“Love Is Blind”’s Jax Reveals Reason for Abruptly Calling Off Engagement, Stew Says He Was ‘Absolutely Blindsided’ (Exclusive)

Jacqueline “Jax” Guelli and Scott “Stew” Stewart have shared their insights regarding the unraveling of their engagement during an emotionally charged interview with PEOPLE, shedding light on their experiences from the latest season of Netflix’s “Love Is Blind.” The couple connected in the show’s pods, bonding over their mutual appreciation for luxury, but their relationship soon hit a rocky patch that neither anticipated.

Jax, aged 31, admitted that she began to harbour doubts about her relationship with Stew, aged 34, even before they met in person. The tipping point for her came during Stew’s proposal, which she found lacking in romance and overly focused on material aspects. “I had doubts because of the proposal,” she explained, indicating that it was at that moment she sensed something was amiss. While her decision to leave the engagement might have appeared abrupt to viewers, Jax revealed she had been questioning the viability of their relationship well ahead of their face-to-face meeting.

When the couple finally came together, Jax’s apprehensions intensified. “When we did actually meet, it was incredibly intense and overwhelming for me,” she recalled. Upon that meeting, Jax felt a distinct absence of chemistry and connection, leading her to decide to step away from the relationship altogether. “I realised there’s no chemistry or connection here. And I had to go,” she remarked.

In retrospect, Jax recognised that the proposal served as a significant turning point in their relationship. She emphasised the initial nicety of the moment but expressed disappointment that Stew’s focus veered towards superficial topics instead of nurturing their emotional bond. “I wanted it to be more about me and a little bit more romantic,” she disclosed, lamenting the lack of poignant sentiment in Stew’s approach.

She also reflected on Stew’s choice of attire during the proposal, which, in her eyes, underscored the disconnect she felt. “He didn’t get down on his knees, wearing shorts. I’m like, ‘I dress up for this,'” she noted, seeking a greater demonstration of effort from him that, unfortunately, did not materialise.

Conversely, Stew felt blindsided by the abrupt end of their engagement. Describing himself as “absolutely blindsided in the moment,” he expressed surprise at how quickly the relationship deteriorated after what was intended to be an emotionally significant day. “I didn’t see it coming. Definitely caught me off guard,” he shared, noting the overwhelming mix of emotions he experienced when finally meeting Jax face to face after proposing without having seen her first.

Despite the unexpected outcome, Stew chose not to hold any resentment towards Jax for her decision. Instead, he offered a perspective rooted in compassion, asserting that “everyone kind of deserves a little grace in hindsight.” This understanding reflects a level of maturity that both individuals displayed when discussing their feelings.

While Jax recognised several warning signs preceding their reveal, Stew was unaware of any issues at the time. “I think looking back, there was a degree of compatibility there,” he reasoned. He admitted that he did not perceive any red flags during their time in the pods, emphasising that the men in the program tended to communicate differently compared to the women.

Stew observed that during their discussions in the pods, the male contestants refrained from delving deeply into specifics about the women they were pursuing. “We talked at a high level… We were there for each other emotionally. We could help talk through questions and challenges,” he explained, implying that this broad approach may have contributed to the misunderstandings that unfolded later.

As the season of “Love Is Blind” draws to a close, with new episodes releasing weekly and the finale anticipated on November 4, Jax and Stew’s experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics within emerging relationships. Their journey, though marked by challenges, illustrates the inherent unpredictability of love and connection in the modern dating landscape, as portrayed by the reality series.