Believe it or not, in between all of the dramatic moments, there are lots of lessons in love to be learned from watching "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Here are some of the most important ones:
1. It's OK to explore your options.
As long as you're open and up-front about what you're doing with everyone and anyone you're involved with, you are not in the wrong.
Side note: this does NOT mean you can cheat on people! If you are committed to someone and you are no longer interested in, be an adult and tell them before you pursue someone else.
2. Be open.
Don't be afraid to share your intentions with people you're dating. It's best to do this early on, especially if you want to avoid getting really attached to someone just to find out that you want very different things out of a relationship. No one wants to waste time or heartbreak like that.
3. Always be honest.
If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: honesty is the best policy! In this case, you gotta remember your ABCs! Always Be Candid. 😉
(To my fellow members of Bachelor Nation, sorry for the Cam reference, it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up!)
4. Ask for clarity.
If you don't know where things are going and want to check in with a partner/potential partner to see how your relationship is progressing or how you would like it to progress, don't be afraid to ask! You don't want to assume if you're not sure and end up heartbroken because you didn't know that you wanted different things. Ask. For. Clarity.
5. Be respectful.
To EVERYBODY. From the person you're dating or talking to, hooking up with, whatever. Be courteous and extend the same respect you would hope someone else gives to you.
6. Have an open mind.
This applies especially when you're dating someone new and just getting to know them, keep an open mind, because people will often differ in opinions with you on plenty of things, but if you have an open heart and an open mind and are accepting, then little differences shouldn't be anything to keep you apart — especially if you really like someone and have a strong connection with them. It'd be a shame to let all that go to waste because you have differing political views or because he likes pineapple on his pizza!
7. Stay in your lane.
For everyone in Bachelor Nation, I think we all learned this lesson from seeing Luke P. crash and burn when he made this mistake over and over again. Know when to keep to yourself and not meddle in other peoples' business, especially not in other peoples' love lives or relationships!
8. It doesn't always work out.
Sometimes, even though you may think you're going to end the game with a person, it doesn't work out. But that doesn't mean it's the end of the world! Life happens, and things often don't go as we expected them to! You can learn from these experiences and grow to be an even stronger person from them.
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