Sometimes, love blossoms under a blind eye.
That was the case for Paige Tillman and Josh Simmons, who went on Love Is Blind and quickly “found love in the pods,” though their love story didn’t make it into the final cut of the Netflix show’s fifth season.
“We were each other’s first pod dates and number one picks from the beginning,” the couple recalled in a joint Instagram post on Oct. 3. “Our story is filled with love, beautiful moments, and happiness with no drama.”
The pair revealed that they “fell deeply in love” and got engaged during their time on the dating reality series. “After the show we stayed engaged,” Paige and Josh, both 32, noted alongside a video montage of their romance, “and even planned our wedding.”
Their love endured many relationship milestones, including vacations and attending a friend’s wedding, but the couple ultimately “found out we just wanted different things out of life.”
“We made the hardest decision to end our engagement,” Paige and Josh shared, emphasizing that they “have nothing but love and respect for each other and always will.”
They added, “We are so grateful Love Is Blind brought us together and would do it all over again if we could.”
Season five of Love Is Blind premiered on Sept. 22. In a past promo introducing the cast, Paige jokingly described herself as a “loser,” while Josh explained how his people-pleasing habits affected his past relationships. “I have great taste and I just haven’t found the right person yet—a lie,” quipped Paige, as Josh shared, “I tend to pick people that don’t fit me and try to mold myself into the person for them.”
The reality series, which has captivated audiences since its debut, aims to prove whether emotional connection can lead to lasting love, bypassing physical attraction and initial judgments. Despite the unconventional format, many couples have found genuine connections, proving that love can indeed be blind.
For Paige and Josh, their journey on Love Is Blind was more than just an experiment; it was a real and heartfelt experience that led to profound self-discovery and personal growth. While their engagement didn’t culminate in a lifelong partnership, the experience provided both individuals with valuable insights into what they truly want and need from a relationship.
After their split, Paige and Josh have both expressed gratitude for the time they spent together and the lessons learned. They remain supportive friends, cheering each other on from the sidelines as they navigate their separate paths.
Paige, in particular, has embraced the opportunity to reflect on her journey. In a follow-up Instagram post, she shared, “Sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are the ones that don’t last forever. Josh and I shared a beautiful chapter, and now we’re both ready to write new ones. I’m grateful for every moment and every lesson.”
Josh echoed these sentiments in his own social media update. “Love is a journey, not a destination. Paige and I had an incredible journey together, and while it didn’t end the way we initially hoped, I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. Here’s to new beginnings and to finding happiness in unexpected places.”
Their amicable split stands in stark contrast to many high-profile breakups, demonstrating that it is possible to part ways with respect and love intact. Their story also highlights the unpredictable nature of reality TV, where not all compelling narratives make it to the final edit, leaving fans curious about the untold stories behind the scenes.
Love Is Blind continues to be a social experiment that sparks conversation about the nature of love and the ways we connect with one another. Paige and Josh’s experience is a testament to the show’s core premise: that meaningful connections can form in the most unexpected ways, even if they don’t always lead to a happily ever after.
As for the future, both Paige and Josh are optimistic about finding their perfect matches. They remain open to love and new experiences, ready to apply the insights gained from their time on Love Is Blind to future relationships.
Their journey reminds us that love is not always about the end goal but about the growth and experiences we gain along the way. Paige and Josh may not have found their forever in each other, but they found something equally valuable: clarity, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of what love means to them.
In the ever-evolving landscape of reality television and modern dating, Paige Tillman and Josh Simmons’ story is a refreshing reminder that love, in all its forms, is a journey worth taking. Whether it leads to marriage or parting ways, every step is a meaningful part of the adventure.
As fans eagerly await the next season of Love Is Blind, Paige and Josh’s story will undoubtedly inspire viewers to look beyond the surface and seek out genuine connections, proving that sometimes, love really is blind.
