It’s the week before hometowns, meaning things are getting real serious on The Bachelor. Our supposedly unlovable hunk Ben is not handling the pressure well either. This week, he made a few major missteps on his journey to meet Mrs. Ben Higgins. Specifically, we questioned Ben’s judgment during these eight instances.
1. Ben calls Lauren B. his girlfriend
Wait, huh? We’re used to the women dubbing the Bachelor their boyfriend. It’s a weird tradition that we all stand by. But we’re totally not on board with Ben referring to Lauren B. as his girlfriend until he’s prepared to ditch the other women. Is that a double standard? Probably. Do we care? Nope.
2. He gives JoJo a “Mrs. Higgins” jersey
We’re not going to lie—this was the cutest moment EVER. We only take issue because we want to know where we can find a “Mrs. Higgins” jersey of our own.
3. Ben questions JoJo’s feelings
Sir, you don’t give a woman a jersey like that and then turn right around asking about her intentions. JoJo may not be the most open or vulnerable woman there, but that doesn’t give Ben any right to bait her into declaring her feelings. She’ll tell you when she’s ready, okay?
4. He later joins the ladies on the most boring group date of all time
Rowing around in little boats. Flying kites. Sitting in a lovely barn that looks a lot like the one where Chris proposed to Whitney. What a drag. No wonder Caila, Amanda and Becca couldn’t shut up about how awkward this group date was.
5. He forces Amanda to eat at McDonald’s in a clumsy attempt at cross-promotion
Oh, Ben. We know you had no control over this, and we really appreciate the effort you made to convince us this McDonald’s date was fresh, cool, hip, whatever the kids are saying these days. We’re not opposed to the idea of an all-day breakfast date, but Amanda deserved better than this shameful fast food ad.
6. Ben takes Emily to meet his parents…
This was very misleading. You know Emily was super pumped; this was the reassurance she’d probably been looking for. Because why would a guy take you to meet his parents if he wasn’t into you? Sadly, that would be so his parents could give him valid excuses to break up with you. Blame Ben’s mother for bawling her eyes out. Or Emily for telling Ben’s mother she’s always wanted to be an NFL cheerleader. Either way, this was a disaster waiting to happen.
7. …then dumps her in front of the other women
Ben had an entire boat ride back to the girls’ living quarters to have the talk with Emily. Instead, he waited until he could sit on a bench visible to the ladies through a sprawling window inside their house. One long debate over whether she was happy or sad later—all the women were upset when they realized Ben was sending Emily home to rejoin her long-lost twin.
8. Ben sends Becca home after she begs him not to blindside her
Becca displayed insecurities throughout this episode, but she also voiced her concerns over being blindsided by Ben. So he went ahead and made a dream come true. Though we’re pretty sure she still saw it coming.
Heading into next week’s hometown dates, we can’t wait to see what drama unspools. We’re willing to give Ben another shot if you are, collegiettes!