As the most recent season of America’s beloved show, “The Bachelor,” comes to an end, I’ve come to realize how much I hate the process.
It’s long, ruthless and incredibly publicized -- not to mention it’s destroying whatever’s left of the old dating habits.
Don’t get me wrong, I too was captivated by Ben’s smile and the whole "tall, dark and handsome" façade. However, I can’t seem to see the point in the process.
So call me old fashioned, but here are seven ways “The Bachelor” is distorting the way we look at dating.
1. There’s no effort in the process.
Everything we see only happens because our entertainment industry funded it. They set up the dates, the gifts, the moods -- all he does is show up.
2. You don’t feel special.
I mean how can you, when every time you finish a date, you know he’s turning around to meet the next girl? He may have you tricked into thinking you’re special, but be warned, he’s still got the idea of locking lips with the next hottie in his agenda.
3. You don’t have any ‘personal moments.’
Every time you lean in to share the kiss, the camera goes with you. Every time you need a moment to be alone and cry, they’ve followed you. And don’t even think about closing the door to muffle your fight, they’ll climb through the window before they let you have your privacy.
4. You become completely reliable on this one person.
Everything you do, you do to please this one guy. You begin to change to what he likes, and every move he makes, you follow right behind him. You’re like a lost puppy who has finally found his owner -- only he doesn’t own you and he doesn’t have to love you.
5. True love at first sight definitely applies here...for all 28 girls.
We hear about fairy tales coming true, except never quite in this way. Before the girls even meet him, they’re automatically falling head over heels for him. They have the mindset that he’s the one, and it becomes their mission to make him fall into mutual love with them... kinda an odd way to go about it, eh?
6. It sets unrealistic expectations for what real dating is actually like.
I mean, you can’t really expect every man to whisk you away to a private island right? This show is literally classified as a ‘game show’. It’s practically the "Hunger Games" of dating and yet somehow, everyone seems to get past that.
7. Finally, can you even trust the guy?
So whether you love the show or hate it, remember to live in reality -- but know it’s always okay to dream because dating is hard.
It doesn’t come with giant romantic getaways, fan clubs or even the plus side of getting paid. It’s complicated, filled with hard work and certainly no salary is involved.
But who knows, every story is unique, and your bachelor may be just around the corner.
