In the past, I’ve written off reality shows (especially ones involving love + romance + caricature-like people), because they were a waste of time and brain space. I can barely get myself invested in critically acclaimed shows (I will watch “The Wire” one day), why would I waste my time on mind-numbing programs that provide no value to my life?

But this past year, I got sucked into this godforsaken show, the Bachelor, because of my roommate and a guy I was talking to at the time of Kaitlyn’s Bachelorette season. It’s horrible, but I succumbed to the drama and the fanfare of it.  Also, I had to admit it was fun to have something to talk/rant to people about and somewhat reduced the pain of Monday blues. Also, more than the show itself, I thoroughly enjoyed the commentary/live tweets about the show (Yes, I was one of those people), especially those of the satirical, trollish variety.  Oh, those people on the internet can be cruel, but oh so clever.

Needless to say, the show is ridiculous.  How can you possibly get engaged to someone after going on a few dates (if that) in a completely romantically contrived environment? While you’re also dating several other women? But as I was watching the season, I just realized how sad it all was. Even sadder that some of the stuff the contestants would say or feel would somewhat resonate with me. During “The Women Tell All” episode (this is the penultimate episode where all the eliminated contestants get back together and recap/relive all the drama from the season), the show’s host was consoling one of the contestants (probably the one girl who was the most genuine and had the most depth) that despite how “complicated” she was, Ben (the bachelor) thought she was something really special. The host Chris Harrison said it in a subconsciously condescending way that somehow was expected to diminish all of the girl’s insecurities and validate her as a human being.  This show is basically saying that a man’s approval should be enough for a woman to “get over herself.” (Apparently I wasn’t the only one upset about this as I heard Amy Schumer and the host got in a little twitter tiff about it). This theme was emphasized pretty much every episode when the eliminated girls would be sobbing in the back of a limo, claiming how unlovable they were and how now they should just “give up on love” and live alone with a bunch of cats (I’m not exaggerating… I’m legit quoting one of the contestants).  And of course, the most leggy, blonde, and simple woman was the “winner.” (Though no hate towards Lauren B. as she is undeniably adorable & seems like the perfect match to a similarly simple guy.)

I’m genuinely happy for the couple this season (or as happy as a stalking stranger can be) as they will be the most wonderfully beautiful, vanilla, and Instagram-able couple ever. Despite his fickle heart during the season, I still think Ben Higgins is a decent guy and will be committed (this is all based on what the telly has brainwashed me to think and it helps that he shares the surname of a certain Henry). I hope they last and make beautiful vanilla babies.

And with that said, no more Bachelor for me.