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Group chat popping off? Suddenly invested in the love lives of strangers? Fiending for more episodes? That can only mean one thing — Love Is Blind has returned.

Yes, the pods have officially reopened for Season 7, as a new group of singles — this time based in Washington, DC — have entered the experiment with one goal: to lock down a soulmate, sight unseen. Over the first nine episodes, the love stories among this season’s pod squad begin to blossom, and seven couples take a leap of faith and get engaged.

But the road to the proposals and beyond isn’t exactly smooth. Love triangles, unexpected revelations, and an abrupt exit for one couple (more on that later) provide plenty of twists and turns as the rest of the group leave the pods and head off on a romantic retreat. And before long, they return home, where the pressures of everyday life — and planning a wedding in a matter of weeks — begin to sink in.

Keep reading to check in with each of the couples as their journeys unfold across the season, from the pods to the altar.

Together

Taylor and Garrett

STATUS: STILL TOGETHER
“Can I call you G?” In just five words, the love story between Garrett and Taylor begins. From their earliest conversation, the two can’t deny the obvious chemistry — romantically and intellectually. Not afraid to let their inner nerds come out, both disclose that they have scientific tattoos (a hydrogen formula for Taylor, the uncertainty-principle equation for Garrett), creating major sparks.

Bonding over their shared curiosity, ambitious careers, and drier-than-dry senses of humor, Taylor and Garrett are taken aback by their powerful connection. Soon enough, they go deep into their relationship goals and family histories. But Taylor, who’s half Chinese, is hesitant to share her mother’s name, in order not to reveal anything about her ethnicity. Garrett is thrown by her decision, wondering aloud if Taylor’s methodical approach to dating is overly calculated. But when she explains her reasoning, the two come to an understanding and grow even closer. “I wasn’t going to share my ethnicity, because it was an opportunity to have someone not know what I look like at all,” she says.

That breakthrough moment clears the way for the couple, who agree to become boyfriend and girlfriend. Taylor leads with vulnerability by reading aloud a letter her late grandfather wrote to her grandmother, asking her to marry him. A speechless Garett eventually finds the words and proposes to Taylor on the spot. “It’s like every molecule of me just wants to come through this wall and be with you,” he says. After the big reveal, the two settle into life as an engaged couple in Cabo, as they establish themselves as one of the season’s strongest pairings.

The couple’s attempt to blend each of their high-intensity lives back in Washington, DC goes relatively smoothly. Using daily check-ins and open communication, they address the challenges that lie ahead for them — be it the possibility of relocating to San Diego or the pressures of living up to their families’ expectations. While Taylor’s parents are hesitant to be on camera, Garrett brings her home to meet his family, who are shocked that he found someone in the experiment. When his mother gets emotional about just how fast the couple is moving, Taylor meets the moment with empathy. “He’s so wonderful because of the place that he came from and [the] people that matter the most,” she tells his family, who walk away with a positive impression of their potential future daughter-in-law.

But with one DM, their relationship is completely rocked. Garrett isn’t upfront about communicating with a woman from his past — and while he claims the exchange was completely innocent, Taylor, who’s been cheated on before, is triggered by his lack of transparency. And when his story begins to change, it pushes her over the edge. He immediately owns up to his poor decision-making and sincerely apologies. The couple agree to table the issue for the time being, because Taylor ultimately believes Garrett’s intentions weren’t malicious. Plus, the next day, they have to jet off to San Diego to meet her family. With their wedding just days away, the couple express how confident they are about their future together, and share that they’re certain they’ll say yes at the altar.

Ashley and Tyler

STATUS: STILL TOGETHER
The conversation and tears flow between Ashley and Tyler, who connect on their first date. Nerves initially get the best of the former military man, but thanks to Ashley’s soothing voice, he begins to ease into their dynamic. “I think it’s attractive when guys can be vulnerable and be themselves,” she says. Over the next few dates, it’s the little things that bond the two — how they both cook breakfast for the fellow singles and their shared desire to push past their fears and take another leap of faith one day — skydiving.

