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TV ClubHouse: Archive: The Bachelor / Bachelorette: The Bachelor II: Interviews

Sbw

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 06:46 am EditMoveDeleteIP
On GMA they had Brooke and Helene/Aaron separated in the studio. H/A admitted that the 10 weeks they had been separated had been tough on their relationship. She is NOT moving. She apparently has tried to get him to move and he said "she knows I can't". Body language said he still cared, her - I don't know. She was wearing the ring.

Brooke was interviewed by Charlie Gibson. He did watch the show last night! When they were showing the clip of Brooke's rejection, she took the microphone out of her ear and looked away. She said it had been tough because she couldn't date because of show requirements and that it was tough to go on. She said after seeing Aaron propose to Helene she knew he was happy.

She was invited to join H/A and she said she would love to congratulate them in person. Aaron admitted that he had cried when he heard the things Brooke had said last night. Brooke hugged both of them.

They all said that they would do it again.

Sbw

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 08:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Helene and Aaron were on the View. I had seen some people talking about Aaron being on the View earlier and that the View was convinced that Helen was the one. Today they talked about that. Apparently someone on the staff was talking about the last 3 girls negatively. Apparently in the way Aaron took up for Helene, it became obvious to Star (I think that is her name) that Helene was the one he picked.

Same we are taking it slow and no one is moving but they kinda added a "yet" onto it. They seemed a little more positive. They are looking forward to getting to know each other without the cameras and limos. Helene said that their time in taxis was much more comfortable than in the limos.

On the morning following the first rose ceremony someone from production asked Aaron which one he would pick, if he had to pick that day, he answered Helene. They both complimented Brooke on being a great person.

Cupcake

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 09:05 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I was totally impressed by Brooke's poise and spirit on GMA. She gave H&A hugs and wished them good luck. That takes a big person. I hope she will be happy in her life. And I hope that the love is real for H&A. I think that Helene may come off as a little aloof in front of the cameras because it's hard not to be self-conscious with a camera in your face. So maybe that accounts for the nervous giggling she does. Anyway, I think Bachelor II was a better show than Bachelor I.

Grooch

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 11:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
“Bachelor” Aaron Buerge reaches his conclusion: Helene
But can reality-show love endure?
Only time will tell, but they hope it works out, he says.

By Sony Hocklander
News-Leader

Helene Eksterowicz captured Aaron Buerge’s heart in Wednesday night’s season finale of “The Bachelor.”

In an emotional two-hour episode, Buerge dropped to one knee and gave her a dazzling diamond engagement ring from Harry Winston Jewelers.

But the question remains as to whether she will keep it.

Forged in the artificial atmosphere of what amounts to a dating game show, their relationship now has to face the test of reality.

In the past two months, Buerge went from complete unknown to media darling. He has repeatedly visited Los Angeles and New York, met actors such as George Clooney and John Ritter, appeared in countless national magazines and been on dozens of talk shows — including Jay Leno. He was even spoofed on “Saturday Night Live.”

His newfound celebrity as the show’s second-season bachelor surpassed anyone’s wildest predictions, said ABC publicist Lauren Tobin. The ratings prove it: Last week, 16.7 million viewers tuned in, beating out “The West Wing.”

And all of this begs the question: How real can it be?

Dona Schulte of Little Rock, Ark., a fan of the show, can’t imagine choosing a lifelong partner in that short length of time.

For a lasting relationship, “I just hope he chose beauty from the inside, not just from the outside,” she said.

Friend Susan Sommer questions whether love found on a TV show can last.

“I just don’t think it can happen like this. But I hope it does.”

Other friends, family, experts and Buerge himself say yes, it can work if the couple tries hard enough.

“Six weeks seems like a short time, but I know he was with her 24-7. ... That might advance the process,” suggested Angie Smith.

“What a lot of people don’t understand is, the dating’s not over,” said Buerge’s mom, Kathy.

Susan Carrell, a licensed counselor and relationship coach, said relationships can work no matter how people meet — even on a dating game show.

“At the grocery store, people bump into each other over the vegetables and they fall in love and it lasts. In the weeks before World War II, couples who barely knew each other got married because the war was on. And many of those relationships have lasted 50-plus years. There isn’t any magic marker,” she said.

But Buerge — who was not available for comment after the show — and his intended aren’t beating a path to the altar just yet, he said earlier.

