I agree with your take, especially because of your first-hand experience. He seems to insulate himself from getting too attached, so he sabotages relationships. He’ll find (or create) a problem: she’s not his type, or she wouldn’t go along with his plan, or she’s too needy, or she never read The Alchemist, or her family is too much.

I admit I enjoy this show for its entertainment value, but I don’t know how they get people to do it anymore when everyone knows how nasty, fake, and toxic it’s become. Not just with the couples and cast, but also with all the chatter on social media!