“The Bachelor” and the Dream of Falling in Love

I wasn’t going to do it! I was determined to not get sucked into watching The Bachelor for another season.

But, then it happened—a commercial teased me into viewing one show, which led to another, and another. Sigh.

I’ll blame it on being a hopeless romantic and the fact that I’d like to see this season’s bachelor, Nick Viall, find someone to love. Nick is currently on his fourth stint in the Bachelor Nation franchise (Not once, but twice, he almost made it to the end with a bachelorette—and there was also that season on Paradise). I actually didn’t trust the man at first, but my heart has softened as he’s grown and revealed more of himself. I think Nick is a genuine person—another romantic who sincerely wants to find the right person—a partner in life.

I hope he does . . .

One of the things that’s so fascinating about the show is that thirty women are willing to compete for one man. In front of millions of people! AND they’re aware that same man repeatedly kisses their competition. In the real world, would any woman stay with a guy who was dating countless other females at the same time? I don’t think so . . .

I believe some women are there to find love. I’m also convinced that others are there to party, travel to exotic places, or get free publicity.

What blows my mind is how emotionally devastated many seem to be when they don’t receive a rose or are asked to leave because the bachelor isn’t “feeling it.” They cry, claiming to be deeply hurt. Or they whine about how they didn’t get enough time with him before he made the biggest mistake of his life and hugged them good-bye.

Really? These ladies have spent mere hours alone with Nick, if that. How could they truly have their hearts broken?

I think what happens is that the women are more in love with the idea of being in love than actually having a real connection with or deep feelings for the bachelor.

They become so consumed with the dream of what could be, they step out of reality.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with dreaming about a future with someone who thinks you’re the most important part of his world. Hello! Remember—I’m a romantic! I believe in happily-ever-after.

But, I’ve also learned that you can’t force love . . .

And the real thing goes deeper than romance.

I know a young woman who chased after love—tried to make it happen. She gave so much of herself, but in each case, she ended up brokenhearted, wondering if she’d ever find someone who would unselfishly care about her.

She decided to stop dating for a while and focus on her relationship with God. This young person strived to be a good friend and make a difference in the lives of others. When she least expected it, God brought a wonderful man into her life—someone who now truly loves and cherishes her.

Regardless of age or marital status, I think most of us want to be in a loving relationship. We can have that dream. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV).

I’m a dreamer, but sometimes, having the real thing is even better.

Are you a fan of The Bachelor?

Why do you think women are willing to compete for one man’s affections on a television show?

When it comes to love, what are the desires of your heart?

Dawn