“Everybody knows the two of us are still seeing each other, and the show was over two months ago. We’re really happy about being around each other and getting to know each other better. But we understand that neither one of us are in a rush to tie the knot.”

Because the two met on a real-life soap opera, there isn’t much to compare their experience with.

Seven hours of airtime was culled from 700 hours of tape. For seven weeks, Buerge lived in a luxury bungalow near the beach in Malibu. Each day, he went on group and individual dates with 25 beautiful women. Each date seemed to grow more fantastical: He saw Napa Valley one week, Disney’s California Adventure another. He flew with dates to Aspen, San Francisco and Hawaii.

Everywhere, the cameras followed. Dressed in black, cameramen blended as best they could into backgrounds, sometimes crouching behind bushes to better give Buerge and his dates the illusion they were alone. Buerge said they always knew the cameras were present. But after a while, he and the women got used to them, like growing blind to a plant in your living room.

And for Buerge, there was also the pressure at the end of each week to make the right picks based on little information in the weekly rose ceremonies.

Buerge once likened it to speed dating on a deadline.

But he said he had Helene pegged from nearly the beginning.

While the show is pure entertainment, Buerge said he and Helene are in a real, exclusive relationship. They spent two weekends together after the show finished taping. And they talk on the phone once or twice a day through a special scrambled phone line. Her code name is Cher; his is Sonny.

But despite the fact that he popped the question and told Helene he loved her on the show, it’s really only the beginning of love, Buerge said. As such, they intend to take things slow.

“We don’t feel any outside pressure. We want it to work, but only time will tell. We’re going to take our time and be diligent. But the two of us are very happy and hope that it works out.”

Friends think he and Helene have a chance.

“You can make anything work if you want to and you’re willing to try. I think he’s going to try as hard as he can,” said friend Jason Haines, a project engineer for the city who was Buerge’s college roommate.

Steve Warlick, a friend and business partner, said Buerge seems genuinely smitten.

“There will be some issues that some typical relationships would not encounter. But that’s just one thing they’ll have to deal with and take it one day at a time. And I think they’re both ready to do that,” he said.

Carrell said taking it slow is a good plan.

“I personally have a two-year rule,” the counselor explains. “That is, that nobody should marry anybody for two years, because it takes two years for the fog to lift. It’s that chemistry fog; it’s that lustful thing. You don’t know what you’ve got.”

The couple has already encountered some turbulence. Since the show began airing, they’ve both seen and heard things they weren’t privy to when it was taped at the end of last summer.

“The reality of it is, this show has put a little bit of a strain on the relationship,” Buerge said.

Even though Helene was warned about what she would see, such as Buerge being intimate with other women, “it’s an entirely different thing for her to see that. These are issues she’s never had to deal with before,” he said.

And of course it bothers her, “just like it would any human being. We all have feelings. ... And the fact that we were sequestered (after the taping) was difficult. It’s not like I can be there to comfort her,” Buerge said.

For now, Helene will continue to work as a school psychologist in New Jersey and has no immediate plans to move to Springfield.

“It will be a long-distance relationship for as long as it needs to be, until we feel it’s right to make it otherwise,” Buerge said.

But even if the two can get past the public airing of their private relationship, the long-distance angle could pose problems.

Paul Schulte, a licensed social worker and professional counselor at Burrell Behavioral Health, said he’s confident even TV love can work out if Buerge and Helene want it to.

“But I don’t believe in love at first sight,” Schulte said. “I believe in attraction at first sight. Love builds over time.”

And that’s why long-distance relationships often derail.

“What Aaron and his mate need to consider when the cameras are off and the lights are gone is that they are very clear with one another about the frequency of their communication,” he said.

Relationships are built on love, communication and negotiation. With the two living in different states, that will be difficult to achieve.

“One of the most important elements for a relationship is, how much will they allow someone to be part of their life, to be special. ... And if you’re living in separate cities, you are essentially implying that something else takes precedence over the relationship,” Schulte said.

Buerge said he and Helene look forward to the publicity dying down and spending time together. They will spend this weekend in New York, and as soon as it’s possible, he wants to introduce Helene to his friends in Springfield and visit Gloucester City, N.J., her hometown.

“Both of us can’t wait for the notoriety to wear off so we can go out freely together,” he said.

So why offer a ring if he isn’t quite ready for marriage? Buerge said it was his way to show her he was committed to continuing the relationship after such a bizarre beginning.

