Ben Smith was eliminated after "hometown" dates by The Bachelorette star Tayshia Adams, but it may not be the last fans will see of him on Season 16.
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Ben is a 29-year-old Army Ranger veteran from Venice, CA.
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Ben worked on being vulnerable and opening himself up to Tayshia throughout the season, and when he succeeded, Tayshia was overjoyed and wanted to know more.
"I could really see him being by my side for the rest of my life. I truly love Ben," Tayshia gushed.
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But Ben totally shut down after Tayshia met his family at The Bachelorette resort. Ben shared with his loved ones that he was "in love" with Tayshia, but he couldn't express himself to the Bachelorette -- and so Tayshia wasn't sure they were on the same page.
"I don't know what to do. I'm still in love with her. I really thought we were going to be together. I wanted to marry her and she was going to be my wife, the mother of my children, all of these things," Ben lamented after his ouster.
"I should have told her how I felt when I had the chance after my hometown. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to fall out of love with her. Maybe she loved me and she thought I didn't love her back, and if that's the case, then I f-cking blew it."
Based on a preview of The Bachelorette's two-night finale event, however, it appears Ben may return and either seek closure from Tayshia or a second chance.
Until viewers find out what happens next between Ben and Tayshia, let's learn some things to know about The Bachelorette suitor right now.
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Below is a list of eleven facts Reality TV World has compiled about Ben Smith.
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At heart, Ben Smith is a Midwestern boy
Although Ben currently resides in California, he is originally from Noblesville, IN.Ben has one younger sister Madalyn and appears to be very close with her. Madalyn has called Ben an "incredible role model" and "the best big brother" ever on her Instagram account.
Ben made a major career shift after his military service
The Army Ranger veteran was recruited to play golf at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He joined the military at age 18 and intended to do special forces.ADVERTISEMENT
After graduating, Ben attended The United States Army Ranger School. Ben suffered a serious back injury during his service, and so he decided not to return to active duty.
Ben later became a personal trainer due to his passion for health and nutrition.
Ben considers himself to be pretty romantic
Ben loves to show affection to a woman he cares about by writing love letters, and he once flew across the country to see a girl he had never met in person before.RELATED LINK: 'THE BACHELORETTE' COUPLES NOW: WHOM DID 'THE BACHELORETTE' STARS AND THEIR BACHELOR PICKS ULTIMATELY END UP WITH?! (PHOTOS)
The Bachelorette host Chris Harrison says Ben is "a wonderful guy"
Chris Harrison gushed about Ben when announcing the cast for Clare Crawley's season before Season 16 premiered.ADVERTISEMENT
"This guy is the gentle giant of the season -- incredibly nice, big talker and long talker. When you get Ben going, it's hard to get him to stop," Chris shared.
"But he has an incredible story and has [given] unbelievable service to our country. Thank you, Ben. It was really a pleasure and an honor to get to know this gentleman."
Chris added, "[He's] well-liked and kind of a natural leader in the house. Guys really look up to him."
Ben runs a subscription fitness program
Ben is a coach on a subscription service called Bodybuilding Club, which members can join for $49 per month. The program includes strength, hypertrophy and conditioning work.Bodybuilding Club also includes an app that allows members to participate from anywhere on their own terms.
Ben's description on the website says he "loves smiling and talking to everyone" and would like to get clients into "shorter shorts."
"Might just date a girl on TV," he added.
Ben says he's a one-woman kind of guy
Ben explained he's always been "a relationship guy" and ended a relationship two years prior to appearing on The Bachelorette that he thought was going to last forever.Ben admitted the breakup "destroyed" him and so he stopped dating for a while. He hadn't felt strongly about a woman for a while prior to meeting Tayshia on the show.
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Why did Ben choose a career in guiding others with their fitness routines?
Ben revealed he had an eating disorder for 15 years because he used to be "the fat kid" and girls didn't like him when he was bigger.ADVERTISEMENT
Ben said he stopped eating and started working out all the time, losing over 70 pounds in a short period of time. Ben was afraid of foods that might be bad for him, although he understood how to properly fuel his body.
Ben apparently had bulimia in his twenties and only his sister knew about his struggle with his self-image. Ben said he now he feels comfortable with himself and his body.
"Note to self: Eat the cake. You’ll be just fine :)," Ben recently wrote on Instagram.
Ben thanks his sister for saving his life in more ways than one
In addition to helping Ben through his battle with bulimia, Ben's sister also got him through a "very dark" time in his life, according to the bachelor.Ben explained 2018 was a rough year for him because that's when he broke his back and was forced to leave the Army. Ben said he was living in a city that was too expensive for him and he felt totally lost.
"I didn't know how to say that I needed things...The only person I confided in was my sister," Ben shared.
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Ben revealed he had two failed suicide attempts in 2018 and 2019
"I didn't want to be here anymore... and I didn't want to burden anybody with my problems. I thought the easiest way was just to not be around. Luckily, it didn't work," Ben said.While Ben's sister wasn't even aware of these failed suicide attempts at the time, her support and love apparently got him to see the light and want to continue living.
Ben then went through very intentional and aggressive therapy and ultimately became a new man who is "okay" now.
Ben has a famous friend
Ben is very close with Top Chef star Antonia Lofaso, who has also appeared on other reality shows including Chopped.Ben and Antonia apparently train at the same gym, Deuce Gym.
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Ben just wished Antonia a happy birthday on November last month and wrote, "I love you very much. Thank you for being you." And Antonia replied, "I love you my friend so much."
Antonia was one of the people representing Ben's family during his loved ones' "hometown" date with Tayshia at The Bachelorette resort in Palm Springs, CA.
What is Ben looking for in a relationship?
Ben says he wants a wife who can openly communicate and stay emotionally available.Ben is looking for a woman who can keep up with him on the dance floor or at least be willing to cheer him on when he jumps in the middle of a dance battle to show off his moves.
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