Bustle Exclusive
The Season 29 lead opens up about a potential proposal, and why he has zero regrets.
Allow Grant Ellis tointroduce himself.
When I like somebody, Im really open, Grant tells Bustle.
But at first, Im very guarded, and thats the way Ive been my whole life.
The show really challenged me to open up.
In the Jan. 27 premiere, fans will quickly see a playful side to the Houston-based former basketball player.
In apreview of whats to come,for example, he grapples with serious indecision about his final rose.
The 11th-hour crisis reads as a genuine human response to the confusion that fast-paced TV dating can wreak.
But when you go in there with the right intentions, its very real.
Its a unique way to do it, but people meet people all types of ways.
Below, Grant teases his thoughts on engagement and how to interpret his on-air indecision.
During JoansGolden Bacheloretteseason, she saidengagement wasnt a necessity.Where do you stand on that?
My mentality was that if the connection was there, I was going to propose.
I havent been in lots of relationships.
I didnt go in with the pressure of getting engaged.
If things flow, they flow, and if they dont, they dont.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
No regrets, only lessons.
I would rather have done it this way than the traditional route in the real world.
We see in theteaserthat you were torn about your final decision.
How would you explain that ambivalence to your final pick, or reassure them after the fact?
One theme of the season is that the women knew how great they were.
Everybody in the house got along.
Everyone was smart, witty, and beautiful.
They knew dating multiple people wasnt normal, and it would be a hard decision for me.
So I dont think itll be an issue, but if it is, it will heal over time.
Youve spoken about feeling like a lone wolf in the past.
Do you still resonate with that descriptor?
Being on the show definitely changes perspective.
When the right person comes along, you change.
Theres a time to be alone, and honestly, that period in your life shapes who you are.
It builds calluses and makes you stronger.
But when its your time to be with somebody, its your time.
I dont think thats a bad thing.
There was a learning curve.
What were you most excited to do once you got home from filming?
Obviously, see my family, get back to work.
I love what I do I dont want to sound like a nerd, but I love the markets.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
