I could not agree more with this. In fact, I was talking to a friend just last week about her (very rocky) relationship and I said (gingerly), "It's not supposed to be this difficult." As someone who's been in both difficult relationships and easy relationships, I really am a believer that the basics—the everyday seeing eye-to-eye, not having to tiptoe around ego and jealousy minefields, and seeing the humor in the same small things—should be easy. There is way too much tough shit out there that you'll have to face as a couple to find simply being with each other tough.

Now, there was that "I'm falling in love with you" moment. I understand there's been some lighthearted digs surrounding Nick's reaction to Vanessa's use of the L-word. I don't usually reference that stuff, but I have such a strong opinion on the topic that I can't keep my mouth shut. :) Olivia's a friend and I like her very much, but I don't agree with her at all here (and you know I'm not being biased because I disagree with Nick all the time!). I for one didn't see Nick's reaction to Vanessa's ILY as "freaked out" at all. I saw it as him being deeply moved and then (perhaps overly) explanatory as to why he couldn't/wouldn't/shouldn't reciprocate quite yet. As much as I appreciated his (excellent) explanation, his only stumble was actually attempting to explain. I touched on this in my The Morning After video, but in my eyes, a knowing look and passionate kiss would have sufficed as a response since by now no contestant actually expects a response until the very end, especially when there are still 5 other ladies in the mix. As I see it, Vanessa would have felt less hurt had she assumed Nick just couldn't say anything, rather than being told he could but was choosing not to. As so often is the case, less would've been more here.

GROUP DATE

The Group Date involves swimming with sharks but I'm skipping right to the evening since that's where the interesting bits are. First, I know I said this in my The Morning After video but I loved loved LOVED this moment with Kristina so much that I had to make a .GIF of it...