I've been watching The Bachelor & The Bachelorette on ABC since the beginning! It started off with being the only show my college roommates and I agreed to watch together back in 2000. It was the dawn of the Reality Show era as well, so we suspected that this genius concept was probably just a fad. Fast forward to years later, I still consider this estrogen-fest a guilty pleasure and take notes on the creative dates, dressy outfits, and random displays of affection that are depicted.
My tenure as an avid viewer pays off. During the first show of the season, I create a list of the potential spouses that I think would be a good match for the Bachelor/Bachelorette. I then check that list throughout the season like it's my Fantasy Sports league or brackets. My picks are always among the Top 3 with eventually one being chosen. If there were a prize for that title, I'd pretty much win every season!
However, more often than not, the couples don't work out in real life. The recent "After the Final Rose" ceremony showed that there were only 4 couples (out of 15 seasons) still together. There was even a Bachelor Intervention of sorts to the new couple. It's okay though! Ryan's words of wisdom put it in great perspective -
"The 6 weeks you’re on the show, you’re on a cruise ship and everything’s taken care of. Then, they put you on a life boat, push you out, and it’s like stormy seas… That’s where you’re at right now. You’re gonna see that island out there, and you’ll be able to get to it, but it’s going to take a little bit of work! That’s where you’ll get stronger. That’s where you’ll be successful. Other Bachelor couples haven’t because they let those weaknesses get bigger and bigger until they finally broke apart. Just remember – It’s just you two. Say to each other daily, “It’s just us.” – RYAN & Trista
