Spilling the tea.

Bachelor Nation fans got to know Sam McKinney and Alli Jo Hinkes on “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” before they both appeared on Season 10 of “Bachelor in Paradise.”

While the two of them were both on the show, they missed each other on the beach by one week. And after weeks of speculation, Sam and Alli Jo confirmed their relationship earlier this year.

Now, the couple is sitting down exclusively with BachelorNation.com to dish on moving in together, a possible engagement, and more. 

Check out our full interview below!

Bachelor Nation: Hi Alli Jo and Sam, we’re excited to be chatting with you! How has life changed since you two hard-launched your relationship online?

Alli Jo: Hi, thank you! I’d say now when we’re out together in public and people recognize us, they’ll sometimes ask for photos or questions about the show, “Paradise,” or how everything unfolded. If anything, I think we have gotten a lot of positive feedback, especially online!

BN: That’s great! Looking back, was there a moment when things “clicked” and you realized you wanted to pursue something more?

AJ: For me, things really started to click after we both left the show and began talking on our own. Our connection developed in real time. Meeting in person was when it truly clicked. We had FaceTimed a few times beforehand, but being together in real life made everything feel very natural and clear. Sam and I are similar in that we’re very intuitive about people’s energy and intentions, and we’re both unapologetically ourselves. We also introduced each other to our families sooner than we normally would. We’re both very close with our families, and it was important for us to see how we fit into each other’s lives. We felt confident in our connection, but having our families’ stamp of approval made it feel even more real. 

BN: Love that! We know you two are currently long distance; how have you made it work as a couple so far? And how do you maximize the time you do get to spend together and stay emotionally connected while apart?

AJ: As I like to say, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” LOL. But in all seriousness, we have been making it work and I am really proud of us for that. We make each other a priority and that’s what matters. We like to see each other every other weekend. So far since we have met, we have only gone twice without doing that and it was only a few days longer! When we are together, we really make every second count whether it’s going out on a date night, cooking dinner together, spending time with each other’s family and friends… the normal stuff! We also share a note on our phone of a list of things we want to do together and we have checked off a few of them! Sam took me to Charleston for my birthday in November, which was on our list because I have always wanted to go! We never take our time together for granted. We maximize our time apart by talking on the phone at least three times a day, and of course texting, FaceTiming, and sending memes.

BN: Have you talked about potentially closing the distance someday soon? 

AJ: We sure have! We actually talked about this fairly early on in our relationship. We will be closing the distance when my lease is up! 

BN: How exciting! Any conversations about your long-term future together? (Sam, *hint hint* lol)

AJ: Absolutely. We talk about this pretty often, honestly. If we didn’t see a future together, neither of us would be wasting our time. Especially since we have to get on a plane to be with one another. Something I’ve learned about Sam is that he is a man of his word. Everything he says, he always follows through on. He is sincere, caring, and would take the shirt off his back for anyone who needed it. He makes me feel seen like no other man has. I can talk to him about everything; he gives the best advice! He is also observant and a really great listener. 

BN: That’s so sweet! After everything you’ve experienced together this year, what are you taking with you into the new year?

AJ: I think we are going into this year excited for what’s to come… even if it’s unknown which is scary for me. But as Sam likes to say, it’s not fun if you know everything in life! So that will be my new mindset, just to go with it! I’m really thankful and feel blessed that he came into my life when he did.