We’re Still Not Over ‘The Bachelorette’ Alum Ben Smith: Get To Know Tayshia Adams’ Runner-Up
The one that got away. The Bachelorette alum Ben Smith quickly became a fan favorite during season 16 of the hit ABC show. Originally fighting for Clare Crawley’s final rose, the army veteran hit it off with Tayshia Adams after Clare left the show early with ex Dale Moss. Although there were clearly sparks between him and Tayshia, Ben ended up being the runner-up because he wasn’t able to communicate his feelings toward the brunette beauty.
“With Ben, it was just a constant, ‘I have to pull something out of you.’ That can be exhausting at times,” Tayshia said during a December 2020 episode of the “Clickbait” podcast. “Sometimes I just want you to freaking tell me and not have me beg for it. At this point, your families are here and you still can’t tell me?” she continued. “Maybe it’s me and I’m trying for something that maybe, possibly isn’t there. And him not vocalizing kind of validated that in my mind, like, ‘You know what? Maybe he’s just not feeling it and it is what it is.’” Keep reading to learn more about Ben!
What Did Ben Smith Say After Being Eliminated?
Chivalry isn’t dead. After the finale aired, Ben posted a heartfelt Instagram message while tagging Tayshia in the post. “Thank you. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for seeing me, for always listening, and for trying your best to know on the deepest level,” he wrote via Instagram in December 2020.
“I struggle. I struggle to be the person you need and I still struggle knowing what’s enough. You’re beautiful inside and out and I’m so incredibly grateful for your heart,” he continued. “What’s meant for you will find you. And what’s meant for me? I’m ready to receive. To a deeper connection to self and ever increasing opportunity to give love.”
Ben Smith Is an Army Veteran
According to Ben’s ABC biography, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and became an Army Ranger. However, after sustaining “a life-changing back injury,” he decided not to return to active duty.
Ben Smith Is a Personal Trainer
Following his stint with the armed forces, Ben turned his passion for health and fitness into a career as a personal trainer. One look at his Instagram, and it’s clear he keeps himself — and others — in very good shape.
Ben Smith Is Originally From the Midwest
That said, he has since moved to Los Angeles, California, specifically Venice Beach. Many of his posts feature trips to the ocean and outdoor workouts.
Ben Smith Knows What He Wants in a Partner
“Ben is so ready to get married and is truly looking for the right woman to settle down with and start a family,” his biography details. “Ben wants a wife who can openly communicate and stay emotionally available. She also must be able to 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 some of his winning moves.”
Moreover, he’s a total romantic. Apparently, Ben once “flew across the country to see a girl he had never met in person before.” Swoon!
Is Ben Smith Going to Be the Next ‘Bachelor’ in 2023?
The trainer shared with his online followers that he was leaving his job at Rodeo Athletic in September 2022. The announcement raised eyebrows as The Bachelor was set to start filming around the same time.
“The scales in my life have tipped in favor of professional opportunities and personal interests outside the gym and I’m eager to continue chasing this new growth – even if it means stepping away from things I love,” his caption read.
Following his announcement, Ben posted a video via Instagram Stories, claiming that his online fans are about to get “real sick” of him. Hints? Teases? We’ll have to wait and find out!
