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There are many moments when you want to shake a woman by her shoulders and scream, RUN!
In season six, it happened to AD Smith.
Smith fell for Clay Gravesande, a man who was extremely beautiful but also extremely confused.
Many, myself included, were frustrated by Smiths gentle understanding of Gravesandes shortcomings.
Im not a person who harbors negative emotions or holds grudges, she told Vulture.
While its not an unprecedented move on that show, its undoubtedly a rotten one.
Smith was clear she would not continue a relationship with him without that commitment.
Gravesande learned a lot about himself throughout the process, but Smith refused to become a mans lesson.
You were the person this season everyone was most emotionally invested in.
How did that feel for you?Its twofold.
I feel bad that everyone was crying and really felt empathetic for my situation.
But it was also really cool to see people rally around me and send me all the love.
It is a tough watch.
Its hard to watch that roller coaster.
Im sorry that I made everyone cry.
I dont think it wasyouthat made everyone cry.
[Laughs]
I want to ask about Matthew.
You didnt date Clay afterward because he didnt deserve a second chance for messing up like that.
It seems like Matthew was dishonest.
What made you change your mind?
I went on those dates a few weeks after my wedding.
Just to verify I understood where he was coming from and that he wanted the best for me.
The second one was just to see what he is like outside of the pods and outside of apologies.
I got my answer.
And that was that.
Was he forthright about how he acted in the pods?
He just wanted to be loved.
There was a whole thing about Jimmy seeing you in real life and being likewhoa!
Whats that all about?Girl … youre going to have to call Jimmy!
Jimmy and I are friends.
Hes just a close friend and nothing more.
So theres no vibe for you?In what way?
Not in a romantic way.
A vibe like hes just a cool guy, but not in a romantic way!
Watching your relationship with Clay, it seems like he was setting you up for this big disappointment.
Looking back now, was it surprising he fumbled at the altar?Not fumbled.
[Laughs] Youre funny.
I wouldnt say that he fumbled it.
I think the show shows a lot of his hesitation and fear.
Those were moments we had offscreen that I really trusted.
What do you think of the regret he seems to be expressing now?I dont know.
I think hes entitled to go through that process, and well see where it leads.
Based on the reunion alone, it doesnt seem like you have too much anger toward him.
How did you let that go?I did have a lot of love for him.
Im not a person who harbors negative emotions or holds grudges.
I took it upon myself to do my own personal growth and healing.
I am currently still in therapy; I have my family and a large support system.
I just lead with grace and love.
What has it been like for you since that ending?
People are posting on the internet that you guys spent Thanksgiving together.
What makes you want to stay in contact with him?Clay has an amazing family.
You guys saw his mom and how well we connected with each other.
His siblings are amazing; we all get along.
It was just a good time to be around some family.
I dont really have a lot of family here in North Carolina.
When I heard his mom was in town, it was a great opportunity.
I hadnt seen her since the wedding!
I stopped by, had some food, we played some games, and I left.
That was literally it.
Are you guys friendly now?We are friendly now.
He still harbors a hope for reconciliation, but you dont.
Whats that like being friendly when theres a desire you dont have that he does?Its not difficult.
We dont spend days and nights together.
Hes going through his process; Im going through mine.
If he calls me, I pick up.
If he texts, I text back.
Maybe because youre so understanding, people are wondering if you would go back to him.
I dont want to go back to being a girlfriend or forever fiance.
It doesnt make sense for me to go backward.
Whats your love life now?I am currently very much single.
Im enjoying it; Im dating casually.
Im open to the possibility of something real, but Im not actively looking for it.
