Be sure to watch The Bachelor season finale tonight on ABC!

There is probably some kind of universal agreement that when you begin dating someone new there has to be a vibe or connection. Feelings have to be on the horizon to feel confident in what could potentially be ‘setting the course of a long-term relationship’ or whatever the other individual is looking for. Not everyone believes in soul mates, but in our world we have the perfect solution to finding and weeding out the most potential candidates.

Modern America, we have found our solution! The Bachelor.

The truest form of public match making has got to be The Bachelor and its corresponding counterpart, The Bachelorette.

Note: *Who cares about The Bachelorette, we have Bachelor Ben to worry about and who his final rose is going to go to tonight!

For years, our televisions have been graced with “the most dramatic season yet”, heartbreak, fantasy and foolery of this so called “reality experience to find a spouse for the most beautiful people on planet earth.”

Let’s focus on one word here — FANTASY.

For those of you who may not know, one of the main aspects of the show is for the chosen Bachelor to go on both group and individual dates with their potential, pick-out-of-the-litter, fiancé. In order to get to the point of falling madly in love, that requires a few normal (by Bachelor standards) dates.

When I say “Bachelor standard” most people already know that doesn’t mean a dinner to nearest Olive Garden and a romantic walk through a downtown. The ‘Bachelor Standard’ gives the average American man a run for his money, which includes some notably more extensive date settings.

Let’s reflect:

There is no The Bachelor without the use of a helicopter taking away the happy duo to some remote, geographically gorgeous location in hopes of setting the atmosphere for falling in love: ocean view, candle light dinner, wine, dancing under the stars…something girls dream about at least once.

Not to mention, in at least one episode there is a hot tub. There was even a hot tub boat. What says, “I love you” more than a hot tub boat?!

Then, there’s the magical fireworks display over a beautiful, random city skyline. If this happens on a group date, the other ladies on that date have to endure the show knowing they’re not wrapped up in The Bachelor’s arms watching explosions in the sky. They know exactly who that fireworks display is for… and it’s not them.

There are numerous days of travel every week to the next dreamy location to hopefully fuel what seems like falling in love. If you ask me, that “Swimming with the Bay of Pigs” episode in the current season was a real ‘humdinger’ (probably one of the weirdest things I have ever seen).

So, back to that word I mentioned earlier: fantasy. The dates these women get to go on during the show become their dating reality. These women sign up for a rose. Literally, the rose is what keeps them on the show. However, in the end, only one woman gets the rose. What happens after? Do the extravagant dates continue? Are dating expectations set so high during the show that Mr. Bachelor is unable to fully deliver those fantastical dates?

If I am not mistaken, there is usually an extremely high chance that The Bachelor and his chosen mate end up in heartbreak. Although, there have been exceptions.

Let’s talk reality for a just a minute. Could these ‘bachelor standard’ dates swoon you to love? Honestly, it’s the purest form of dating with rose-colored glasses on. Everything is set up for them without taking into account that there is, for at least one of the women, a life outside of the show where helicopters and fireworks over Las Vegas actually exist. But, what about in real life? Ladies, let’s be realistic. I don’t think a professional firework display is possible, unless ABC is involved. Or your date is loaded! Dang you, ABC. I’m not saying it can’t happen, I’m just suggesting that you try not to have a ‘Bachelor standard’ mindset to dating after being brainwashed by the show. Although, they say that anything is possible. Just wish upon a star and hope for Chris Harrison to come knocking at your door.

Until The Bachelor 2017, we shall be waiting.