“Love Is Blind”’s Sarah Williams Says It Was ‘Very Hurtful’ to Overhear John Shannon Rank Her in His Bottom 2 (Exclusive)

**Sarah Williams Reflects on Awkward Encounter with Fiancé John Shannon in ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 11**

Sarah Williams, a participant in the latest season of Netflix’s reality dating series, “Love Is Blind,” has shared insights into a particularly awkward moment that occurred during her time in the pods. This incident, which took place before she became engaged to her now-fiancé, John Shannon, ultimately served to strengthen their relationship.

During a recent conversation with PEOPLE, the 34-year-old contestant from Boston recounted the discomfort she felt after overhearing John, aged 33, mention that he had initially placed her among his bottom two connections. This revelation came as a shock to Sarah and initially left her feeling hurt. “Honestly, it was very hurtful, I will say,” she confessed. “I think I tried to play it off really well.”

Despite this setback, Sarah acknowledged that the early stages of the experiment were fraught with uncertainty. At that time, all contestants were navigating their connections with various potential partners. “We kind of all were doing that, right? Like, we talked to all of the men at one point, so all of us are doing that,” she explained, highlighting the complexities of forming bonds in such a unique setting.

Initially unsure about how to address the situation with John, Sarah sought advice from other female contestants. “I have to ask girls questions every time before I do something. So I asked everyone in the lounge, like, ‘What do I do?’” she recalled, noting that the consensus was to have another conversation with John.

Taking this advice to heart, Sarah approached John for a deeper discussion about his comments. This pivotal conversation proved beneficial, allowing them to establish a stronger foundation. “I actually think that that was really great for us because we hadn’t really gotten to a deep level yet, and we had a very constructive conversation about it after,” Sarah stated.

As the season progressed, viewers witnessed the couple’s relationship evolve beyond that initial misunderstanding. John later clarified that his low ranking of Sarah was based on his perception that she did not seem particularly interested in him at the time. Sarah emphasised that this moment occurred much earlier in the experiment than it might have appeared on screen. “That was very early. I think the pod, it looks like it moves very quick, but that was super, super early,” she explained.

Over time, the pair’s bond deepened as they discovered shared interests, including a mutual love for the “Harry Potter” series and music. They also navigated their differing perspectives on religion and politics, which became key topics of conversation. Additionally, John opened up to Sarah about his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, facilitating a frank discussion on healthcare and personal beliefs. Although they occasionally found themselves at odds, they succeeded in identifying common ground.

Before ultimately committing to John, Sarah also considered a connection with fellow contestant Morrey Eglin. However, she ultimately felt that her relationship with John was more aligned with her values and aspirations. The growth of their relationship culminated in John’s heartfelt proposal, which marked a significant moment in their journey together. Following their engagement, the couple, along with the other engaged contestants, journeyed to Mexico for further bonding experiences.

Reflecting on her experience within the unconventional dating framework of “Love Is Blind,” Sarah expressed her amazement at the depth of the connections that could be formed. “You’re hopeful that it will work for you; you’re kind of like, ‘Is this real? Like, does this really work for people?’” she mused. “And it’s crazy. And I can see how, for some people, it doesn’t, but when it actually does click and you have chemistry with someone, you’re like, ‘What is going on?’”

As “Love Is Blind” continues to capture audiences, new episodes from the current season are released weekly on Netflix, with the finale set to air on November 4. Sarah’s journey, marked by unexpected challenges and heartfelt revelations, has undoubtedly resonated with viewers, offering a glimpse into the complexities of love and connection in a modern world.