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- In probably the toughest goodbyes of the season, Qiniso van Damme said farewell to Ruan Meyer in an emotionally charged episode.
- In this Q&A, we find out what brought on his unease during the wrestling group date and if South Africa's Jon Snow has found his Ygritte.
- "I can't be forced into vulnerability because of time constraints, so maybe if I had more time, that would've been possible," he tells Channel24.
Last week on The Bachelorette SA, everything came to a head in an exciting episode filled with frustrations, heartbreak, fun, honesty and secrets.
In probably the toughest goodbyes of the season, Qiniso van Damme said farewell to Ruan Meyer in an emotionally charged episode.
Leading up to the rose ceremony, Ruan came across as very withdrawn, and speaking to Qiniso he said although he felt tired, he was still willing to fight for her.
Down to Vuyani and Ruan, in the end, Vuyani did enough to earn him another week in the house, and unfortunately, Ruan had to leave the mansion.
In this Q&A, we find out what brought on his unease during the wrestling group date and if South Africa's Jon Snow has found his Ygritte.
You appeared very uncomfortable and withdrawn during the oil wrestling date. Why was that?
Like most people I have my own set of insecurities and running around shirtless while having to wrestle a bunch of guys that look like they were sculpted by gods is something that definitely placed me in a place of discomfort.
How did you feel when Gareth said he suspected that you might be going home that night. Did you feel the same, or were you surprised by his prediction?
This journey has been difficult. I knew I withdrew a bit and didn't open up enough for Qiniso to see past my walls, but it's difficult to open up fully, knowing that in 10 minutes, your conversation might be cut short.
When Qiniso checked in with you before the rose ceremony, you said that you were "tired" - what makes the process so taxing?
I think one of the biggest things is that you're completely closed off from the outside world, so you can't grab a drink with your best friend and vent a bit about things. You also can't just call up your mom and ask for advice which is something I now definitely appreciate more. That leaves you with your own thoughts constantly, and it gets mentally draining to challenge yourself in your head the whole time.
Qiniso has said several times that she wanted the men in the mansion to show a more vulnerable side. Do you feel like you could have been more expressive and opened up more?
I can't be forced into vulnerability because of time constraints, so maybe if I had more time, that would've been possible.
When Qiniso and Gareth returned from their one-on-one date, the atmosphere in the mansion tensed up. At that point, how hard was it to see her grow close with someone else, and how did you manage your feelings?
That moment specifically felt a bit awkward but I went into this knowing that those types of situations will most definitely occur so it was weird for a second but then we moved on.
Looking at your relationship with Qiniso at that point, your feelings for each and her connection with the other men, do you think it was fair for you to leave when you did, or would you have wanted to stay longer?
She had so many difficult decisions to make throughout this journey, and I respected every one of them. If she felt that for her own happiness, she shouldn't give me a rose, then it's a fair choice.
Did receiving the first impression rose make you more confident about your connection with Qiniso, or add more pressure on the relationship?
I appreciated getting that rose more than anyone knew. Going into this, I didn't know what to expect. I was a big ball of anxiety, and getting that rose gave me the affirmation to know that I made the right decision to be here and gave me the confidence to follow through on this journey.
You've formed such a close relationship with the men in the mansion. Do you think Qiniso's "person" is on the show?
Yes, I DO.
How did being on the show change your outlook on love and relationships?
This might sound like a generic quote, but love doesn't come easy, but it's always worth it to pursue it.
Are you still looking for love, or have you taken a break from pursuing love right now?
I'm not actively looking for it, but I'm not opposed to finding it.
ALSO READ | The Bachelorette's Cameron on his shock exit: 'That was definitely a blindside'
