The Bachelor is about love, not sex

I’m not ashamed to say that I spent a good amount of my energy over the summer watching, researching, and admittedly obsessing over ABC’s smash hit reality dating show, “The Bachelorette.“

Season 14 followed Minnesota native Becca Kufrin.

America got to watch her love story unfold over the course of 10 weeks, and it ended with a “YES!” when the winner, Garrett Yrigoyen, got down on one knee and asked her for her hand in marriage.

After that chapter ended, we all couldn’t help but wonder, who the next “Bachelor” would be.

A few weeks ago, it was announced on “Good Morning America” that Colton Underwood would be the next front man in the television franchise. Underwood made it to the final four on Kufrin’s season, and did not receive a rose to continue on in the competition for her heart after he took Kufrin home to meet his family.

Lucky for him, he was given a second chance when he appeared on “Bachelor in Paradise,” but, sadly, he wasn’t able to find love there, either.

In week seven of Kufrin’s season, at the end of their one-on-one date, Colton revealed to Becca that he was a virgin, and waiting for the right person.  He also admitted to it being very hard for him to talk about, with him being a former NFL football player, and the stigma associated with it. She was appreciative of his openness, and the conversation about that part of his life ended there.

After that episode aired and he was granted “Bachelor” status, the state of his virginity quickly made headlines, speculations were formed, and that part of his personal life became associated with his public image. I understand that it was broadcast to millions of people, so everyone has a right to know, but we shouldn’t talk about it. It’s honestly no big deal. It’s part of his belief system, and ultimately, his business.

Continuing on, when the fantasy overnight dates come, I hope he doesn’t feel pressure, as those are designed for couples to ‘take things to the next level’. No speculations should be made about what will happen, and we should just be happy for Colton as he makes connections and is on his way to finding love.

I’m so tired of seeing things like ‘Colton Underwood the Virgin is our Next Bachelor’, or ‘former NFL Football Player and virgin Colton Was Announced Bachelor’.

My point here is this: His virginity is not who he is, it doesn’t define him, and again, it is his business what choices he makes in regards to this very personal matter.

When his season airs on Jan. 7, it will be interesting to see how he takes on the role of being the main man, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes him, what he discovers about himself, the world, and other people. I’m rooting for you Colton, as you find your person and you are the one proposing this time around.