5 Shocking Reasons Why Lauren And Dave's Love Is Blind Engagement Collapsed (And Who Lauren Dated Next)

The whirlwind romance between Lauren O'Brien and David "Dave" Bettenburg on Love Is Blind Season 8 was one of the most intense and, ultimately, most dramatic storylines of the Minneapolis-based experiment. Their journey from the pods to the cohabitation stage was marked by passionate highs, but it quickly descended into complex conflict that left fans reeling.

As of late 2025, the couple remains firmly broken up, having called off their engagement in a tense confrontation just before their wedding day. New and exclusive details have emerged since the finale, revealing the true depth of the issues—including unexpected revelations about a post-show relationship with another cast member—that cemented their split as one of the most talked-about in the show’s history.

Lauren O'Brien and David Bettenburg: Full Biography and Profile

The couple that never made it to the altar had distinct backgrounds that perhaps hinted at the friction to come. Their biographical profiles paint a picture of two successful professionals from the Minneapolis area seeking connection.

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• Full Name: Lauren O'Brien
• Age (During Filming): 31
• Occupation: Educational Sales
• Hometown/Season Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Relationship Status: Single (as of latest updates), Broken up with Dave.

• Full Name: David "Dave" Bettenburg
• Age (During Filming): 33
• Occupation: Medical Device Sales
• Hometown/Season Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Relationship Status: Single, Broken up with Lauren.

Lauren, a vibrant and outspoken educational saleswoman, quickly connected with Dave, a seemingly charming medical device salesman, in the pods. Their initial connection was strong, leading to a quick engagement, but the transition to the real world revealed significant and ultimately insurmountable differences in their expectations and values.

The Five Core Conflicts That Ended the Engagement

The relationship between Lauren and Dave was one of the most volatile of Season 8, culminating in a dramatic split in Episode 11. The breakup was not due to a single issue but a cumulative breakdown caused by several deep-seated conflicts.

1. The "Friends-with-Benefits" Bombshell

The most explosive conflict centered on a pre-show relationship of Lauren’s. Dave was deeply troubled by the revelation that Lauren had a casual "friends-with-benefits" arrangement with a man just before entering the pods. This information, which came to light during a conversation about their past dating lives, became a "shocking bombshell" for Dave, who struggled to move past it and felt it was a sign of lingering emotional ties.

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Lauren defended the relationship as purely physical and over, but Dave's inability to accept her past created a constant, toxic strain. He repeatedly brought up the issue, suggesting he viewed it as a dealbreaker, even after proposing.

2. The Overwhelming 'Sister Drama' and Family Approval

A major point of contention that drew significant fan criticism was Dave's reliance on his family's, particularly his sister's, approval. Dave frequently mentioned his sister's opinions, stating that his family and friends were hesitant to meet Lauren due to the issues he had shared with them.

Fans and critics alike felt that Dave was using his sister as a shield or a scapegoat to express his own reservations about Lauren, a sentiment that made the breakup feel inevitable. The constant need for external validation, especially from his sister, suggested to many that Dave was not ready for the independent commitment marriage requires.

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3. Differing Views on Relationship Baggage and Trust

While Dave fixated on Lauren's ex-situation, the core issue was a fundamental difference in how they viewed "relationship baggage" and trust. Lauren felt her past was irrelevant to their future, while Dave saw it as a reflection of her values and commitment level.

This incompatibility led to a breakdown of trust and communication. Instead of focusing on building their new life together, the couple was perpetually stuck in arguments about pre-pod history, highlighting a lack of maturity and emotional security from Dave's side, which some viewers labeled as "manipulative."

4. The Lack of Physical and Emotional Intimacy

After leaving the honeymoon, the couple struggled to connect physically and emotionally. The arguments and Dave’s increasing distance created a chasm between them. The pressure of the experiment, combined with their unresolved conflicts, meant that the "love is blind" premise was severely tested and failed in the real world. Their relationship lacked the breezy, natural progression seen in the other successful couples of the season.

5. The Final, Pre-Altar Breakup

The engagement officially ended in a tearful, yet firm, conversation in Episode 11, just 24 hours before they were scheduled to meet the rest of the cast at a party. Lauren, recognizing Dave’s persistent issues with her past and his family's reluctance, ultimately decided to call it quits. She stated that she had no interest in continuing a relationship where she felt constantly judged and scrutinized.

Dave later expressed his own perspective, saying the breakup was necessary because they could not see eye-to-eye, but the narrative strongly favored Lauren's decision to walk away from a partner who was not fully committed to her.

Life After the Pods: Who Lauren O'Brien Dated Next

While the breakup with Dave was messy and highly public, Lauren O'Brien quickly showed that she was moving on and ready to find a genuine connection. In a revelation that surprised many fans, Lauren confirmed she briefly dated another participant from *Love Is Blind* Season 8.

The Short-Lived Romance with Scott Sanderson

Lauren O'Brien disclosed on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast that she dated fellow Season 8 pod participant, Scott Sanderson. Scott, who was also a single from the Minneapolis cast, had previously developed a connection with another woman in the pods before his journey ended.

Their relationship began approximately six months after the filming of the show concluded. The two had a short-lived romance, demonstrating that the bonds formed within the *Love Is Blind* network can extend beyond the original pairings.

Lauren’s Current Relationship Status

Following her experience with Dave and the brief relationship with Scott, Lauren has made it clear she is prioritizing herself. In her most recent post-reunion interviews, she stated that she has "no interest" in trying again with Dave and is taking time to "re-evaluate her dating decisions" before officially putting herself back out there. She appears focused on her career and personal growth, having learned valuable lessons about what she truly needs in a partner.

Dave, on the other hand, has kept a lower profile regarding his dating life, though he has continued to discuss his side of the breakup in various media outlets. The consensus among viewers and the current reality remains: the turbulent engagement of Lauren and Dave is over, and both are now navigating life as singles post-reality TV fame.