As 26 men gather in a bachelor house to compete for the hand in marriage of Joelle Fletcher, millions of viewers are preparing for the events that are about to unfold in the dramatic season of "The Bachelorette". Some men will only last a night, some will pronounce their love for JoJo after a few weeks, some will pick fights with the other men, and some will leave devastated. However, as all these events unfold and emotions react, there are lessons that can be learned from this dramatic season.
1. First impressions are important.
When Jordan stepped out of the limo that very first night, sparks flew between him and Joelle. However, some first meetings were not as great. When Chad Johnson and JoJo first met each other, there was definitely a lack of spark that she and Jordan had and Chad's aggressive side came out with the other men in the house.
2. Meeting new people can be life changing.
JoJo knew that she would be choosing a husband from the 26 men that participated in the show yet the effect that some of the men had on her was life changing. James was the perfect southern gentleman and JoJo
3. Boys will be boys... but still need to be held accountable for their actions.
Chad Johnson definitely showed off his manly side. All he seemed to do was eat meat and pick fights with the other men in the house. JoJo continued to give him a rose until she really began hearing about the horrific things he was saying and doing. She took Chad and Alex on a group date where she called Chad on his behavior and sent him home because of it. Holding Chad accountable for his actions gave us a glimpse into JoJo's character. She doesn't tolerate disrespect and demands that men respect not only other women but other men (something Chad lacked the ability to do).
4. Sometimes your heart and your gut say different things- and that's OK!
When JoJo realized she was in love with both Robby and Jordan, she knew that she would have to break one of their hearts. Her gut was telling her to choose Robby while her heart was always with Jordan. JoJo knew what she wanted in a husband and decided that Jordan fitted that desire more than Robby.
5. Anything is possible when you set your mind to it.
JoJo had to make a lot of tough decisions yet she was able to make them because she knew that this was her chance to find love.
6. Actions speak louder than words.
Although Luke was able to show JoJo that he loved her, he was not able to tell her with words that he loved her. JoJo wanted to hear the men say that they loved her yet it seems as though actions did not count as much. Luke was able to pronounce his love for her just before she began the rose ceremony but it was too late and JoJo said goodbye to him that night. Luke had the whole package: he told JoJo that he loved her and most importantly, showed it. Although it was considered too late in JoJo's mind, Luke came out a stronger man and JoJo was able to piece together her perfect man because of him.
7. Seek your family's advice- they really only want the best for you.
During the home visits, JoJo felt that her father's blessing was very important and she wanted to know how her family felt about Robby and Jordan.
8. Walking away from a difficult situation to catch your breath can provide clarity.
When there was a difficult decision t be made during a rose ceremony, JoJo would take a step away to clear her head. She came back refreshed and more confident than before to make the best decision for herself. She also stepped away during her group date with Chad and Alex to make sure that she was being fair in sending Chad home.
9. People don't always change.
After JoJo said goodbye to Chad, he didn't leave for good. He stalked the men at the house and acted up during The Men Tell All. Some people are always going to have their character flaws but JoJo knew that she would not put up with it from Chad. Even though he was sent home, Chad would continue to act violently on "Bachelor in Paradise", as well.
10. Love will withstand the pressure of social media.
As Robby and JoJo continued to develop as a couple, one of Robby's past relationships was creating conflict involving sincerity. JoJo questioned whether or not Robby was dating her for the right reasons yet Robby reassured her that the allegations from outside sources were false by showing his love for her.
11. Taking chances is risky but also rewarding.
JoJohad her eye on Jordan from the very beginning which left her with difficult decisions to make about the other men. She took a chance with Jordan by saying goodbye to Robby yet was rewarded with the happiness of being with Jordan.
12. Falling in love with two people can happen...
JoJo fell in love with both Robby and Jordan which complicated the process. She showed feelings for Jordan early on in the show yet she couldn't push the image of being with Robby out of her mind. As she said on the final episode, she thought about Robby when she was with Jordan and thought about Jordan when she was with Robby.
This season of "The Bachelorette"tested Joelle's patience, her confidence, her trust, and her heart yet she learned some valuable lessons throughout which only made her a stronger woman as she prepares to marry Jordan. However, these lessons can also be applied to the rest of us.