When Tyler opens up about his childhood struggles, Ashley is blown away by his ability to express emotion. On their last date before the proposal, which happens to fall on Tyler’s birthday, Ashley surprises him with cake and balloons. But it’s her declaration of love that’s the greatest gift of all. Reading from her journal, she tells him, “I’ve never had a man choose to be with me just based on my heart alone. I truly feel honored to have the opportunity to be loved by someone like you.” And with that, Tyler gets down on one knee and asks Ashley to be his wife. When they lay eyes on each other for the first time, their physical chemistry is just as powerful. With cheeks hurting from smiling and hands trembling with excitement, the two take the next step in their journey together and jet off to a romantic retreat.

Back at home, the love between Tyler and Ashley only deepens. Strong and steadier than ever, the couple navigate an emotional sit-down with Ashley’s protective father, who sees plenty of potential in Tyler because of how he treats Ashley. Moved by Tyler’s dedication and Ashley’s confidence in their relationship, Ashley’s father gives their union his blessing, while encouraging Tyler to keep on growing as a man. But their happiness is short-lived when a secret from Tyler’s past throws everything into question. Weeks away from their wedding, Tyler reveals that he’s the father of three children via sperm donation after helping a couple in need years ago. Given their many conversations, especially about starting a family together, Ashley is shaken by his lack of transparency. “I feel like we had such great communication and I don’t understand how you drop this kind of bomb,” she says. But Tyler isn’t ready to give up on them just yet, telling her, “I’ll fight [for us] until you tell me to stop fighting.”

Ultimately, Ashley isn’t ready either, and agrees to try and repair their trust. Tyler is relieved, but well aware that the secret could’ve ended their engagement. “You could wake up the day of the wedding and feel like, ‘I’m not doing this,’” he says, adding that he’d accept any outcome. Before long, Ashley is trying on wedding dresses with her mother in tow, as the reality of the situation begins to sink in. With their wedding just days away, the couple decides to take an actual leap of faith — just like they discussed in the pods — and go skydiving. Facing their fears and imperfections together, Ashley and Tyler couldn’t be more united as they prepare to walk down the aisle.

Marissa and Ramses

STATUS: STILL TOGETHER
“I have a feeling I’m going to end up in a love triangle,” Ramses tells Marissa on one of their early dates. His suspicion is correct, as fellow pod-squad member Bohdan also makes a play for her heart. Marissa, a Navy veteran, hopes to break her habit of dating hypermasculine military guys who have a history of falling for her and then leaving her. Ramses stands out because of how in touch he is with his emotions — and how he seems unburdened by ideas of what men should and shouldn’t do.

The two forge a relationship by bonding over their upbringings and opening up about their past relationships, including Ramses’ first marriage to his high school sweetheart. But Marissa feels torn by her competing connection to Bohdan, who’s able to understand her military past as a former Marine. But her slow burn with Ramses develops into a wildfire as they chart a future together — and agree over their mutual distaste for the movie Elf. Once they successfully navigate a conversation about responsibility sharing in the household, his response seals the deal. “I want to help and make your load as easy as possible,” he tells her. In the pods, Marissa finds a letter Ramses has written to her in which he unequivocally declares his love. “I’ve never laid eyes on you, but I find you to be so extraordinarily beautiful,” he says while proposing to her. Marissa accepts, telling him that she “feels like [she’s] won the lottery.” When Marissa and Ramses finally meet in person, their passion for each other intensifies as they develop a new level of intimacy in Mexico.

