The Netflix hit series “Love is Blind” is wrapping up on season three on November 9th. This highly controversial show has truly put love to the test – asking the question: is love really blind? For three seasons in a row, contestants enter into pods to blindly date – that is, converse for hours through a wall without contact until someone proposes sight unseen. The show has produced a few successful marriages, including season one’s Lauren and Cameron, and some wildly unsuccessful marriages, like season two’s Danielle and Nick. As we approach the finale of season three, two Her Campus fanatics are sharing their impressions and predictions for this season’s couples.
Raven and SK
Raven and SK were a surprise couple of the season. The Dallas based pilates instructor and Nigerian graduate student fell in love in the pods, but were quickly challenged by deep cultural differences and a looming long distance relationship when SK moved to California for school. This is the only wedding we have been able to see all the way through, so instead of predictions, here are our reactions.
Alia: My jaw dropped when SK said no at the altar. I fully expected them both to say yes, despite my opinion that it would be the dumbest marriage on the show. SK had the foresight to save them both a lot of heartache. There’s no way they would have survived the long distance relationship, Raven wouldn’t be able to give up her $500 hair appointments or personal trainers and SK would be constantly worried about trying to please her. I was disappointed in Raven’s apprehension towards adjusting to SK’s culture and am glad that he was the one to say no to her.
Julia: The first thought that came into my mind when he said no was “I’m so proud of him.” I feel as if SK has given everything he possibly can to Raven like patience, kindness and was even willing to help uphold her impossible financial standards. Was it smart of him to go on a reality TV show right before moving across the country? No. But that’s literally the one reason to dislike him. Raven, on the other hand, seems to be on the show just for camera time and not for love. With her unwillingness to adapt financially or culturally, I’m glad he said no because he will find someone SO much better.
Nancy and Bartise
Let’s be honest, Nancy and Bartise were a disaster from the start. In the pods, Bartise was attracted to Nancy’s happy-go-lucky energy and constant laugh. Nancy loved Bartise because… wait, why did Nancy love Bartise? After saying yes to his proposal, the two were able to see each other. Bartise wasted no time in letting Nancy know that his physical attraction to her was lacking and that he thought Raven was an absolute smokeshow. The couple entered a downward spiral when they moved back to Dallas and Nancy learned of Bartise’s stance on abortion. Baritse believes you make one “mistake” and after that, you’re responsible for having the child. Their relationship was repaired just 3 days before the wedding. As of now, Nancy has said yes and viewers are left to see Bartise’s answer at the altar.
Alia: There’s no way he says yes. And if he does, Nancy better rethink her answer. She is so interesting, smart, and put together. She owns multiple homes and works as a speech pathologist. She deserves someone who sees her for all that she is, and yes that includes beautiful. I love Nancy, but she seems to want to be loved more than she actually loves Bartise. Girly, know your worth! I hope for her sake that Bartise says no.
Julia: Sweet Nancy, how have you not left him already? I feel as if Nancy will say yes to shallow Bartise but it won’t be reciprocal. Bartise has to make it known every five minutes how much he dislikes her physical appearance and that she’s pro choice? Since the getaway, their relationship has continued to drive downhill and Nancy is the only one who seems to want to make this work. I think they won’t make it past the altar and I hope Nancy humbles him by saying no.
Cole and Zaneb
Ohhhhhhhh Cole. Ohhhhhhh Zaneb. The universe couldn’t have possibly put two less compatible people together. Cole is a slob, Zaneb hates even the slightest mess. Cole says everything that crosses his mind, Zaneb prefers passive aggression and sarcastic remarks. Here is yet another case of unattractive – Cole said Colleen was a 10/10 and Zaneb only earned a 9/10. Let’s also not forget when Cole asked Zaneb if she was bipolar. Why are they together?
Alia: Controversial but I think they’re both going to say yes. This is, without a doubt, an abusive relationship. Zaneb is constantly putting Cole down even when he tries to get in her good graces. Cole has the emotional intelligence of a 7th grader. However, I think they’re both more interested in being married and having someone more than they are interested in love. They’re saying yes and I’m waiting for the E News announcement of their split.
Julia: This is the one couple I am completely stumped on. I can see both of them saying yes but also can see both of them saying no. My gut is telling me that the person who would say no would be Zaneb due to the fact she is incredibly hard on Cole and nitpicks everything. But if they do say yes, it will be a short lived marriage because of their opposite personalities and personally, I don’t think Cole is ready for the emotional investment of marriage.
Colleen and Matt
Sweet Colleen and terrifying, explosive Matt have made it farther than we ever expected. Early on, they seemed madly in love and an easy match. Upon their first argument, it became clear Matt is an absolute threat to Colleen’s safety and wellbeing. He hurls insults at her and violently demands answers that will only add fuel to his fire. Colleen can’t win, but she insists on staying and fighting for this relationship.
Alia: I hope, I pray, I need that Colleen says no to Matt. I genuinely worry for her if she doesn’t. She will say no, Matt will be really angry, but it will be for the best. Nobody should be in a relationship with someone who fights like that.
Julia: This relationship out of any couples in the last three seasons is the one that worries me the most. Matt is extremely explosive and emotionally damaged and those together are just a recipe for an abusive partner. They have had more fights in two weeks of engagement than my two year relationship. I hope Colleen realizes she deserves someone much more mature.
Brenden and Alexa
We would never watch Love is Blind again if it meant we got an entire reality series on Alexa’s family. Coming from a world of insane wealth, Alexa is a woman who expects to be provided for. Brenden is a man who, reasonably, can’t meet her demands. When Alexa’s father asked if he drives a car, he said, “No I just have an SUV,” meaning he didn’t have a Lamborghini or Porsche. Alexa claims to never repeat an outfit, whereas Brenden has worn the same shirt since the show started. Alexa expects a Jewish wedding and for Jewish tradition to be followed throughout their marriage and life together. This includes signing a document that makes Brenden financially responsible for Alexa no matter what happens in their marriage. All this being said, they seem the most convincingly in love.
Alia: If he’s stupid enough to sign a contract that says he’ll financial support her even in the event of a divorce AND sign a prenup that says she won’t give him a cent in the event of a divorce, he’s stupid enough to say yes at the altar. They’re both saying yes, no doubt in my mind. Will they last? Probably not. I give Brenden three months before he realizes he’s been effectively signed into financial ruin.
Julia: Never have I seen a woman so financially well off and still expecting her husband to provide for her. Her family’s pressure on Brenden might make him crack and say no at the altar, but with their relationship being the strongest so far, that’s unlikely to happen. Just like Raven, Alexa has high financial standards and refuses to compromise with their middle class husband. If they do say yes, bankruptcy will kill their marriage fast.
You can watch Love is Blind on Netflix and complete season 3 now. See if our writers had the perfect foresight or were truly blind to the happenings of these relationships.