One of my favorite parts of Mondays this summer has been watching the Bachelorette. And now, Monday and Tuesday evenings are dedicated to Bachelor in Paradise. While these made for reality dating shows are over the top there’s still some good lessons that can be taken from them. Plus, I’m sharing this navy, polka dot dress that’s perfect for the August heat.
5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise Click To TweetEditor’s Note: I will be referencing events that have occurred in already aired episodes of the Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. If you’re behind and don’t want to be spoiled, bookmark this and come back.
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5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise | Social. Media. Stalk. Your. People.
Okay, bear with me but we’re rewinding a bit to talk about Bachelorette Hannah. Tyler C. was the obvious right choice, but alas good sis picked Jed. In the finale she discusses that he revealed to her two days after their engagement that he’d been “hanging out with” a girl back home. Personally, I could never do one of these shows because not being able to social media stalk someone would make me nervous. If I did though, the first thing I’d do after the show ended would be a deep dive!
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Jed wouldn’t even have the chance to tell me that he’d been hanging out with someone back home, because I’d already know. {If you doubt my skills/if the CIA wants work samples, check this Twitter thread.}
5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise | “What Is This?”
Switching gears to BIP: if someone tells you that they don’t want to be in a serious relationship — believe them. If you’re ok with casually dating and the idea of this person dating someone else, then go for it. If not, move on (and don’t be ashamed if casual dating isn’t for you!) I think a lot of people want to come across as laid back and not make a partner feel like they’re being rushed, but there’s nothing wrong with defining a relationship.
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While being direct can be nerve racking, but having conversations about where you’re at can save you a lot of heartache. Usually, I’ll bring up how much I’m enjoying spending time with a person, let them reply, and then broach the topic of dating exclusively.
5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise | Representation Matters
While I’ve enjoyed watching the Bachelor franchise the past couple years, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the lack of diversity. Look I get that it’s reality television, but can we get some plus size men and women? A black bachelor? {I’m firmly on team Mike for Bachelor not just because I think it’s about dang time that ABC has a black male lead after 20+ seasons, but also because he seems like a great guy!} This season of Bachelor in Paradise is showcasing the first bisexual relationship in the American franchise which is wonderful, although maybe a little too staged.
Ultimately, we all want to feel included. Click To TweetRELATED: Please Do Better: An Open Letter About Inclusion
Still even with the storyline feeling scripted, my heart was warmed seeing LGBTQ+ Bachelor Nation fans share their joy in being represented on the series. Ultimately, we all want to feel included; in real life, on tv, in advertisements, etc.
5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise | It’s Nice to Feel Wanted
Just like everyone likes feeling included, it’s nice to feel wanted. I’ve talked about this before in my networking tips blog post, but people like feeling interesting. One way to have good conversations is to genuinely listen and ask follow up questions when you’re interested. Most of us can think of a person or conversation we had where someone only talked about themselves. Relationships, both platonic and romantic, should be give and take with conversations as well as emotions.
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5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise | Don’t Settle for a Bare Minimum Man, Go After a Man That Puts in Effort! But Really: Having Standards In Dating Isn’t Bad.
Real life Disney Princess Tayshia connected with dreamy John Paul Jones last week after he recited a Shakespeare sonnet to her. This was of course after she caught up in all the Blake drama because she thought he was sO cUtE. There will be plenty of handsome men, men that can dance, men that are good kissers, but the kind, compassionate, thoughtful partners are what we should strive for!
Why we should respect our own expectations. Click To TweetRELATED: New Season, New Goals? Revisiting My Resolutions
ICYMI, I’ve been pretty open on how I think dating as a millennial is trash, but a huge part of it is people want kudos for the bare minimum. Replying to a text in a timely manner or telling me I’m pretty doesn’t make someone a great catch. We should continue to seek more, have high standards, and respect our own expectations in relationships.
5 Things We Can Learn from Bachelor in Paradise | The Outfit
There’s something about this navy and hot pink combo that I absolutely love. JustFab sent me this dress earlier in the summer for an Instagram partnership and I love the lightweight fabric for summer. It also comes in a peach print and both are 50% off right now. While I love pairing the navy polka dot dress with white statement earrings, I switched things up here and pulled out these beaded statement earrings from Ten & Two Shop. They have added a ton of inventory and new styles in & you can save 30% + get free shipping with code NICOLE30. My pink heels were a super clearance find and are still in limited stock for around $10!
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