Leaving the honeymoon cocoon behind pushes Marissa and Ramses to engage in some difficult conversations about their individual pasts and shared future together. While they are mostly aligned on their spiritual — but not overtly religious — vision for their wedding, they clash over Marissa’s perspective on the military. Ultimately, Ramses draws the line, expressing that he wouldn’t be comfortable if she reenlisted one day. “It probably wouldn’t work out because we’d be in very different places,” he says. Luckily, she’s fully committed to her legal career, so they choose to agree to disagree and move forward. But Ramses gets caught in some cross fire anyway during an intense meeting with Marissa’s outspoken mother, Vanessa. From her distaste for his unique sense of style to speculation over his earning potential, Vanessa gives her future son-in-law the third degree. “If you hurt my daughter, I will cut your balls off,” she says. Marissa and Ramses manage to make it through the meal with their relationship (and body parts) intact, but face a new hurdle later on over a discussion about birth control and physical intimacy.

Despite some tough conversations, the couple moves forward with wedding planning after Ramses reassures Marissa that he does “feel sure” about getting married. “I see myself at the altar with you saying yes,” he tells her. His words of affirmation make Marissa feel comfortable enough to continue, and to try on wedding dresses with her mother. That’s why it’s a complete surprise when an overwhelmed Ramses expresses some major concerns about not wanting to get divorced again just two days before the wedding. “Experiencing what it’s like to exist and to live” with Marissa has made Ramses question if he’s actually ready for marriage — and if she’s his person after all. Blindsided by his admission, Marissa pushes Ramses to lean into the inherent risk of the experiment and trust in their love. But he’s not entirely convinced, leaving their future in jeopardy.

Not Together

Hannah and Nick

STATUS: NOT TOGETHER
Nick didn’t think he’d ever really been in love — but he just hadn’t met Hannah. The college football player gets off to a strong start with the former cheerleader in the pods, as both fall for each other hard and fast. “I’ll be your Taylor Swift, and you can be my Travis Kelce,” she tells him on one of their early dates. All the while, Hannah pursues another connection with Leo, who “makes [her] feel alive” and impresses her with his career ambition.

But discussions with Nick about appearance plant seeds of doubt. When Hannah shares her concerns, however, Nick assures her that he’s there for the right reasons. But she’s not convinced, especially because her connection with Leo continues to grow stronger. In the spur of the moment, she decides to break it off with Nick — a decision she quickly regrets. But Nick gives her another chance, as Hannah changes course and apologizes for not believing in him. The temporary breakup strengthens their bond, and the two open up like never before about sensitive issues — Nick’s career transition away from sports, Hannah’s struggle with her body image. Connecting on a level neither imagined, the couple declares their love for one another and commits to moving forward together.

After Hannah’s bumpy final conversation with Leo, Nick and Hannah get engaged. And while seeing each other for the first time comes with some surprises, the two head off to Mexico together on good terms. Sparks continue to fly on vacation, but they encounter a major hiccup over a flirtatious encounter Nick shares with another woman … while riding a plastic duck. Hannah writes a list about her various concerns in the relationship, including Nick’s maturity, leaving the couple on shaky ground. The couple ends their trip on good terms: Nick pledges to be less selfish, and Hannah agrees that she can “work on being kinder,” especially during moments of frustration.

Despite their resolve, however, moving in together puts them at odds once again. Hannah quickly determines that her lifestyle differs greatly from Nick’s — he’s still on his parent’s phone plan, doesn’t know how to make pasta, and can’t mount a TV. “I’m younger and more mature than you,” she tells him. A trip to scope out Nick’s former living arrangement, which just so happens to be his parent’s basement, doesn’t exactly help matters. Luckily, meeting each other’s families goes more smoothly. Hannah’s brother gives Nick a better window into Hannah’s specific sense of humor. Later on, Nick’s parents accept Hannah with open arms, providing her with more context about his upbringing. “My kids have been pampered a little bit,” his mom tells Hannah. His dad jokes that she’s welcome to come by anytime — even if it doesn’t work out with Nick.

