The relationship between Jessica Batten and Mark Cuevas on Love Is Blind has been a strange one, to say the least. Does Batten really love Cuevas, or is she just along for the ride?
Cuevas was the first to capture Batten’s attention in the pods. They developed an instant connection, despite their 10-year age difference. Cuevas, 24, won over Batten, 34, with his maturity and readiness for marriage. He even brought a guitar to his dates, though we never saw him actually play it. Batten was pulled in another direction when she and Matt Barnett built a deeper bond, and she told Cuevas her heart was with someone else. After Barnett failed to commit, however, she returned to Cuevas and accepted his proposal. Batten said she would love him no matter what he looked like, and then spent the next several episodes showing absolutely no proof whatsoever that she was in the least bit attracted to him. While other couples like Barnett and Amber Pike were all over each other, Batten would barely accept a kiss from Cuevas. It was glaringly obvious to everyone except Cuevas she wasn’t about it.
Gradually, though, Batten has warmed to Cuevas. She has repeatedly expressed concerns to him about his age - an obstacle she happily looked past in the pods - but they have showed more signs of physical chemistry as time has gone on. She has said that she loves Cuevas. Still, Batten doesn’t look like she’s in love with Cuevas, much less ready to walk down the aisle with him.
Cuevas has been steadfast, driving through Batten’s hailstorm of doubt at full speed with one leg hanging out of the driver’s seat window. For a long time, it appeared probably would have been better off not giving Batten a second chance. Now, they about to get married. It’s clear Cuevas will say “I do.” Will Batten?
This relationship has been a good example of both the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing someone you love. Cuevas has strengthened the connection he and Batten had by not giving up. At the same time, he has ignored the glaringly obvious signs that Batten doesn’t seem to be attracted to him. For someone who has the looks and the confidence to find someone who loves him just as much as he loves her, it’s curious why Cuevas has refused to let Batten’s apathy towards him detract him from finding what he deserves.
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The final episode of Love Is Blind will be released Feb. 27.