“Meeting somebody in such a unique situation, we would definitely want to make sure we were both on the same page and committed to seeing each other exclusively after this show is over when we’re back in the real world,” he said.

“And a good way to do that was through an engagement.”

Link

Abby7

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 02:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I just watched the tape from last night (I didn't watch it last night). After the show, the local ABC News/Entertainment segment showed Aaron doing a guest spot on the TV Series "Less Than Perfect".

The episode he is on will air December 17. I don't know if this was already posted so won't go into more detail unless someone asks (I have it on tape still). Just basically, they showed a clip with Aaron taping the show, and then a interview. He said "I won't be quitting my day job any time soon" for one thing. He was very friendly and down to earth in the interview. It was all about his guest appearance....nothing to do with "The Bachelor".

Mygetaway

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 06:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Aaron and Helene were just on Caroline Rhea here. It was pretty funny. She asked them some of her Amercian Bridal questions. They were much more relaxed and playful.. I wish I had taped it so I could give more details. It will be on ABC family next Thursday/Friday at midnight (I think) if you want to try and catch it.

Abby7

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 07:13 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hi Mygetaway: I understand how you don't remember any details, I'm the same way. However, can you remember ANY questions? Just wondering. No problem if you can't. Thanks.

Mygetaway

Thursday, November 21, 2002 - 07:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Let's see... she asked her if she'd let any of Aarons old gfs come to the wedding, and she said yes. As long as they were friends....Caroline whacked her in the head with the card..LOL
She asked if she would wear a pink wedding dress and Helene said no.
She asked if Helene would let Aaron have a female best man, and I think she said maybe, but then Caroline said something about Gwen.
Helene said she hasn't spoken to Gwen directly, but she is looking forward to getting together with her, and then comparing notes... she was teasing Aaron.
She asked if they are going to put a hot tub into their apartment.. and she teased Helene that on that last date, she was wearing different clothes when she left.
She gave them a toaster (t-fal wide slot) and a braun blender for engagement gifts.

That's all I can remember for now, but it was pretty funny.

Mygetaway

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 12:12 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh yeah... she asked them if they were going to do a prenup and they kind of laughed at first, but then Aaron said yes.

Fruitbat

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 05:55 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Helene is getting looser as the interviews progress. With each one it is coming out that viewing the TV show has caused her to doubt Aarons love for her. No wonder!

Minnyace01

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 06:15 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Fruitbat - no doubt about it. She seems to be much more relaxed as the day went on. They do have a chemistry between them and can make it work if they want it to but he is going to have to win her back a little. Did you ever notice how he says some really dumb things - like wanting to contact Gwen as a friend. You can almost hear Helene just reading him the riot act over that last night when they were alone together.

Mack

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 07:12 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I saw an interesting interview with Anderson Cooper last night on cable news (MSNBC or CNN???). He'd spend a great deal of Thursday with Aaron and Helene including going to lunch with them without the cameras. Anderson was asked what he thought about the match. He was not impressed. He said that while they were quite talkative on camera they hardly said a word to each other at lunch. He thought it was strained between them. Having become a fan of Cooper's during The Mole shows I thought his candid observations were interesting.

Fruitbat

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 07:14 am EditMoveDeleteIP
At one point I thought all of his doubt over who to choose was encouraged by production to keep the suspense. That really he knew he would choose Helene from early on. Now if this were actually the case, he would have warned Helene about this and she would be more comfortable at this point. Seems I was wrong.

Goddessatlaw

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 07:18 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I saw them this morning on FoxNFriends. Aaron looked tired, but he was in a good mood. They held hands the whole time, Helene didn't say much (she wasn't asked much). I did notice she kept checking herself out in the monitor. They didn't say much that wasn't already reported elsewhere, except Aaron couldn't identify what it was about Helene that set her apart from the pack. They both said they're looking forward to the furor dying down so they can have a normal relationship. They've agreed on a small wedding when it gets to that point (Brian Kilmeade tried to wangle an invitation, he watched the whole show).

Fruitbat

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 07:21 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Mack, nice find, thanks. This relationship will not make it. Neither will Alex and Amanda.

Wonder if either will contact anyone they met on the show?

Mack

Friday, November 22, 2002 - 08:47 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Fruitbat. While my wife and I enjoy watching the Bachelor we also remind ourselves that it's a TV show and almost a situation comedy. The problem is that I think people like Gwen, Brooke and Heather take it really personally and obviously get hurt in the process. Finding a suitable mate is hard enough as it is without the artificial conditions of the Bachelor scenario.

