There's something different about Ben Higgins' relationship with his fiance, Jessica Clarke. "I don't think it would have been that hard two years ago to watch -- I think I could have done it. And though he didn't find lasting love on The Bachelor, Higgins is still grateful for the journey it led him on. "I don't think [I'd be] with my fiance now if the show didn't happen, just because of random circumstances." RELATED CONTENT:Ben Higgins on the 'Weird' Aspect of Opening Up About His Sex Life With Jessica ClarkeBen Higgins on Why He and Jessica Clarke Are Waiting to Have Sex Until MarriageBen Higgins Is Engaged to Girlfriend Jessica Clarke -- See the Photos

In an interview with ET's Lauren Zima on Monday, Higgins said he wishes he never expressed his love to Fletcher. Watching his love confession to Fletcher, Higgins said he "felt pain." Even moments before his proposal to Bushnell, Higgins was discussing how much he could see himself married to Fletcher. Being with Clarke has allowed Higgins to see the difference between the love he feels for her and the love he felt for Fletcher and Bushnell. "Jessica knows this -- I still say like, 'I love JoJo and I love Lauren.'

Ben Higgins and Jessica Clarke are saving a few firsts until after they've tied the knot. "It's going to be a year long distance," Higgins said in an interview with ET's Lauren Zima on Monday. Higgins and Clarke are also waiting to have sex -- and share a bed -- until marriage. However, Higgins also noted that he and Clarke made these commitments for their relationship before the coronavirus pandemic existed, and pushed their wedding date to the end of 2021. RELATED CONTENT:Ben Higgins on the 'Weird' Aspect of Opening Up About His Sex Life With Jessica ClarkeBen Higgins on Why He and Jessica Clarke Are Waiting to Have Sex Until MarriageBen Higgins Is Engaged to Girlfriend Jessica Clarke -- See the PhotosExclusiveExclusiveImageBylineJennifer DrysdaleTue, 06/23/2020 - 08:04

“Bachelor” nation fell in love with Ben during last season of “The Bachelorette.” Hearts everywhere broke with him when Kaitlyn Bristowe sent him home. Night one is all about the first impressions, and I think Ben made a lasting one. Isabel: Walked out in a onesie and told Ben she needed to know if he was the onesie for her. When they walked into the “Bachelor” mansion the other ladies tried to keep brave faces, but you could feel them fuming. Ben tried to reassure her.