As they inch closer to their wedding day, Hannah gets increasingly frustrated with Nick’s lack of initiative — be it in the bedroom or in the kitchen — pushing them to absolute breaking point. During a night out with the other couples, things only get worse when Nick reconnects with his former pod flame, Katie. Hannah lashes out at him because she feels disrespected. After a disastrous meeting with Hannah’s close group of friends, who are less than impressed with Nick’s outlook on life, she decides to call off their engagement for good. In their final conversation, Hannah — notebook in hand — lists off all the reasons why Nick isn’t ready for marriage. He feels demeaned by her criticisms, saying she’s “throwing shade for no reason.” While Nick insists he would’ve gone through with the wedding, Hannah is doubtful about his intentions, claiming Nick just “doesn’t want to look bad.” The two end their relationship with a hug, but Hannah is left with plenty of questions. “I don’t know if he’s even real,” she says.

Alexandra and Tim

STATUS: NOT TOGETHER
A love of family, a commitment to faith, and a compatibility between their Virgo and Leo signs bring Alex and Tim together in the pods. With deep reverence for their respective parents, both intend to live up to the examples set for them in their future marriages. “I look at my dad, and I never have to ask what to do because he showed me from the day I was born,” says Tim. “I’ve never had to question their commitment to each other.” Alex says faith will be the foundation for her marriage, adding, “It’s [for] better or worse before God.”

As they continue to date, the couple bonds over the hardships their families have faced. Alex reveals that both of her parents have been diagnosed with MS, while Tim opens up about the death of his two older sisters. The emotions between them deepen after Tim gives Alex a bracelet one of his late sisters gifted to the other, and she’s beyond moved by the gesture. The two get engaged after Tim reads a proposal asking Alex’s father for her hand in marriage. Alex accepts and expresses just how much their courtship has meant to her. “Thank you for making this journey so easy,” she says. “Thank you for being so consistent. Thank you for not holding back.”

In Mexico, things get off to a good start, as they continue to adjust to each other. But after gathering with the other couples, the two have an explosive disagreement off camera, prompting Tim to leave their hotel room for the night and question whether Alex is his person after all. “I felt very shunned in the moment. I started to feel very unheard,” he tells her. Alex admits she shut down emotionally after feeling drained from the day, but she also felt belittled by Tim’s intense response. The two are able to see each other’s hurt and apologize, pledging to communicate better in the future — albeit with some major hesitation on Tim’s part.

With their relationship hanging on by a thread after the big blowup, Alex and Tim pledge to keep having productive conversations and turn the page together. And so they do, returning to Washington, DC, where Alex introduces Tim to her family. He impresses her parents and siblings with his open heart, vulnerability, and cooking. During a one-on-one conversation with Alex’s father, Tim reads the proposal letter he wrote to her in the pods. Alex’s father is moved to tears by the gesture and gives the relationship his blessing, embracing Tim as his new son-in-law. The deeply emotional meeting sets the couple on a strong course to the altar, despite a slightly uncomfortable tour of Alex’s messier-than-expected apartment.

Alex’s sit-down with Tim’s family also goes well, but it’s what happens after the cameras are off that leads to the couple’s eventual split. Alex’s decision to take a nap during his parents’ visit causes a major rift, signaling to Tim that she’s not serious about their relationship. While Alex says she never intended to disrespect his family, he can’t see past the perceived slight. Surprised by his intense reaction, Alex tries to address their deeper communication issues, but Tim’s mind is more than made up. “After reflecting on what I really want out of life and a wife … the answer between you and I, for me, is no,” he tells her before abruptly leaving their apartment. “I’m glad we can at least agree that I don’t ever want to see you again.”

Monica and Stephen

STATUS: NOT TOGETHER
Open and honest communication forms the foundation of Monica and Stephen’s relationship from their first moment in the pods. “I want somebody who’s not afraid to be imperfect — and who’s not afraid to call me out on being imperfect,” he tells her. “That’s what makes things beautiful.” Drawn to each other’s strengths and flaws, Monica agrees — and in that spirit, Stephen discloses a part of his past that he’s not proud of. In his most recent relationship, he emotionally cheated on his girlfriend with another woman after sliding into her DMs.

