It's hard to stop watching The Bachelor after you decide to just "try out" the first episode. And yes, this is coming from experience. This is my first season because my dad has informally banned shows from our household that "make you dumber the more you watch them." But now that I'm nearly 800 miles away, I've allowed myself the luxury of binge-ing (sorry, dad). And while I think the whole concept of group dating is crazy and question how the perfect Nick Viall is still single at 36, after following most of the season so far, here is a list of relationship advice that I've gathered from a show that you'd think wouldn't have any.
1.) Don't throw curve balls in a relationship.
Be predictable and don't play games. Drama is toxic in any relationship and causes unnecessary stress and anxiety. You owe it to your partner to keep them in the loop about your emotions, intentions, and reservations.
2.) Communication is everything.
It also provides an insight into the maturity of the relationship and the two parties involved. Plus, you should genuinely want to know everything you can about your significant other (and if you don't, you might want to start rethinking your options).
3.) It's important to fight for yourself.
Stand up for yourself! You don't need to be the one that is constantly catering to your partner's needs and desires. Before you let that one thing that bugs you slide, tactfully have a conversation about it.
4.) Know what you deserve.
You can only love someone else after you are able to love yourself. So...become your own best friend! Feel comfortable in your skin. Only then will you know that you deserve only the very best in a partner.
5.) Don't forget to take time out of the relationship to be with yourself and pursue your own interests.
Yes, you can still identify as an individual while in a relationship. It's a really healthy thing to do and gives you a chance to hit the refresh button.
6.) Never forget your worth, even through a breakup.
Every heartbreak leads to a fresh new start and lessons learned. Even if someone doesn't think that you fit in their life, it doesn't mean that you aren't perfect for someone else in theirs.
"The views expressed, [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”
