he can’t quite explain what it is. We find out later on the one on one date, that he’s hesitant to tell her that the job opportunity is in acting, (I knew it. Damn you, Michael Ealy) Now, I’m not here to rain on anyone’s dreams, but now I have so many questions. One of them being, do you even have a job, sir?  A pay-stub? W-2?

Us:

Anyway. Nathan shows up at the end of the small group to try to talk to Vanessa about their last conversation—how he didn’t want to come off offensive with regards to the whole “submissiveness” comment. Ironically, all he can do is interrupt her while she’s speaking so he can try to convince her that he is in fact, not a chauvinist. The conversation does not end well.

It’s breakup time. Dave only has to break up with one person since Maya already beat him to it. My guess? It’s going to be Callie. They’ve fallen out and there’s really no comeback from it.  
The second person I think Vanessa will break up with is Zach. Honesty and stability are important and he lacks both.

First person? No brainer. We see Vanessa pull up to the house, knock on the door, and lo and unsurprisingly behold—it’s Nathan.

They briefly discuss the reasons why she’s there, and I’m not surprised that Nathan doesn’t believe that his comments were problematic. He tells us, the audience, that “while he’s no doctor” he thinks that Vanessa might have some deeply rooted issues and alludes to the absence of her father as the cause. I'm not in the business of telling folks off randomly, but sir-- let me get this straight. You’re not getting what you want, and you're turned off by a woman who stands her ground about not wanting to adhere to some archaic/outdated bullshit about our "roles" as women, so you then draw conclusions about her upbringing?  To add insult to injury, you question her psychological state of mind and say “maybe that’s why she’s single.” Newsflash, dumpling. YOU’RE SINGLE TOO.

After all of that, my only words were:

Over it.

*Exhales* Until next time friends. I need to go oil my edges.