We're also convinced that Aaron made up his mind very early in the show and that between editing and coaching the producers made it look like he was really still sorting the ladies out. Aaron said he actually starting focusing on Helene at about half way through the show. I think Aaron's apparent distress at the end of the show was more because he knew he'd led Brooke on than it was that he'd made a hard decision. Having said that, neither of us can explain his "I hope I haven't made a mistake" comment to Brooke as he lead her out to the limo. Kind of a wierd thing to say that doesn't quite fit and I think he'd used the same line with Gwen. Maybe he's more of a flake than we thought. :-)

Abby7

Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:12 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Regarding my previous post on this thread about Aaron being on "Less Than Perfect". I just realized the show will air TOMORROW, tuesday, nov. 26 (NOT Dec. 17 as I posted earlier).

Grooch

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 02:43 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Has Buerge been calling?


By Patrick Graham
The Reporter

Published December 10, 2002

If you are going to spend any length of time with Brooke Smith you had better get used to one thing: the sound of the telephone ringing.

Smith has been receiving calls from all over the country — and a lot of them — since an estimated 33 million viewers watched the final episode of “The Bachelor” on ABC three weeks ago. Many of the calls come from well wishers checking in to see how Smith has been holding up, while many others come from those who are interested in Smith taking part in any number of different potential projects.

Smith has also been in regular contact with several of the other bachelorettes who appeared on this season’s show, like Haley from Oregon, Heather from Texas and Christi, yes that Christi, from Idaho.

“It feels like they have been my friends forever because they were there with me in the ‘Bachelor bubble,’” Smith said.

Last Thursday, for example, while Smith was conducting an interview with The Sand Mountain Reporter for this story, Gwen called from Philadelphia to discuss a book the two have been considering writing about their experience on the show.

But has Smith heard from the bachelor himself, Aaron Buerge of Springfield, Mo., since Buerge made Helene his choice and the new couple and Smith parted company after a joint appearance on “Good Morning America” the day after the show’s final episode?

“No comment,” is all Smith would say when asked.

Perhaps the answer can be found in Smith’s response when asked whether or not she thinks Buerge and Helene will make it as a couple.

“No,” Smith said. “I pray the best for them, but it’s my personal opinion that they won’t make it. I think there is someone else out there for her.

“I love her, but I don’t love her and him together.”

And if Buerge did try and contact her, would Smith accept the call?

“Hypothetically, if Aaron called me I would love to talk to him,” Smith said. “And if he wanted to get back into my life I would love to give him another shot.”

And why would Smith be willing to take Buerge back after he picked another in front of a national television audience and during interviews since has indicated he hopes to make the relationship with Helene work?

“I just think it’s meant to be and there were a lot people on the show and associated with the show who thought the same way,” she said.

If Buerge doesn’t re-enter the picture, Smith apparently won’t be hurting for prospects. The 22-year-old from Albertville continuously receives mail at the home of her parents, Sharon and John David Karr, from single guys who send pictures of themselves and the equivalent of resumes in an attempt to court Smith through the U.S. Postal Service.

“It’s amazing to me,” John David said. “Our light bill will get lost going across town but these guys will send stuff from all over the country addressed to “Brooke Smith in Albertville, Alabama” and the letters come right to our mailbox.”

Dad’s a celebrity now, too

Almost as amazing is the celebrity status John David has attained as a result of his now famous “Bama Room.” The room, which features one of the finest collections of Crimson Tide memorabilia found anywhere, has been the topic of a Sports Illustrated article and the subject of many a conversation among Alabama fans since it debuted on the hometown visit episode of the show.

In a spoof on “The Bachelor” done by Huntsville ABC affiliate Channel 31, photographer Joe Rogers was forced to choose between Smith and the “Bama Room,” eventually choosing the room.

But John David doesn’t really like talking about the recognition he now receives as a result of the show, instead putting the focus on Smith.

“I have always been proud of her,” John David said. “But because of this seven-week process and the maturity she has shown through all of it, I’m more proud of her now than ever.

“I like just asking her to go places with me because I like to see the attention Brooke is getting and I’m thinking the whole time, ‘That’s my baby daughter.’”

Mom knew all along

Sharon said the popularity and opportunities Smith now enjoys makes her feel good about encouraging Smith to do the show, a decision questioned by some locally when the show first began airing.

