Dating Lessons From The Bachelor
Start as friends, share your hobbies with each other, go slowly, and get the opinions of those who know you.
Do you watch The Bachelor? Do you wonder what a show like this can teach us about dating and relationships? Here are a few important lessons, learned from this season o
Yet another season of ABC's "The Bachelor" has concluded. Are you sick of the whole "pick-a-partner-on-reality-TV" phenomenon? Regardless of where you are on the spectrum, certainly all of us in dating can learn from this season's "Bachelor" featuring Dr. Travis Stork and his 25 would-be Mrs.'
1. The best relationships start with a friendly foundation. As we watched the season unfold, Travis was really "just friends" with schoolteacher Sara initially. We were reminded that the best foundation for a relationship is to be friends first.
Find hobbies you both have in common. Travis & Sara's last date was playing tennis. Even though she wasn't fantastic, she was having fun. At the end of the evening, I distinctly remember Travis saying, "This was the perfect date!"
Also I think it is important to expose each other to new experiences or teach each other skills one has but the other doesn't. This enriches the relationship.
2. We also see first-hand the importance of going slow. Travis & Sara had physical passion, but they did not rush this. It took quite awhile before they even gave each other a kiss!
Travis got her the ring she wanted, but did NOT propose. He gave it to her on a necklace as a symbol of what they had begun, and what they would take back to the States to see where it would go in Tennessee, and in "real life."
Reality TV shows put immense pressure on relationships to develop at warp speed, and as life imitates art, relationships also need develop this rapidly. The best things that have the firmest solid foundation, I believe, progress slowly, and naturally.
3. Don't under-value the importance of getting the opinions of those around you, and listening to those who know you best. Have friends and family meet your significant other and listen to what they say. I felt Travis' family definitely established a better connection with Sara than Moana when they met, and their input may have somehow, even slightly, influenced his final decision.
Even though it is only meant for our entertainment (and to help the network garner high ratings!), we can still learn valuable lessons about relationships and dating from television.
