Oh hello there, it’s the first couple to get engaged in the pods! Of the 32 eligible men and women who entered the pods for season 8 of Love is Blind, a whopping five couples left engaged (or at least filmed). This included Joey Leveille and Monica Danús, who were the first ones to put a ring on it! They were soon (or not—time is not a concept in there) followed by Virginia & Devin, Taylor & Daniel, Sara & Ben, and Lauren & David. Although some of them might not be making it to the resort, it seems… #InstagramGate
I might be forced to eat my words by the end of the season, but I’m predicting they’ll be the Taylor and Garrett, the Alexa and Brennan, of the season! Let’s see if I live to regret that bold claim.
Did Monica and Joey get engaged in the pods?
Joey’s thick Minnesota accent entertained his fellow contestants and seemed to win over Monica’s heart. The digital marketing girlie was looking for someone to slot into her close-knit family and was DONE with dating apps—you and me both! Meanwhile, Joey, a physician associate, had been to 11 weddings last year and was ready for his own.
The two quickly clicked thanks to a goofy sense of humor, good moods, and a shared love for The Sound of Music. Joey described himself as having “golden retriever energy,” and I guess it’s a case of two goldens finding each other because Monica is no black cat. She shared that she was ready for a nice guy after an ex dumped her right after spring break—which she had spent catsitting for him. Joey gave us a little red flag moment when he admitted that his personality is usually “too much” for women.
Neither really connected with anyone else in the pods—they had their sights set on each other from day one. They got engaged before the rest and had an adorable first meeting. The two were squealing, giggling, and hopping about.
Monica immediately compared him to Tarzan, who was supposedly her childhood crush. She’s proving that TikTok theory about people ending up with their childhood fictional crush! Joey seemed equally keen on her and called it the “best first kiss” ever.
Are Monica and Joey still together?
By the end of episode 6, the pair were happily engaged and packing to go to the resort. However, the sneak preview of next week’s episodes suggested trouble in paradise. Until now, things have been fairly lighthearted for the two, but it seems darker clouds are on the way.
In one scene, Joey revealed that he had been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). “My OCD … everything’s done in, like, a numbered way,” Joey explained. “How many times I drink something. How many times I will pick something up.”The preview made it seem like she wasn’t being the most supportive about this, although it could just be the edit.
Additionally, we saw that Joey’s first meeting with one of Monica’s family members (remember, they’re CLOSE) didn’t go as well as hoped. She shared that she wasn’t sold on Joey just yet. “I can see him being a really good actor,” the woman told Monica. “He knows what people want to hear.” Monica also seemed to be taken back to discover Joey usually goes for blondes. Joey did seem to reassure Monica that what he felt for her usually only came years into a relationship, which was hella sweet.
However, the trailer did show the pair standing at the altar, so at least we know they won’t drop off midway like everyone did in Season 7! We’ll have to wait for new episodes to drop on February 21, 2025, and February 28, 2025, to learn more.
