5 Shocking Reasons Why AD And Clay’s Love Is Blind Journey Ended (And What They’re Doing Now)

The tumultuous and emotionally charged journey of Amber Desiree “AD” Smith and Clay Gravesande on Love Is Blind Season 6 captivated millions, culminating in one of the most heartbreaking moments at the altar. As of late 2025, the dust has settled, and the definitive update is that the couple is not together, but the reasons behind their dramatic split—and their current paths—are far more complex than what viewers saw in the finale.

Their story was a rollercoaster of deep connection in the Pods, followed by Clay's recurring struggle with commitment and his own family history, which ultimately overshadowed AD's readiness to commit to forever. The reunion special and subsequent interviews have provided a fresh, candid look into the aftermath, revealing the true emotional cost of Clay's decision and AD's fierce determination to move forward.

AD Smith and Clay Gravesande: Full Biography and Profile

AD and Clay were one of the central couples of Love Is Blind Season 6, filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their relationship was defined by AD’s unwavering belief in the process and Clay’s internal battle with his own deeply rooted fears of commitment and infidelity.

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• Amber Desiree “AD” Smith
  • Age: 32 (or 33, depending on the current date)
  • Occupation: Real Estate Broker/Agent and former professional dancer.
  • Hometown: Originally from Boston, now lives in Charlotte, NC.
  • Key LIB Moment: Her emotional, powerful "I do" at the altar, only to be rejected.
• Clay Gravesande
  • Age: 31 (was 30 during filming).
  • Occupation: Enterprise Sales and Entrepreneur.
  • Hometown: Charlotte, NC.
  • Key LIB Moment: His decision to say "I don't" at the altar, citing his need for personal growth and therapy.

The Five Core Reasons Why Clay Said 'I Don't' at the Altar

While the connection between AD and Clay was undeniable in the Pods, their transition to the real world was plagued by one central issue: Clay’s profound, deep-seated fear of becoming like his father. This anxiety manifested in several ways that ultimately led to the dramatic rejection at the altar, shattering AD’s hopes and leaving her family in shock.

1. The Shadow of His Father’s Infidelity

The single biggest factor in Clay’s decision was his father’s history of infidelity. Clay repeatedly voiced his fear that he would eventually cheat on AD, a pattern he desperately wanted to avoid repeating. This anxiety was so overwhelming that it blocked his ability to commit to marriage, despite his genuine love for AD. He felt he needed to resolve these deep-seated issues before he could be a faithful husband.

2. The Pressure of the Wedding Day

Clay admitted that the pressure of the actual wedding day was immense. Standing at the altar, facing AD and their families, magnified his internal conflict. He felt an intense need to be 100% certain, and his uncertainty about overcoming his family's generational trauma proved too much for him to push past in that moment.

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3. Clay’s Commitment to Personal Growth (Therapy)

In a surprising move, Clay’s rejection came with a promise: a commitment to therapy. He stated that he needed to work on himself and his issues before he could truly be a husband to AD. While this was a positive step for him personally, it was a devastating blow to AD, who felt he should have made this decision much earlier in the process.

4. AD’s ‘Embarrassment’ and the Family Fallout

AD and her family were visibly and vocally devastated by Clay’s "I don't." AD later confirmed that she felt “embarrassed” by the public rejection. The emotional toll on AD was immense, as she had fully committed to the process and to Clay, even agreeing to move forward with the relationship after the show, which was a compromise she later regretted.

5. Clay’s Inconsistent Post-Show Actions

At the reunion, Clay seemed to have a change of heart, expressing that he regretted his decision and was still in love with AD. He even asked her to continue their relationship. However, AD later revealed that his actions after the reunion did not match his words. She stated that Clay did the "opposite" of trying to win her back, confirming to fans that the breakup was final and that she was moving on.

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The Latest Update: Are AD and Clay Still Together Now?

The definitive answer is no, AD and Clay are not together. Their final chapter closed shortly after the Love Is Blind Season 6 reunion aired.

AD, whose full name is Amber Desiree Smith, made it clear that while she wished Clay well and appreciated his apology, she could not move past the public humiliation and the feeling that he wasted her time. She is currently single and focusing on her successful career as a Real Estate Broker in Charlotte.

Clay Gravesande has been open about his commitment to self-improvement. He is actively in therapy to address his fear of infidelity and his deep-seated issues related to his father's past. While he expressed regret and a desire to continue a relationship with AD, she has firmly closed that door, prioritizing her own healing and future.

Topical Authority: AD and Clay’s Place in Love Is Blind Season 6 History

AD and Clay’s journey serves as a dramatic counterpoint to the season’s only successful marriage: Amy Cortés and Johnny McIntyre. While Amy and Johnny’s relationship was a testament to the experiment’s success, AD and Clay’s story highlighted the deep emotional and psychological barriers that can derail a connection.

Their drama was often compared to the turbulent relationship between Chelsea Blackwell and Jimmy Presnell, another couple who didn't make it to the altar. Unlike Chelsea and Jimmy, whose issues were often external and public, AD and Clay's downfall was entirely internal, rooted in Clay's personal struggles and the pressure of the commitment.

The couple's prominence on the season, along with their interactions with other cast members like Jessica Vestal, Trevor, and Sarah Ann Bick, cemented their status as one of the most talked-about storylines. Ultimately, AD and Clay’s story is a powerful reminder that love is not always enough; self-readiness and emotional maturity are equally crucial components for a lasting marriage, a lesson Clay is now learning through therapy and self-reflection.