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Blake Horstmann Confirms He ‘Dated’ Kristina Schulman: ‘I Couldn’t Be There for Her’

Reality TV

Apr 11, 2019 11:25 am·

By Laura Rizzo

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Bachelorette Blake Horstmann in purple jacket and black pants

The Rumors Were True

“We dated. I’m not going to act like we were just flirting. She came to Denver and visited me a couple of times,” the 29-year-old admitted on the April 10 episode.

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Not Meant to Be

He continued, “It didn’t really work out. I was at a very strange point in my life.”

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Blake Horstmann on the bachelorette picking out an engagement ring

The Timing Wasn’t Right

The two were first spotted by fans back in September 2018 but kept whatever was going on between them very private. The only social media contact they had was liking each other’s photos.

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Jacqueline Fransway, Whitney Fransway, Rachel Lindsay and Kristina Schulman

Weird Transitions Were About to Happen

Blake had just been dumped by Becca Kufrin and was a strong contender to take the lead as the next Bachelor. However, the runner-up from season 14 ended up being overlooked for Colton Underwood.

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Blake and Becca Kufrin breaking up on the bachelorette

Things Were Still Going to be Wild

He explained that not being chosen as the lead didn’t mean his life was about to simmer down. “It was right after — right after — I was officially announced as not being the Bachelor. And, I didn’t realize what my life was going to turn into as far as being busy and traveling and having all these crazy opportunities,” he said.

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He Wasn’t Able to Commit

“I just felt that I couldn’t be there for her the way she wanted me to,” he confessed about their decision to part ways.

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Kristina Schulman on Bachelor in Paradise finale

Ready for a Good Man

Kristina previously competed for Nick Viall‘s heart during season 21. The Russian beauty was sent packing right before hometowns but continued to be a fan favorite from the franchise.

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She’s Been Through A Lot

Kristina also had a go at love on Bachelor in Paradise. Unfortunately, her relationship with Dean Unglert turned into an awkward love triangle with Danielle Lombard and left the dental hygienist devastated.

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Becca Kufrin and Blake talk at the bachelorette finale

She Knew the Deal

Considering she’s been through the franchise, Kristina knows what she wants and isn’t willing to wait around. “She realized that, too,” Blake dished about their fling coming to an end. “She has been in this world a long time, too. A long time. So, she [knew] what my life was about to change into.”

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Kristina Schulman camo jacket at victorias secret event

No Saltiness Here

Blake assured fans that they ended things in a civil manner. “We respect each other a ton. There was a ton of communication throughout, we were honest with each other.”

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JASON TARTICK, GARRETT YRIGOYEN, BLAKE HORSTMANN, CHRIS HARRISON, BEN HIGGINS ABC's "The Bachelor" - Season 23

The Sensible Thing

Blake added, “At that point, it’s like, ‘I can’t give you what you want,’ and she was like, ‘You can’t give me what I want.'” Very mature, you guys!

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Kristina Schulman in blue lace dress on red carpet

‘Paradise,’ Maybe?

What’s next for the Colorado native? Fans are vying for him to join the cast of the upcoming season of Paradise.

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Blake Horstmann and Chris Harrison on Bachelorette finale

Looking for Love

He divulged that if he found the right woman before filming, he would pass on the reality show. “I would definitely turn down the opportunity. Bachelor in Paradise terrifies me … It’s terrifying to go back because they have your whole life in their hands. They really do … It’s scary,” he said.

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2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival Night 2 Press Room

Protecting His Heart

In addition, the possibility of heartbreak is equally terrifying. He confessed, “How my Bachelorette journey ended is scary and I don’t know if I want to go through that again.”

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Kristina Schulman hair pulled back and gold hoops

A Happy Surprise

As for who he’s into from the latest season, the contestants really surprised him. “When I first saw the cast for Colton’s season I was like, ‘Oh, they’re young.’ I wasn’t very excited. I was like, ‘Do I even want to do Paradise?'” the stud admitted. “But, of course, I watched the season and got to know these girls … Even the ones who didn’t get a lot of screen time I still feel like were pretty great,” he said.

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Bachelorette blake horstmann at bumble event

A Keen Eye

“But, that’s the hard part of watching a season — especially after being on it — I see the editing. I see a lot of the top four so I feel like I would get along with the top four. But, then again, maybe there are some sleepers who just didn’t get any screen time.”

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Jason Tartick and Blake Horstmann at 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival - Night 2 - Press Room

There Are A Lot of Options

“If I go to Paradise, I’ll definitely go on with an open mind. I really will,” Blake acknowledged.

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Dean Michael Unglert, Becca Tilley, Ben Higgins, Nick Viall, Blake Horstmann, Jason Tartick, Ashley Iaconetti, and Jared Haibon hang out

What the Fans Want

People have been shipping the Denver resident with former contestant Hannah Godwin.

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Kristina Schulman, Joelle Fletcher and Alexis Waters Fletch event

Stating the Obvious

He agreed that she’s “gorgeous,” but he doesn’t really know much else about the blonde beauty. Perhaps the two will get to know each other this season? We’ll keep our fingers crossed.

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Kristina Schulman blue checkered wrap dress

Good Luck, Blake!

Obviously, Blake and Kristina are both awesome people. We’re sure love is on the horizon for both of them (even if it didn’t happen with each other).

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