While many people who tune in to watch The Bachelor/Bachelorette usually view the show for entertainment purposes, there are some valuable components to the show that can be applied to life. Yes, it’s a completely unrealistic and artificial set-up for dating, but getting to choose from a group of contestants who were handpicked for you sounds like a dream. What’s so good about the dating format presented on the show, and how can we use its advantages in our own dating lives?
Trial Dating
The set-up of the show gives trial dates to the bachelor/bachelorette every week with rose ceremonies at the end. It’s simple: If the Bachelor/Bachelorette doesn’t see a future with one of the hopeful suitors, that person does not receive a rose. If they can do this on The Bachelor, why can’t we use a similar approach to our own dating?
When you’re single, it’s a good idea to go on a few dates with different people to see if you want to pursue a serious, exclusive relationship. Casual getting to know you dates can tell you a lot about a person. You can infer your compatibility by noticing the way they talk about what they’re interested in or react to what you bring up. Also, while you still want to keep the conversation light, bringing up a few important life topics, like your ambitions for the future, can let you know if this is the kind of person you want to be with for a more permanent relationship.
Who Gets Your Rose?
While dating is by no means a game, if you are casually dating a few different people and trying to decide who to pursue, borrow this helpful trick from the show. Go on your dates with the attitude that you are the Bachelor/Bachelorette and that you’re here to find the right person for you. If you’re still interested after a few of these dates, give them your “rose,” by letting them know that you’d like to get to know them better.
Don’t Settle
The Bachelor/Bachelorette is able to decide who to let go so easily because they know that there are plenty of other people out there. If there’s not connection, they don’t keep that person around hoping that a connection will materialize. There’s no reason why you have to settle in your dating life either. Date who you want to date, and let those who you don’t want to date, go.
Have fun with this process. Get to know new people and find the special someone who you want to be with. Date with the attitude of the Bachelorette and give your “rose” to whomever you feel is the right person.
