When I ask others, "Do you watch 'The Bachelor/Bachelorette'?" I either hear, "Omg yes!!" or "No way, that is the stupidest show ever." While I recognize there are many reasons against watching it, many people find this showing entertaining. This season is ABC's 20th season of "The Bachelor" (there have been 11 season's of "The Bachelorette"), which clearly indicates that it has received enough attention to stick around. If you've never turned the channel to ABC on Monday nights, I seriously recommend it for a perfect de-stresser as you start your week.
1. You can use it to bond with family and friends.
Everyone watches this show in my family- from my grandma, my dad, to my little sister (she closes her eyes during the kissing scenes). For years, my family takes a break from our busy lives and we sit down together on the couch to watch the show. Now being away at college, I have a reason to engage in a consistent conversion with them other then, "How are your classes?" I look forward to the texts between my dad and I asking "Omg, can you believe Olivia?" and "Which one do you think will get voted off?" In school, I look forward to making popcorn with my friends and getting ready to watch the "most dramatic season in bachelor history." Plus, you can always have a "Bachelor Viewing Party!"
2. You can follow the contestants on social media.
Tragically, I cannot follow Blair Waldorf or Michael Scott on Instagram. However, "The Bachelor/ Bachelorette" contestants are REAL people. Yes, I'm the type person that follows contestants from over 4 seasons ago to see what happened to them.
3. Look at the Contestants' occupations.
Over the years I've watched the show, I've seen contestants list professions such as "Free Spirit", "Twin", and "Pantsapreneur." My favorite one was "Dog Lover" from Juan Pablo's season. If there is such a thing where I can get paid for that, sign me up!
4. Learn about international places.
This one might seem like a stretch, but it is true! If you're like me and can't travel because of school and money, you'll be able to watch this show and learn about international countries, see beautiful scenery, and fun travel activities to do in foreign countries. Over the years, the show has taken place in South Korea, Ireland, Bali, and Belgium to name a few.
5. Laugh at the pointless drama.
After a long Monday, you can relax and think "Wait, did they seriously just say that?" From overdramatic reactions, to fashion mishaps, and dates gone wrong it is nice to sit back watch what some people flip out over.
6. You have a lot of fellow fans in the Bachelor Nation.
While "The Bachelor/ Bachelorette" is on T.V. I can guarantee that your Twitter timeline is going to be commenting on the drama during the episode. Bachelor Nation fans can pick up magazines and read Buzzfeed articles to continue their obsession for the show. Former contestants from previous seasons of the show and many Twitter accounts such as @PrincessProbz live tweet during episodes.
7. Some people ACTUALLY find love on this show.
After all, the entire point of the show is for the participate to genuinely fall in love with a contestant and propose to them during the season finale. Majority of these relationships end up dissolving, but some couples really did find their soul mate while on the show. Here are the couples that got married and are still going strong: Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney (Bachelor season 13), Sean Lowe and Catherine Lowe (Bachelor season 17), Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter (Bachelorette season 1), Ashley Hebert and JP Rosenbaum (Bachelorette season 7), and Desiree Hartstock and Chris Siegfried (Bachelorette season 9).
