Lauren Bushnell has finally opened up about her split from Ben Higgins.
After having earned the final rose from this former Bachelor to conclude Season 20, Bushnell went through many ups and downs with Higgins over about one year of dating.
This included a duel starring role on a Freeform reality series and an attempt to stay together even after Higgins called off their engagement.
This decision took place many months ago, yet Higgins and Bushness did not break up until mid-May.
Where did it all go wrong?
Sources have cited Bushnell’s move to Denver as an early turning point, as she basically gave up her entire life for Higgins, only to then be left without a real identity once she arrived in Colorado.
Higgins had a job and friends and family members there, while Lauren had next to nothing outside of her fiance.
And then he turned into her mere boyfriend and things spiraled from there.
Speaking to People Magazine, however, Bushnell is quick to say that the ex-couple’s sex life never took a downward turn.
Yes, “of course” there was a physical connection between the stars during the entirety of their relationship…
…it was the emotional aspect that led to the end of their time together.
“It was more so the emotional connection that fizzled,” Bushnell explains to the magazine.
In a stunning development, Bushnell admits that maybe anchoring a reality show wasn’t the best idea for the couple’s long-term hopes.
“I remember during filming Happily Ever After, I was so stressed out, we couldn’t even communicate with one another when we were filming,” she says now, adding:
“We were just stressed and tired physically. Emotionally, I just felt like it wasn’t there anymore.”
A few weeks ago, following lots of chatter online that a break-up was imminent, Higgins and Bushnell confirmed they were no longer bumping uglies in bed.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways,” they said in a joint statement, further telling fans:
“We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another.
“We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time.”
Ever since, Higgins has received a lot of backlash.
Critics believe he led Bushnell on and that he only used their romance for fame, especially in light of his recent new podcast alongside Ashley Iaconetti.
Sick of the criticism, Higgins finally snapped last week.
A little bit, at least.
He wrote on Instagram that he was trying his hardest to ignore the “hateful words” aimed at his direction, but had to admit that they did “sting” at times.
“I will once again clearly tell you I AM NOT PERFECT as none of us are and I have never claimed to be,” he wrote, adding that he’s doing his best to live and learn.
“The last few months have not gone the way I would have preferred. My relationships have changed drastically and what I envisioned my life was going to be has been redirected.
“It is sad, but it is nothing you should feel sorry for me about, life happens both the good and bad.”
Ben referred to the podcast as a “professional decision” he made with no regard to Bushnell and then tried to pass along a few words of wisdom.
Love as hard as you can (even to strangers), he wrote. Ask yourself what life is about and pursue your conclusion with passion.
When a good opportunity comes your way that fits your desires take it, because life is short but a lot more fun when you are doing something you enjoy.
That’s fair and mostly accurate.
In the end, it’s hard to choose sides here because Ben and Lauren met and “fell in love” on The Bachelor.
Did anyone really think they were ever going to make it?
