About Sales Director
Jenn Price does not proclaim to be an expert on dating…but her years of practice (and willingness to share stories) will certainly get people talking. Join in the dialogue each week as Jenn tackles matters of the heart.
I have to confess: I’ve watched every season of The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Throughout the years, I’ve noticed a recurring outcome.
The young and eligible star of the show ends up choosing frivolity over foundation, choosing the one with whom they had an immediate chemistry and connection, rather than a slower-to-develop (and perhaps deeper) bond. Seeing as the TV series creates a publicly scrutinized, contrived and accelerated process, I don’t find it surprising that out of 14 seasons, love and marriage has only been realized once (between Trista and Ryan—Jason and Molly weren’t paired in the final episode, remember?). Yet somehow, I’ve been a devotee since 2002.
I have thought about how I would come to a final decision if I were in the shoes of Trista, Jen, DeAnna, Jillian or Ali. In my experience, the pairings that have exploded out of the gate with exuberant passion and romance, instantly grabbed my attention with the man's bad-boy prowess and challenging (read: impossible, game-playing) ways. I’ve often dismissed men that seemed demure and safe. And, on occasion, if I explored the calmer waters with the good-on-paper guys, if a certain je ne sais quois was missing within the first three dates, well then forget about it. Call it timing; call it the wrong match.
In real life, when we have more time, we have the luxury of igniting, digesting, then repeating and progressing (or not).
A relationship that is slower to progress is (generally) one that is built upon a solid foundation and true friendship, intertwined with chemistry, romance and fun. For me, compatibility is about complementing and cherishing the layers and complexities of one another, and navigating the intricacies of life as a couple.
Being north of 30 and having been through several significant relationships and frivolous dating experiences alike, I’ve tripped and fallen, tried and cried, and now I recognize that a relationship that starts off with a consistent and steady build paired with a degree of comfort (and a healthy dose of chemistry) is one that has a shot at becoming everlasting love.
What has been your experience with the speed of love? What do you think of the decisions past Bachelors and Bachelorettes have made? Do you value chemistry over friendship in a relationship or do you think they are equally important?
**The Bachelorette (and sister show, Bachelor Pad) air on CityTV.