Amber Desiree “AD” Smith’s journey on season six of “Love Is Blind” was anything but predictable, especially when it came to choosing between two men vying for her heart: Clay Gravesande and Matthew Duliba. Initially torn, AD navigated the pods, ultimately accepting a proposal from the charming and smooth-talking Clay. Their connection was undeniable, but their path to the altar was fraught with challenges, primarily stemming from Clay’s deep-seated insecurities about commitment, fidelity, and even physical appearance. The season culminated in a dramatic wedding day where, despite AD saying “I do,” Clay delivered a heartbreaking “I don’t.” This unexpected turn of events left viewers reeling and AD devastated. But what exactly led to this outcome, and who does AD choose to move forward with after the cameras stopped rolling on “Love Is Blind”? Let’s delve into the complexities of AD and Clay’s relationship and explore their status after that jaw-dropping finale.
Did AD and Clay Get Back Together After ‘Love Is Blind’?
In the highly anticipated “Love Is Blind” reunion episode, AD and Clay faced the aftermath of their wedding day shocker. They revealed a period of radio silence immediately following the failed nuptials. Clay explained his decision to give AD space, wanting to be respectful by not contacting her right away. While the reunion showed no lingering animosity between them, a romantic reconciliation was not on the cards, at least not immediately. However, Clay’s desire to rekindle something was palpable. He expressed deep remorse, admitting he felt like “the biggest dick” after watching the finale. His apology extended to AD’s family, acknowledging he had disrespected them and wasted their time.
Adding fuel to the emotional fire, Clay declared his love for AD during the reunion, even calling her the “love of my life” and confessing that saying “no” at the altar was a mistake. He emphasized his commitment to personal growth, mentioning he was attending therapy with multiple therapists to address his issues. Despite Clay’s heartfelt pleas and apparent change of heart, AD remained unconvinced and unwilling to immediately jump back into a relationship. She voiced her feelings of betrayal, believing Clay had played with her emotions, knowing deep down he wasn’t ready for marriage. When directly asked about the possibility of dating Clay again, AD deflected with a curt “next question,” while Clay responded with an enthusiastic “1,000%.”
Further insights into AD’s perspective emerged on Nick Viall’s podcast, “The Viall Files.” She disclosed numerous off-camera conversations with Clay where the topic of not moving forward was repeatedly discussed. Each time AD expressed her readiness to walk away, Clay would reassure her of his commitment to trying. According to AD, Clay had explicitly promised not to “humiliate” her in front of her loved ones by going through with the wedding only to say no. His ultimate decision at the altar felt like a direct betrayal of this promise. Despite the hurt, AD conceded that she “wasn’t mad about” Clay’s public apology at the reunion and described their current dynamic as “flirty friends.”
Their social media activity further supports this “flirty friends” label. Both AD and Clay follow each other on Instagram and TikTok, frequently liking each other’s posts. Notably, Clay left fire emojis on AD’s birthday post from November 2023, months after their wedding would have taken place. Adding to the intrigue, a playful Instagram exchange occurred after the penultimate “Love Is Blind” episodes aired. Clay captioned a post featuring photos and videos of them filming with “Turn me up @amberdesiree 🔥,” to which AD responded in the comments, “Turn me up Clay 🥂.”
So, are they together now? Officially, no. But the door for future reconciliation appears to be slightly ajar. The chemistry and lingering affection are evident, leaving fans wondering if time and personal growth could potentially bring them back together.
Clay and AD’s Electric, Yet Tumultuous, Relationship on ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 6
From their first face-to-face reveal, Clay and AD displayed undeniable chemistry. They navigated the initial stages of the experiment with relative ease, even during the couples’ retreat in the Dominican Republic. However, early cracks began to surface, foreshadowing the deeper issues that would eventually derail their engagement. One particularly jarring moment occurred when Clay asserted that he would never let AD get out of shape and would insist she join him at the gym, even during pregnancy. This comment, though seemingly intended to be about shared healthy habits, hinted at Clay’s focus on physical appearance and control within a relationship.
Upon returning to Charlotte, the reality of their impending marriage and cohabitation brought their underlying issues into sharper focus. A pivotal conversation at Clay’s house in episode seven revealed the extent of his anxieties surrounding fidelity. He shared a disturbing childhood experience of his father taking him on “infidelity trips” and confessed that he had never witnessed a Black man being faithful in a relationship. This led him to question his own capacity for lifelong monogamy.
Meeting Clay’s mother and sister in episode nine further illuminated the challenges. AD’s concerns about Clay’s demanding work schedule became apparent, creating friction. However, Clay’s mother, often praised as the season’s voice of reason, skillfully mediated the situation, offering a temporary sense of resolution. Subsequently, Clay met AD’s mother in episode 10, which surprisingly went well. AD had already prepared her mother for Clay’s emotional complexities, but her mother clearly liked Clay, urging AD to be patient and not let the failures of their parents’ marriages dictate their relationship. AD’s mother perceptively noted, “That’s a man. And he’s just a little bit scared of how to move forward.”
Despite these positive parental encounters, the pendulum swung dramatically in the finale during the wedding ceremony. While AD appeared confident and ready, likely due to those unseen conversations she later mentioned, the pre-wedding scenes hinted at Clay’s growing doubts. A conversation with his father just before the ceremony was particularly telling. His father’s advice to “trust yourself” and disregard external pressures seemed to solidify Clay’s internal conflict. Clay’s mother also noticed his visible nervousness and encouraged him to “yield into your feelings.”
The stark contrast in their vows further signaled the impending heartbreak. Clay’s vows were filled with gratitude and appreciation for AD’s support throughout the “Love Is Blind” process, but lacked the deep romantic commitment expected at a wedding. In contrast, AD delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech, professing her love and promising unwavering support before saying “I do.” Clay’s subsequent “I don’t” shattered the romantic atmosphere and AD’s hopes.
Clay explained his decision as a matter of responsibility, stating, “I don’t think it’s responsible for me to say ‘I do.'” He emphasized his need for personal growth and his desire to be “100% in” before committing to marriage, suggesting they could continue dating and working on their relationship. However, his explanation offered little comfort to a heartbroken AD, who walked away in tears, feeling like her time had been wasted and expressing utter confusion.
In a final emotional exchange, Clay apologized and attempted to clarify his perspective, calling it a “game-time decision.” He reiterated his love for AD, emphasizing that his rejection wasn’t directed at her personally but at his own readiness for marriage. Despite the pain, they exchanged “I love yous” and a kiss, with Clay promising to pursue therapy and self-improvement. AD, reflecting on the experience, felt she had given her best but that it wasn’t enough, perceiving herself as a “sacrifice” in Clay’s journey of self-discovery. Her final words before the reunion were resolute: “I can’t drag him, I can’t force him, and I’m not gonna fucking beg him to fucking pick me. I’m done.”
In conclusion, while who AD chooses romantically after “Love Is Blind” remains uncertain, her journey with Clay was a rollercoaster of intense connection, deep-seated insecurities, and ultimately, a painful but perhaps necessary parting. Whether their “flirty friendship” blossoms into something more in the future remains to be seen, but for now, AD’s path forward seems to be one of self-reliance and moving on from the altar heartbreak.
