“The Bachelorette” 2009 – Ed Swiderski

Ed Swiderski was a strong contender for Jillian Harris’s heart on this season of “The Bachelorette”. Ed is tall, with dark hair and very work-oriented. Unfortunately, work got in the way as Ed chose to walk away from the show–and Jillian–so he would not lose his job. Jillian tried to understand, but underneath it all, she felt Ed was choosing work over her. After all, Ed went to the extreme of coming on a TV show to find true love. At least that’s the intention of the show. Wouldn’t it make sense to think things out before attempting to getting on the show in the first place?

But, Ed came back after realizing he couldn’t get Jillian out of his thoughts and heart. Jillian accepted Ed back as a contender and they shared some wonderful moments together, including Jillian getting to meet Ed’s parents. When Ed walked away from the show, Jillian didn’t get the opportunity to meet his family in his home town. He surprised and thrilled Jillian by flying his parents to the beautiful island of Maui to meet her.

Sharing a romantic night together didn’t go as expected. Ed and Jillian both expected a night of romance, but fatigue got in the way. Jillian was concerned, wondering if this is a clue as to what their life might be like in the future, if she chooses Ed.

Ed is a likable guy, but I question why he has trouble maintaining eye contact with Jillian. Does he have something to hide or is he just nervous? Does it possibly mean he would have trouble connecting deeply to Jillian, in the way she wants and needs? Does him walking away once, mean he may walk away again?