Moved by his vulnerability, Monica chooses to move forward because of Stephen’s past, not in spite of it. “I want you to feel like you can tell me anything. We’re all human,” Monica tells him. As both begin to let their walls down even lower, they wade into a political discussion, in which Stephen reveals his voting history in the past two elections. He also opens up about discovering later in life that he’s mixed race, which set him on a course to better understand his West African heritage. Monica, in return, shares her experience growing up and being “forced to fit into one box” as a Black and Latina woman with Native American ancestry.

After tearfully expressing their love for another, they take the plunge and get engaged. Down on one knee, Stephen pours his heart out — and the feelings are returned. “I’ve been waiting 36 years to find you,” Monica tells him, accepting the proposal. “You’re the kindest, nerdiest, chattiest, most loving, compassionate, caring, and sweetest man.” Luckily, their physical connection is just as strong as their emotional one, as they finally meet in person and head off to Mexico together. And while Stephen’s chattiness begins to wear on Monica, the two remain on solid ground as the romantic retreat continues.

Adjusting back to life in Washington, DC comes with its fair share of early challenges for the couple. When Monica expresses her disappointment about Stephen not following through on his promises in the pods — be it surprising her with flowers or a new YSL clutch — he worries about not living up to her expectations. Their clashing love languages lead him to open up about his doubts just weeks away from their wedding. “I don’t want to feel forced into doing something,” he says. The couple’s physical intimacy takes a hit after the conversation as they struggle to get in sync. And days before they’re set to meet each other’s families, their relationship fully crumbles when Monica discovers Stephen has been sending sexual messages to another woman.

With the trust completely broken, Monica questions if Stephen ever really loved her — let alone intended to meet her at the altar. While Stephen attempts to own up to his “completely stupid mistake” and reassure her, Monica just can’t move forward. “At this point I don’t think there’s anything that I could say that you’d believe,” she tells him through tears. “I’m almost embarrassed by how much of my heart I’ve given you.” And with one last Venmo to cover his expenses, Stephen leaves Monica and their apartment, ending their engagement for good.

Brittany and Leo

STATUS: NOT TOGETHER
Like many before him, Leo falls for two very different women in the pods. Bubbly Brittany captures his heart with their deep spiritual conversations, but he’s also drawn to Hannah’s curious mind. Leo struggles to make up his mind as he navigates his own sensitivities, particularly surrounding his familial wealth. Self-proclaimed “trophy wife” Brittany expects her future husband to shoulder more financial responsibility, but she makes it clear that a genuine partnership is her priority. “If I wanted to marry for the money,” she says, “I would’ve married a very long time ago.”

All the while, Hannah pursues a relationship with Nick, who never wavers in his love for her. His absolute certainty pushes Hannah to choose him over Leo, despite the latter’s last-ditch attempt to convince her otherwise. The experience is triggering for Brittany, who has a history of being “pitted against other women” in past relationships. “I can’t rack my brain [about] how my future husband could be torn between me and another person,” she says.

With Hannah in the rearview, Leo’s path to a proposal with Brittany is clear. But she isn’t exactly comfortable, expressing her resentment toward Leo for being his second choice. But Leo forges ahead with the confidence that their connection can overcome any obstacle in their path — including her potential distaste for a proposal that rhymes. Brittany tentatively accepts, but the real test for the couple comes during the big reveal. While Leo is over the moon, she’s less effusive. Brittany shares that she’s not ready to say “I love you” and later describes the exchange as “one of the most awkward moments of my life.” And with that, their Love Is Blind story concludes, as it’s revealed that Brittany and Leo were “not one of the six couples chosen by producers to continue their journey.”

Want to know what happened? Check out our exclusive interview with Brittany and Leo to find out more about their journey in the pods.