Introduction
The Bachelor is a popular TV show that has captured the hearts of audiences for over two decades. The premise of the show is simple: a group of women or men compete for the affection of one Bachelor or Bachelorette. Each week, the Bachelor or Bachelorette eliminates people until they are left with one person at the end to propose to.
While the show has been criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of love and relationships, it remains popular year after year. Many viewers often wonder what happens to the winning couple after the cameras stop rolling. In this article, we will explore the relationships of couples on The Bachelor and what makes them last.
Top 7 Bachelor Couples Who Are Still Together
Out of the many couples that have been formed on The Bachelor, only a handful have stood the test of time. Here are the top 7 Bachelor couples who are still together:
1. Sean and Catherine Lowe
Sean Lowe was the Bachelor in Season 17, and he proposed to Catherine Giudici. They got married on January 26, 2014, and they now have three children together. They credit their strong foundation to their shared faith and perseverance through tough times.
“We’ve gone through a lot together in a relatively short amount of time, and I feel like it’s only made us stronger,” Catherine said during an interview.
2. Jason and Molly Mesnick
Jason Mesnick was the Bachelor in Season 13, and he originally proposed to Melissa Rycroft. However, he later broke up with her on television and got back together with Molly Malaney, who was originally the runner-up. They got married on February 27, 2010, and they have one child together, as well as a child from Jason’s previous marriage.
“We’re the only couple that’s made it out of a dramatic season,” Molly said during an interview. “There was a lot of controversy and a lot of drama, but the fact that we’re still standing together is pretty awesome.”
3. Arie and Lauren Luyendyk
Arie Luyendyk was the Bachelor in Season 22, and he famously broke up with his initial pick, Becca Kufrin, on camera to pursue a relationship with runner-up Lauren Burnham. They got engaged during “The Bachelor: After the Final Rose” special, and they got married on January 12, 2019. They now have two children together.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, obviously,” Arie said during an interview. “But we’ve been very committed to each other, and we’ve been very good at communicating even when it’s been really tough.”
4. Des and Chris Siegfried
Desiree Hartsock was the Bachelorette in Season 9, and she chose Chris Siegfried. They got engaged on the season finale, and they got married on January 18, 2015. They now have two children together.
“We’ve made it work despite the challenges that come with being on a reality show,” Chris said in an interview. “We just focus on our love for each other and our commitment to making our relationship work.”
5. Sean and Rachel Bushnell
Ben Higgins was the Bachelor in Season 20, and he proposed to Lauren Bushnell. However, they broke up in May 2017. Afterward, Ben started dating Lindsay Shookus, and Lauren started dating Devin Antin. However, in July 2018, Lauren began dating country singer Chris Lane, and they got married on October 25, 2019.
“I think what makes it work is that we’re both committed to each other,” Lauren said during an interview. “We’ve gone through ups and downs, but we’re always there for each other.”
6. Ashley and J.P. Rosenbaum
Ashley Hebert was the Bachelorette in Season 7, and she chose J.P. Rosenbaum. They got engaged on the season finale, and they got married on December 1, 2012. They now have two children together.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve always worked together as a team,” Ashley said during an interview. “We’ve learned how to communicate effectively and how to make our relationship a priority.”
7. JoJo and Jordan Rodgers
JoJo Fletcher was the Bachelorette in Season 12, and she chose Jordan Rodgers. They got engaged on the season finale, and they are still together. They have not yet married, but they are planning to in the future.
“We’re taking things one step at a time,” JoJo said during an interview. “But we’re committed to each other, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
The Health of Bachelor Relationships
Despite the success of these couples, many people criticize The Bachelor for its portrayal of relationships and love. Some argue that it sets unrealistic expectations, while others claim that the relationships formed on the show are not genuine.
While it’s true that not all Bachelor couples last, research shows that many relationships formed on TV shows can be just as successful as those formed in real life. In a study conducted by the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers found that relationships formed on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette franchise were just as likely to last as relationships formed in other ways.
Factors That Contribute to Relationship Success/Failure on The Bachelor
There are various factors that impact whether a Bachelor relationship works out or not. These include:
Age
Research suggests that couples with a larger age gap are less likely to stay together. On The Bachelor, couples with a smaller age gap tend to be more successful.
Timing
Couples who spend more time together on the show before getting engaged tend to have longer-lasting relationships. Those who get engaged quickly are more likely to break up.
Personalities
Couples who have compatible personalities tend to be more successful. Those with conflicting personalities are more likely to face problems in their relationship.
Location/Occupation
Couples who live near each other tend to have longer-lasting relationships. Those with conflicting career paths may also struggle to maintain their relationship.
While these factors are important, many Bachelor contestants also cite the show’s format as a factor that impacted their relationship with the Bachelor or Bachelorette.
Timeline of Bachelor Couples Who Are Still Together
Here is a timeline of Bachelor couples who are still together:
As you can see, the earlier seasons of The Bachelor had more successful couples than the later ones. However, this may be due to the fact that more recent seasons of the show have been criticized for choosing contestants who are more interested in fame than finding love.
Evolution of The Bachelor’s Relationship Expectations
Over the years, The Bachelor franchise has evolved in terms of its relationship expectations. While the focus used to be on finding a partner to propose to, now the show also emphasizes building a lasting relationship. Contestants are encouraged to take their time and get to know each other before getting engaged.
This change in focus has been well-received by many viewers, as it makes the show feel more realistic and genuine. However, some critics argue that the show still sets unrealistic expectations for what relationships should look like.
Expert Opinions on Bachelor Relationship Success/Failure
Experts have varying opinions on why some Bachelor couples are more likely to stay together than others. Some argue that it’s due to the unique circumstances of the show, while others claim that it’s simply a matter of compatibility.
“In my experience, the couples who are most likely to stay together are those who share the same values and have a strong foundation of trust and communication,” says relationship expert Dr. Sarah Schewitz.
Past contestants also have insights on what makes a Bachelor relationship successful. “It’s important to take the relationship at your own pace and not rush into anything,” says Ashley Rosenbaum. “Also, communication is key.”
Insider Tips for Making a Bachelor Relationship Last
Based on the advice of successful Bachelor couples and experts in the field, here are some insider tips for making a Bachelor relationship last:
- Take your time and get to know each other before getting engaged.
- Communicate openly and honestly.
- Focus on building a strong foundation of trust and respect.
- Work together as a team to overcome challenges.
- Make your relationship a priority.
Conclusion
The Bachelor may be a reality TV show, but the relationships formed on the show can be just as real and lasting as those formed in real life. By focusing on building a strong foundation and working together as a team, Bachelor couples can make their love last beyond the final rose ceremony. Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, these tips can help anyone looking for lasting love in their own life.