Confession: I’ve been a faithful watcher of The Bachelor and Bachelorette over the past years. I’ve only missed a couple seasons, but I’ve been really stuck on it over the last several seasons because the producers at ABC are very sneaky. Instead of selecting new Bachelors and Bachelorettes from outside the world Bachelor world, producers keep selecting previously rejected guys and gals.
So what happens is that the viewers get emotionally invested in certain cast members, so when they return for later seasons, we feel compelled to watch their stories.
Now I’m not claiming that The Bachelor is any sort of high-class, mentally-stimulating television, but it certainly is an interesting look at the desire to be in love and just how far people will go for 15 minutes of fame. And, of course, with each new episode comes “the most dramatic rose ceremony, EVER!” What’s not to love about that?
My friends and roommates are also big fans of the show, so up until the most recent season, we spent a couple hours every Monday night trying to figure out which of the 25 Bachelorettes our Bachelor will select.
But this season I decided to take myself out of that usual rhythm. Even though I watched Jillian dismiss Jake last season, I chose not to get invested in Jake’s search for the woman of his dreams. Not that I don’t like Jake–in fact I find him one of the best choices for Bachelor in many seasons. I just realized that I was spending 2 hours every week watching a show that would just suck me in for another 2 hours every week next season and the next and the next.
Now that Jake’s season is almost over, I can look back on the last several weeks grateful for the hours I’ve saved. I don’t really feel like I’ve missed out on anything, even though Amy and Katie and Steph area still watching it. I hear things every now and then, but it’s a really freeing feeling not being caught up in a story that experience tells us will likely end badly for Jake and his chosen.
I highly recommend giving up something you don’t need and freeing up some time for something you should do. In my case something like … writing. 🙂
Aww, you are missing out, but I totally applaud your dedication to your craft!
Stef, I wish I spent those 2 hours every week just writing, but that’s not entirely true. 🙂 I’ve just got to work on that whole discipline thing.
And Daddio, I’m not sure how to add your picture. I’ll tinker around and see how it’s done. I’ll let you know. And no mocking “authorish” photos. 🙂
no WAY, dude! i don’t know what i’d do without chris harrison in my life. i won’t be joining your side anytime soon. 🙂
E- There is nothing non-spiritual about watching the Bachelor or not watching it. I will say I have been an occasional fan, but like you, I did not invest in this season. After reading a certain nameless book that is ruining my life, I am reminded that the things of this world will pass away and only Christ will last. So, where do we draw lines for what to keep and what to give up?
How do I change my profile to add my authorish photo?
I haven’t really watched the Bachelor since the first couple of seasons…until now. I have definitely been sucked in, and now I hate it because from all indications, it will end badly for all involved (like I didn’t see that coming).
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