"The Bachelor" is America's way of living vicariously through a man who's on a journey to find "true love," and through all 25 of the women trying so desperately to win his heart. While I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a fan of the show, I will admit that I've watched a few seasons, although I like to look at it as more of a game show than a love story. This is especially true after some thorough investigation (see sources below) revealed things I would have never expected. I've concluded that the producers of the show have much more control over the outcome than you might think.

After a final interview lasting about 12 hours, potential contestants are required to take an STD test and undergo a three-day psychological evaluation to verify their sanity. In addition, each girl must take a “camera test” to see how photogenic she is.

Contestants are stripped of most possessions
This includes cellphones, magazines, computers, music and books. According to contestant Leslie Hughes, “the only things I was allowed to keep were my journal and my Bible.”

Some of the landscaping are not real
This includes those lovely roses at the front of the mansion.

The lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as you might think
There is not much space at all for the 25 girls; they sleep in bunk beds and share tiny bathrooms. They also do everything you’d do in your own home for themselves, including the laundry and cooking.

They don’t have professional stylists
It’s up to the girls to make themselves look presentable for the camera. All of their makeup, clothes and hair supplies are brought from home.

They have specific rules regarding wardrobe
They’re told not to bring “stripes, small checkered patterns, big patterns and solid white.” However, they are required to bring as many dresses as there are rose ceremonies in case they make it all the way to the end, which is unlikely and probably costs a fortune.

The filming is constant
From the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep, the microphones are put on each contestant.

The cast is completely isolated
They’re essentially trapped in the mansion or in whatever hotel they may be staying at. They’re cut-off from the world so that they are forced to talk to each other. If they do need something to be purchased, they can pay a handler to go pick it up for them.

The Bachelor has access to some perks that the contestants do not
Before the show starts, he’s set up with a personal trainer to get him and keep him as fit as possible during the show. He also gets to keep all of the clothes he wears, including the suits.

Drinking is encouraged
The show provides plenty of alcohol because as a result of drinking, the girls become more talkative and more sensitive.

Rose ceremonies aren’t entirely up to the Bachelor
Producers do have a say in who gets a rose -- sometimes for the purpose of more dramatic television, and sometimes for serious infractions, like relationships with staff members.

Producers intentionally induce tears
For each show, one producer must take on the task of making sure the girls cry during the interviews.

No one can eat the food on dates
When you see that pretty plate full of food sitting in front of the happy couple, you might be surprised to learn that they aren’t allowed to actually eat it. Apparently it interferes with the microphones because they pick up all of the sounds of chewing. The producers send meals to the hotel rooms of whoever is going on the date so that they can eat beforehand.

The kiss you’re seeing is probably not spontaneous
Multiple kisses are filmed before one is chosen to air on the show.

The interviews aren’t necessarily authentic
They’re not as “in the moment” as you may think. The ones that are placed between rose ceremonies or portions of dates are sometimes not as complete as the producers would like, so “pickups” have to be filmed months later, and this requires the contestant to recreate her exact outfit and state of mind from the day of the date.

“Dark Days” are sometimes fun
The day after a rose ceremony is known as a “dark day,” and in the past, the girls have been allowed to do things such as watch a movie, get their nails done or visit a spa.

The rings are unbelievably pricey
The one Chris Soules gave to Whitney Bischoff cost about $92,000!!!

72 hours?

According to Ali Fedotowsky from season 14, the most time you could possibly spend with the Bachelor throughout the season, including time in the fantasy suite, is about 72 hours. Can you really get to know a person in that time frame?

So the goal of this hit series is love, marriage and all that jazz. But reading all about how the show is actually made makes me wonder if that's realistic. I don't think I could make any kind of judgment about someone I've gotten to know for a mere 72 hours let alone agree to spend the rest of my life with them. I'm not saying that you should stop watching "The Bachelor," I'm just suggesting that you watch it with caution, and realize that reality TV is probably not a realistic platform for finding your soulmate. However, it can be quite entertaining, and I am definitely grateful for that.

This information was gathered from a few sources: http://www.allure.com/celebrity-trends/2015/bachelor-contestant-beauty-secret-confessions, http://www.bustle.com/articles/60550-15-behind-the-scenes-bachelor-secrets-from-sean-lowes-new-book-for-the-right-reasons, http://www.looper.com/2871/secrets-abc-doesnt-want-know-bachelor/, http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/10/the-bachelor-ex-contestant-leslie-hughes-spills-nine-secrets-about-the-show.html