Nicki Sterling was sent home to Texas after falling in love on The Bachelor. While Lindzi Cox and Courtney Robertson made it to the finale, Nicki and Kacie Boguskie were given the pink slip despite strong connections with Ben Flajnik. The 26-year-old dental hygienist says she’s “still in the process of getting over it,” and has plenty to say about skinny-dipping, her elimination and the final two. Excerpts from Nicki Sterling ‘s recent interview with People below: On not getting a rose : “I was blindsided. Each time we were together, I felt more confident. It’s hard to say who I thought was going home, [but not] me.” On what went wrong : “Hearing him refer to me as the “dark horse” let me know he enjoyed my company but didn’t have a strong connection until the end.” On Chris Harrison calling their relationship “immature” : “I love Chris but I don’t agree. Our relationship was mature. We talked about important things.” “We had deep talks. I wasn’t one to beg for reassurance. I tried to make our moments both meaningful and playful. Those two things are important in a relationship.” On getting closure : “I heard what I needed to get closure. I didn’t need to hear nice things. I’m a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason.” On her family’s response : “They’d have loved for it to work. They enjoyed the time spent with him. They wouldn’t have given their blessing if they didn’t.” On seeing Ben skinny dip with Courtney Robertson : “It stung a lot to see that knowing that was the same week we had our first real moments together.” “I wish he would have said, ‘Not a good idea. The girls will be upset.’ But he’s a 29-year-old guy being seduced by one of the most attractive women on earth.” “I can’t fault him in the moment. He’s a great person. I would never say a bad word. She worked her magic. I don’t know any guys who would have done anything differently.” On if she’s over Ben : “Not completely. It’s hard to fall for somebody that doesn’t fall back. The idea of dating hasn’t crossed my mind since I left Switzerland.” On badmouthing Courtney to Ben : “I don’t regret warning him in the least. If he ended up hurt and I hadn’t said something, I’d somehow take the blame.” “I don’t believe her tears. It looks as if she realized her chance of winning might be hindered by how she treated other people so she started to backpedal.” “The Courtney that I got to know wasn’t sincere in that manner. I don’t see how [Ben] could watch the season and not be extremely upset and disappointed.” On who Ben should choose on the March 12 finale : “I see him with Lindzi Cox more. She’s very laid back, easygoing. Their senses of humor are very compatible. She was there for him, was open and honest and I could see it lasting.” Who do you think he should pick?

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Nicki Sterling: Not Over Ben Flajnik, Still Slamming Courtney Robertson