ABC's hit dating reality show The Bachelor is slowly losing its charm. The show that helped deserving bachelors find their soulmates has now turned into a platform where contestants meet potential matches, but a happily ever after is still beyond its reach.
In recent years, a number of its contestants who found love on the show have broken up just months after they resumed normal lives away from the public eye. After Josh Murray and Andi Dorfman, Chris Soules and Whitney Bischoff, Juan Pablo Galavis and Nikki Ferrell parted ways, it's now Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell who have called it quits.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce our decision to go our separate ways," the couple said in a statement cited by People. "We feel fortunate for the time we had together, and will remain friends with much love and respect for one another. We wish nothing but the best for each other, and ask for your support and understanding at this time."
Their split wasn't unexpected, as Higgins and Bushnell weren't on the same page when it came to their marriage. As was shown in their reality show Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After? Bushnell wanted to get married soon, but Higgins wanted to wait for a while.
"Ben loves Lauren, no question about it, but he didn't want to rush into marriage," a source told HollywoodLife. "He's been very clear from the get-go that when he does eventually get married, it will be forever. He just wasn't at that place yet where he could commit to 'forever'. But Lauren didn't see it that way, she took his hesitancy to mean that he didn't want to get married, which is the furthest thing from the truth."
