This isn’t Provo, Clare: a commentary on ‘The Bachelorette’s’ two week engagement
I want to start out by saying that I’m not trying to judge Clare, even though I am judging her. The truth is, stuff like this happens every day in Provo, and maybe even occasionally in Logan. I guess for some people love at first sight is a thing (mostly in Provo).
But this isn’t Provo. And Bachelor Nation was not ready for a Provo-minded Bachelorette.
SPOILERS AHEAD
If you’re familiar with “The Bachelorette,” you know limousines full of bachelors pull up to meet the bachelorette in the first episode. One by one, the bachelors introduce themselves to the bachelorette in hopes of making a good first impression. Most seasons are similar, the bachelorette makes a few comments here and there about some of the men, but Clare did much more than just lightly comment.
When Dale walked out of the limousine, Clare’s eyes lit up just like they had for every other man she met. He was not a stand out contestant from my side of the TV, but not to Clare. After their brief exchange, Clare giggled to herself and exclaimed, “I definitely feel like I just met my husband.” Cue the brakes, Clare! What do you mean you just met your husband? You talked to him for five seconds.
I would be lying if I said I have no idea where Clare is coming from because I do. She just didn’t articulate it in the best way possible. I would argue that what Clare actually meant was “oh my gosh, I felt an intense connection with that guy!” That’s not unheard of. Unfortunately, this was not the only mistake Clare made in her four week season.
Clare annoys me when she tries to be mainstream. This season, she said several feminist things. Specifically, she spoke out against domestic abuse, which sounds good, but Clare did it in the wrong way.
While Clare was on a one-on-one date with Zach J., she leaned in for a kiss but Zach didn’t lean in. She was clearly embarrassed and flustered, so she turned around.
Zach grabbed her shoulder and said, “Why did you stop? I was right there. Why did you stop?”
Clare shrugged it off with, “Nothing, let’s get ready for dinner.” But Zach was visibly confused.
In her interview, Clare explained that she has had a history of domestic abuse; “I didn’t want to be near him in that moment. If I want to walk away because I’m uncomfortable, let me walk away … I don’t want to figure it out. I don’t want to talk about it. This is not something that needs to be discussed.”
Was that reaction warranted? I don’t think so, but I don’t have the same trauma Clare has had. The disaster here is that Clare didn’t end up going to dinner with Zach, instead, she sent host Chris Harrison to break up with him for her.
Regardless, Clare got what she wanted and ended up getting engaged to Dale. At the couple’s last interview, Harrison asked what their next steps in their relationship will be. Clare interrupted Dale, exclaiming, “Babies!” Dale was clearly flustered and maybe a little bit frustrated that Clare wouldn’t give him the chance to speak.
That aside, I can’t help but feel a little empathy for Clare. Early on in her season, she chose Dale. On week four, the pair left together, engaged. Even though their relationship and engagement was a whirlwind, I hoped they would make it. But hoping is stupid.
On Jan. 19, Dale announced that his relationship with Clare is over and I can’t help but wonder if the reason why is because they went too fast. Instead of dating for a reasonable amount of time, they committed to a marriage that neither of them was ready for.
I don’t know who needs to hear this but take your time. This isn’t Provo. There is no race to see who can get engaged or married first. Be patient, your time will come.
Emily White is a junior studying English and broadcast journalism. She is currently serving as the senior writer for the Lifestyles section of the Statesman.
—emily.white@usu.edu