I’ll admit what I’m sure I’ve already admitted here before: The Bachelorette is my guilty pleasure. This season I tweeted about it and one of my followers responded to one of my Bachelorette tweets by simply saying, “And I held you in such high regard.” Sure, it is hard to guess his tone in a tweet, but his words struck at my heart. So I’ve fallen somehow because I watch The Bachelorette? Gee, thanks.
But that tweet got me thinking…I get so sucked into The Bachelorette, but why? Why do shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, and any show about finding love, dramatic though they may be, fair so well, week after week? Because we find comfort in them.
Maybe that sounds crazy. Does watching The Bachelorette really comfort me? Actually, it does, and I’m willing to bet that’s exactly why millions of other viewers tune in week after week.
Still Searching
I’m not married yet and there is comfort in knowing that I’m not alone in the search for love and marriage. We tune in because sometimes this crazy search and wait for love is exhausting. Sometimes it seems hopeless. Sometimes it seems like the most lonely and desperate thing in the world. We tune into shows like The Bachelorette and are reminded that we aren’t alone, and in fact, we are doing just fine.
Gratefulness
During the seasons I’ve watched of the show when I am dating someone, it makes me really grateful for them. Heck, watching the show makes me grateful that my dating life isn’t as crazy and dramatic as what is shown on TV. Do I sometimes wish I could just jet off to Fiji for a dream date? Of course, but that doesn’t mean I’m not grateful for what I have. I’m grateful that I can choose to date one lad at a time, not 25. I’m grateful that I don’t have cameras in my face on every date I go on. I’m grateful that I don’t have a house full of guys creating more drama than necessary in the quest for my heart. Watching The Bachelorette gives me perspective and makes me grateful, and it makes me thank God for the blessings He does grant me.
Love Stories
There are very few people I know who don’t love and appreciate a good love story. Our quest for love is fraught with broken hearts, empty pints of ice cream, tears, joys, laughter and so much more. I might be a sap, but I can easily get caught up in a love story and the search for lasting happiness. Don’t we all?
…so, am I less of a person because I watch shows like this? I think not. I think I’m just another person searching for happiness, and finding camaraderie in those searching for the same thing I am.