“I knew Brooke’s heart from the beginning, and I knew she was in it for the right reasons,” Sharon said. “And at the end everyone realized she was in it for the right reasons.”

Sharon said the positive national attention Smith has brought to Albertville and the state makes everyone feel as though they also were able to be a part of the show.

“I’m proud of her, but I’m also proud for her because I think this has been a wonderful opportunity for Brooke that has opened doors that would have never been opened otherwise,” she said.

The hardest part

Sharon and John David said the most difficult part of their “Bachelor” experience actually came while the show was being taped rather than when it was being aired.

“It was almost like someone had kidnapped your child,” John David said. “There was a period of time there where we couldn’t have any contact with her, we didn’t know where she was or what she was doing and that was really tough.”

Watching the show was certainly a roller coaster ride of emotions as well, John David said, starting with the now infamous hot tub scene in the first episode.

“I remember turning to Sharon and saying, ‘Uh, Brooke didn’t mention that to me,’” he said.

Rough time for Smith

Something Smith said she wishes she hadn’t mentioned at all was the unfortunate set of circumstances surrounding her biological father.

“I regret talking about my biological father,” Smith said. “If I had to do it over again I would just tell Aaron my parents were Sharon and John David.

“I say that not because I’m ashamed of my biological father but because it has caused that side of the family so much hurt, heartache and harassment from tabloid reporters,” she said.

Smith said she brought it up because she thought it was something Aaron should know, but she thought she would be able to tell him out of view of the cameras.

Once ABC producers had it on tape, however, they encouraged her to talk about her father’s situation, she said.

“There should have been some things (Aaron) could find out without having to put it on national television,” Smith said.

Common questions

Smith answered some common questions she receives about “The Bachelor”:

• Was the show real or was it all scripted? “They didn’t tell us what to say or anything like that. The majority of the show is what they would call ‘in the moment interviews’ where they pulled you aside to try and find out what was going on and what direction things were heading.”

• Was it hard to act like you might have won knowing you hadn’t? “It was really hard especially at the end because I felt like I had let everybody down. But the way everyone has responded has been really wonderful.”

• Who was your favorite bachelorette? Haley “because she was such a good listener and so much fun to be around. But I really loved all the girls.”

• Who was your least favorite bachelorette? “Helene, just because she ended up stealing my man.”

• What was your favorite episode? The hometown visit “because Aaron got to meet my parents and see my hometown.”

• What was your least favorite episode? The season finale. “I will never watch it again.”

What is in the future

Another common question for Smith is whether or not she was paid to be on the show or to finish in the top two. Smith said the only compensation she received from ABC was expenses and a stipend equivalent to the salary she would have been paid had she been at work at Abercrombie and Fitch in Birmingham rather than filming the show.

The payoff for Smith, however, may be coming in the not-too-distant future as the positive impression she has made on television translates into potential opportunities. In fact, she and her parents are already discussing hiring representation for Smith to help them sift through the different offers she is beginning to receive.

“I may be going back to New York for a project on ‘Good Morning America,’” Smith said. “Right now they don’t know if it would be a single episode or a series, but it’s looking pretty good.”

Closer to home, Smith has already signed a contract to appear in advertising for Billy Thrash Automotive in Albertville. Smith will be at Billy Thrash on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a personal appearance designed to generate toy donations for the Christmas Coalition.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to do some charity work,” Smith said.

John David said the national exposure has impacted the lives of everyone in the family, but the important thing is the show changes Smith’s life for the better.

“This thing has changed a lot of people’s lives, like the people all over the country who fell in love with Brooke and felt like they got to know her,” John David said. “But I don’t want to see changes for me or for Sharon. I want to see changes for Brooke.” SERVICES
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Hermione69

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 03:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
What a nice article! Thanks for posting this!

Sbw

Wednesday, December 11, 2002 - 03:41 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Grooch, thanks for posting that here.

Grooch

Friday, December 20, 2002 - 06:24 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
DIAMOND GIRL'S PROPHECY RINGS TRUE


By LEONARD GREENE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Bachelor" winner Helene Eksterowicz, was a popular teen at Gloucester City HS, where she was crowned prom queen.


December 15, 2002 -- Helene Eksterowicz, the woman to whom wealthy "Bachelor" Aaron Buerge proposed on national TV last month, had a seemingly prophetic objective in high school: to "marry somebody rich who will put up with me," according to her senior yearbook.
Eksterowicz - part of the Class of '93 at Gloucester City HS in New Jersey - also bleached her hair a dirty blond and wore it in a tight curl back in those days.

