Bachelor Nation where y’all at??? BIP, short for "Bachelor in Paradise," is back (can I get a whoop whoop?). With Rachel’s heart-wrenching season at a close, we all prepare to let loose as we watch the recycled (harsh?) cast members duke it out on an exotic island. I get chills just talking about it. The pressure and tension that you can usually feel through the screen during the normal Bachelor/Bachelorette cycles are significantly decreased as BIP is much more of a free-for-all with little to no rules at all. This season hasn’t even started yet and it has already created controversy, and filming was even shut down for a short period of time. No worries, however, because it is still set to air this coming Monday, August 14th. Now, many of you may think that the Bachelor franchise is “too much” and “not for you,” but let me tell you what… if you give it a chance, you might just find to be your new guilty pleasure. Here are my best tips on how to enjoy this season of Bachelor In Paradise. You’re welcome in advance.

1. Take everything the cast says and does with a grain of salt.

There is no limit to what these people might say or do. Some of it might be funny, maybe heartfelt. There will be tears, there will be make-outs practically right after an introduction, there will be pointless fights, and it will all probably seem ridiculous. BUT, that is what is so great about it! The ups and the downs, no matter how crazy it seems, is the thrill of the show. If you keep in mind that these people are drunk and most likely goaded by producers, you’ll be less likely to take offense as a human being.

2. Let yourself love the love stories.

Everyone loves a good fairy tale right? So let yourself believe in the romance, it’s fun! I am not ashamed to say that the cuteness level has driven me to tears many a time. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that most of the time the relationships don’t last and it is a whirlwind of alcohol and hormones, but it’s not impossible. There have been multiple MARRIAGES that have resulted from paradise including the beloved couple of Jade and Tanner, as well as last season’s unlikely sweethearts Carly and Evan, and both couples are expecting… just saying.

3. Embrace the drama.

If you’re like me, you lay low with the drama in real life. So you better believe that it’s fun to feel like you are in on all the latest excitement and dish. The show can get sleazy, thrilling, sexy, angering, empowering, degrading, happy and all of the emotions you could possibly feel. You will find yourself yelling at the TV and questioning the motives of the cast members. “WHY WOULD YOU KISS THEM?” “OH PLEASE [insert name here], YOU CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER!” “UGH.” *eye roll.* “He/she is TOTALLY not here for the right reasons.” *eye roll.* “That would definitely not happen in real life.” “Awe, so cute.” “I’m rooting for them.” *tears up* *eye roll*. You may have a monotonous boring life, a content average life, or an incredibly interesting life, but in any case, you will find what you need in this show.

4. DEAN. ENOUGH SAID.

This tip could also be titled “pick your favorites,” but what fun would that be? It is no secret that I, along with most of Bachelor nation, is obsessed with Dean Unglert. He is a hunky, sweet, funny, charming, and did I mention hunky 26-year-old who landed a solid fourth place finish on this past season of the Bachelorette. I know that I’ll be rooting for him, and it makes watching the show a lot more enjoyable/addictive when you have people you are looking forward to seeing. There are many returning people who are fan favorites and drama starters who will be a joy to watch. I will definitely be missing Ashley I this season. Now there are many people to choose from, and it all depends on your personality when it comes to choosing your favorites. You may love someone who your BFF strongly dislikes (hate is not an appropriate word since you don’t really know these people). Your favorites will come and go, and opinions on people will change so be prepared to have your heart broken.

Check out Dean here.

Check out the rest of this year’s cast here.

5. Make it “a thing.”

Get your girls together, have some wine, laugh, cry and all that good stuff. Or if you are like me, make it a weekly mother-daughter event. There are so many different types of viewing “parties,” even if it’s a party of one. No matter what, It’s a good feeling to be a part of something so big--which of course I’m talking about Bachelor Nation! It always gives you something to talk about with others at the salon, work, dinner, etc. The possibilities are endless. Trust me, once you go Bachelor, you don’t go back.

I’m not going to force you to watch Bachelor in Paradise, but if you ever felt like you want to watch it and be in the loop, but you just don’t know how to get “into it,” well, now you do. You have no excuses. (DVR is a life saver, BTW.) Whatever you choose, however, you will always get my rose. Happy watching!