Thirty women stand in rows, waiting anxiously and praying that the bachelor will call their name so they can receive a rose and remain on the show. Getting a rose opens up so many possibilities: stardom, the opportunity to become the next Bachelorette, gaining influencer status and possibly a husband. 

“The Bachelor” is an ABC show that has been running since 2002. The premise of the show is that 30 women compete to win the hand of one man through a series of one-on-one dates, trips and group hangouts. While on the show, all of the women stay in the same house, and although they cannot access their phones or the internet, they are provided with a LOT of alcohol to keep things interesting. 

Many people fault the show for being too fake and scripted; it can seem as if many of the women are not looking for love, but rather for a chance to be famous. However, this does not detract from the value of the show. It actually makes things more interesting. 

I don’t care if two contestants create fake drama in hopes of furthering themselves along the show. I just hope they make it interesting. One of the great things about “The Bachelor” is that its mindless content provides me with a break from external stress. As long as you treat the “reality” part of reality TV with discretion, you can sit back and enjoy the constant dumb drama. 

It’s also a great show to watch with friends. Each new season is like March Madness for people who hate sports; scoreboards and bets can be made on which contestants might make it to the end. 

I always discuss with a friend which contestants I love or hate after a new episode drops. With constant backstabbing and declarations of love, “The Bachelor” provides new things to discuss each week. 

The show may not be the most intellectually stimulating one ever created, but at least you’ll feel better about your own love life — or lack thereof — after watching the hot mess unfold.