In addition to being voted prom queen, Eksterowicz played girls' softball, field hockey and was a member of the literary staff, the math club and the word-processing association.

For her performance on the softball field, fans and teammates called her "the seductive swinger."

And long before Eksterowicz was given a 2.15-carat Harry Winston solitaire engagement ring, she posed for a yearbook picture with her teammates behind second base under a headline that reads, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend."

It would seem the years have improved Eksterowicz's conversational skills. In high school, her favorite saying was, "Hey baby, what's your sign?"

Hopefully, it has done the same for her musical taste. Her favorite song in high school: "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men.

NY Post

Ariasmum

Tuesday, December 24, 2002 - 08:12 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I wouldn't say that Helene's conversational skills are much improved. It seemed like every sentence she uttered was followed by 'and everything else' or 'you know what I mean?'!

Grooch

Friday, December 27, 2002 - 06:13 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Famous Fiance Says Romance With 'The Bachelor' Is Real



BY KIM MULFORD
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE

It's been an unusual romance, what with the nightly long distance phone calls, the reporters hanging around and the strangers asking personal questions at the mall.
Some might believe it's a made-for-TV fairy tale, just too good to be true.
But Helene Eksterowicz really is in love with Aaron Buerge, since the pair met earlier this year on ABC's hit TV show, "The Bachelor."
Despite Internet chat rumors of another woman and media musings to the contrary, his diamond engagement ring still sparkles on her left hand. Their courtship is real, she says.
"I have to believe that his intentions are true, or else I wouldn't go see him," says 27-year-old Eksterowicz, who lives in Gloucester City, N.J. "I will not live a lie for ABC or anyone else, for my own self-respect."
Eksterowicz was the last woman left standing on the reality series, which featured 25 women vying for the affections of one man over seven episodes. By the end of the show, Buerge and Eksterowicz were engaged.
Since the series ended, speculation over their love life has simmered. Is Aaron seeing another woman? Did Helene give his ring back? Didn't they break up?
Reporters constantly bug her at work and at home, asking Eksterowicz for answers to such questions.
Once while shopping at the King of Prussia Mall in suburban Philadelphia, Eksterowicz was stopped by a woman who wanted to see her ring. Is the engagement for real, she asked?
It was disheartening to hear, Eksterowicz says.
"You really could go crazy listening to everything that's out there," sighs Eksterowicz, who returned to her full-time job as a child psychologist. "I hate to disappoint them, but they're not going to hear anything bad from me."
Buerge recently told his hometown newspaper that he and Eksterowicz are taking time to get to know each other.
"We're still seeing each other exclusively . . . despite what the tabloids say," Buerge says.
The two talk every night on the phone and sometimes by e-mail. They talk about their day and the goofy stuff traded by sweethearts.
This month, she has flown twice to his hometown of Springfield, Mo., for weekend visits with the 28-year-old banker and his family and friends.
After spending Christmas with family, he plans to visit her in South Jersey, she says.
Eventually, she hopes the media hype will fade so they can work on having a normal relationship. Buerge has said much the same thing.
"It will be a long-distance relationship for as long as it needs to be, until we feel it's right to make it otherwise," Buerge said. "Both of us can't wait for the notoriety to wear off so we can go out freely together."
Buerge has enjoyed the spotlight a bit more than Eksterowicz. He has made more guest appearances on television shows, while Eksterowicz has turned down many interview requests and media appearances because of her work schedule.
There has already been talk about a possible wedding location. Aaron, a Methodist, wants to marry in Italy, says Helene, who is Catholic.

Still, life for Eksterowicz has totally changed, says her sister-in-law, Leona Eksterowicz of Maple Shade, N.J.
"I think she's been on a complete whirlwind," says Leona, who is married to Helene's oldest brother, Joe. "People are sending her cards and letters and guys want to meet her and she's been giving out her autograph.
It's such a change from the quiet lifestyle she has lived."
While her parents are no longer talking with the media, they are still happy for their youngest daughter's newfound love, says Leona Eksterowicz.
"I know her mother and father would like to see it work out between her and Aaron," she adds.
-- --
(Contributing: Springfield News-Leader reporter Sony Hockland)

Denecee

Friday, December 27, 2002 - 01:07 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks Grooch!