JaneVM

Ryan doesn't respect Jessica, plain and simple. That's why he feels free to be "jokey joke" with her without any thought of her feelings. Without that respect the relationship will not last long-term. She may hang on longer than the 6 weeks but in a year they will not be together. He needs a woman who will challenge him on his behavior and won't let him control the relationship.

I totally agree that Ryan and Jessica's dynamic is very one-sided. At the start he obviously didn't think she was pretty enough for him. He faked it enough to get through the wedding but it's clear she is the one trying so hard. Sleeping with him was the biggest mistake she could have every done as now whatever challenge there might have been is gone. He has no motivation to "win" her over and it shows. Knocking the towels off, causing her to fall out of the canoe when he knew she was nervous, are just some examples of his disrespect and not "playing around". He actually has a vibe of hostility toward her. I'd be surprised if they last.

Courtney and Jason from Season 1 had chemistry from the start but I see big problems when it comes to where they live. Jason is like my cousins, a New Yorker through and through, and now that he is officially part of the NY fire department he's not moving. I believe Courtney didn't emphasize enough how much she wants to eventually live back in North Carolina (which looked rural). So even though they had chemistry there's lots of other factors that can keep or break up a couple. Sean and Davina could end up like that. Who knows, just because a couple makes it through a year doesn't mean it's forever. And I think the producers should be faulted for the terrible pairing of Jaclyn and Ryan. Ryan is looking for someone to help raise his niece which is a huge responsibility to put on anyone, let alone a "meet at the altar" bride. Knowing his story and seeing his wimpiness makes me think he was too passive and just wanted to find a wife without all the work. As much as I don't like Jaclyn I can't blame her for being turned off by him and the very serious, sad situation he is in (with his sister's death, niece, etc).

I agree that the editors I'm sure are manipulating us. But the way Ryan looked at (or didn't look at) Jessica and his over all vibe just makes me think he isn't that into her. And I believe when the guy isn't as into it as the girl it won't work.

You are absolutely right, I guess that tidbit (which can be found when you search his name, mugshot and all) just made me think there could be more reasons why he never found "the one" on his own. People who are willing to marry a stranger have to have some complicated reason for doing so. Yeah, Jackie (lol) thinks she's so hot and way too good for Ryan. Unless she opens her mind to the possibility that Ryan could be for her it'll never work.

This show has me hooked so it's nice to find a forum like this! I think the couples who have the best chance have a specific dynamic. Usually the guy immediately thinks the girl is great physically and is even a little better than he is so he is challenged to "win" her over. The girl, in turn, might not be attracted to him but really wants something that he has to offer and is determined to get it so is willing to give him a try. This was the case with Jamie and Doug. When physical intimacy happens right away that also can also cause problems because the real relationship is clouded by physical attraction. In Season 2 to me Ryan D doesn't think that Jessica is his equal physically even though he made her stand up for a compliment at the reception. I don't sense he is all that challenged or motivated to "win" her over so I don't know how well that relationship will stand. Sean and Davina seem like a great match but the physical spark could overshadow them really getting to know each other. Learning that Sean has a DUI arrest from 2013 makes me question just how much of a "stand up" guy he is. Ryan R and Jaclyn seem the least likely to last. His wimpy/boring demeanor doesn't seem like enough to overcome Jaclyn's extreme lack of attraction for him (unlike Doug's great sense of humor with Jamie). But the producers do know how to do great editing to keep us guessing. This will be a fun season to watch!