Tough Love N.O. Recap: Saying Goodbye

Next in the hot seat is Elizabeth. Steve tells us that he thinks she was one of his toughest cases and she had the biggest transformation. It certainly sounds like an amazing transformation as Elizabeth tells Steve that she has learned that no clothes, cars or ornaments that you can put on will ever make you happy.

Except these boobs. I’m not taking them off.  (They seem to make Steve happy)

Elizabeth realizes now that it is the inner qualities that matter. I wish she had been brave enough to defy her worthless family and give Stephon a chance. Remember him?

He definitely was hot on the inside and the out.

Although I doubt Stephon would have been as good of a match against Liz’s ex as Carl, our brooding and intimidating hero of the hour was. Speaking of which, Elizabeth tells Steve that she came to boot camp to find herself, which she accomplished and then found love along the way. With that Carl comes out. He’s carrying long stem roses, which still delights Liz more than she wants to admit. She tells Carl that she loves him for having seen her at her worst and for being so supportive.

Carl asks Liz to stay in New Orleans for a few extra days.

They agree that they will take things slow. Carl lays a huge lip lock on the girl, the first intimacy we’ve seen from them, which gives me hope all his patience will soon pay off. Steve gives Elizabeth her necklace back with the word independent inscribed on the back. She loves it.

Next up is Despina. She tells Steve that she was alone for so long she never had anyone to confront her with her choices and make her realize that she wasn’t on the right path. But now that Steve has forced her to face her fears, she’s finally more comfortable and is realizing that deep down inside she’s actually a girly girl who wants a fairy tale romance. Steve invites Austin out to join them. Despina says she’s nervous and not good at speaking her feelings, but she lucks out when Austin strolls in, whips out a piece of paper and starts reading.

He asks Despina if she will officially be his girlfriend.

Despina says yes and they kiss passionately. Yay! Despina has her first boyfriend ever. What I love about this couple is that Austin was nervously rocking back and forth as he read his prepared statement and Despina was rocking to match him. I’ve got high hopes for these two! Steve gives Despina back her necklace and on the back it says loving. Even as she accepts the necklace and Steves parting advice, she seems softer and lovelier.

Speaking of lovely.

Stephanie is next on the hot seat and she tells Steve that for years she looked in a mirror and just saw a blank slate. She had always tried to be who she thought she was supposed to be, but now when she looks in the mirror she sees someone that reflects who she really is on the inside. She also tells Steve that she’s grateful that he found John for her because he makes her feel like there is no one else in the room and she’s never felt that way before. Stephanie says she’s ready to let herself have a healthy and loving relationship because she deserves it. I think maybe she will give Elizabeth a run for the money in most evolved girl.

Good John comes out and Steph tells him that every time she had to face a challenge she got through it by knowing that when it was over she would be able to return to his arms. It’s a really sweet moment.

They declare their love for each other.

John then gives Stephanie a ring which contains her favorite black and white diamonds as a symbol of his promise to continue their relationship after Tough Love has ended. So sweet and seemingly genuine. YAY for Stephanie! Steve gives her back her necklace with the word confident inscribed on the back.

Shalana is the the next hot seat victim and she mumbles to Steve that she no longer thinks every man out there is just going to hurt her and dump her. If she opens up and gives them a chance, there are men out there who will do her good. Aubrey is invited out and he gives her a little gift box that contains a bracelet with her initials and in her favorite color.  He tells her she’s a good woman and he has enjoyed getting to know her. She cautiously says he’s a good man and she likes him and she’s willing to see where the relationship can go.

That apparently is all the encouragement Aubrey needs.