Re: The Bachelor 17 - General Discussion - Thread #1

[Admin]

One thing I've been thinking with Sean and Catherine is that it is hard for me to get a feel for their chances of success (which is an inexact science no matter what, I realize that) because they have a relationship dynamic that I can't relate to, and don't have a good basis to understand: a large piece of opposites attract. They are the same and not the same, with the not the sames being the very visible pieces, and ones that I tend to think can be pretty important. So I don't know what to look for in the way of tell-tale signs. As much as I loved Meredith and Ian, for example, I saw something right off that nagged at me; I just choose to ignore it because it was more fun, and Ian was the kind of guy I'd always crushed on (but wisely, for me, didn't marry). With Andy and Tessa I saw the issues Tessa was having right off, even though the romantic in me wanted to believe she'd work through it. But Sean and Catherine ... I just have no clue what to look for. He lights up, yes, but we all know that what they feel today, as sincere as it might be, isn't enough. OK, it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, since we'll all cheer if they make it and go "oh well" if they don't, but the student of human nature and relationship dynamics in me is curious.

"The happiest couples never have the same characters. They have the best understanding of their differences."

I saw this somewhere and I thought it fits Sean and Catherine. :Smiley:

Fall5021!

[Sprite]

One thing I've been thinking with Sean and Catherine is that it is hard for me to get a feel for their chances of success (which is an inexact science no matter what, I realize that) because they have a relationship dynamic that I can't relate to, and don't have a good basis to understand: a large piece of opposites attract. They are the same and not the same, with the not the sames being the very visible pieces, and ones that I tend to think can be pretty important. So I don't know what to look for in the way of tell-tale signs. As much as I loved Meredith and Ian, for example, I saw something right off that nagged at me; I just choose to ignore it because it was more fun, and Ian was the kind of guy I'd always crushed on (but wisely, for me, didn't marry). With Andy and Tessa I saw the issues Tessa was having right off, even though the romantic in me wanted to believe she'd work through it. But Sean and Catherine ... I just have no clue what to look for. He lights up, yes, but we all know that what they feel today, as sincere as it might be, isn't enough. OK, it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things, since we'll all cheer if they make it and go "oh well" if they don't, but the student of human nature and relationship dynamics in me is curious.

"The happiest couples never have the same characters. They have the best understanding of their differences."

I saw this somewhere and I thought it fits Sean and Catherine. :Smiley:

Fall5021!

I love that quote!

I once dated someone who on paper was a perfect match for all those visible things and yet, it was those invisible things that didn't match and what ultimately made me decide to end things...

[honey1004]

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have u guys seen this? now, i am a massive fan of sean and catherine but even i can't help but feel that there is an inkling of truth to this. even if their source is star magazine.

:hidingchair

Hi, I am "new", this is my second comment. I don't believe this story. They only met her once. That is not enough time to form an opinion. The same goes for Catherine.

[Guest]

Ashley-JP resumed their normal lives & careers post-Bachelor.

Sean goes on DWTS and gets endorsements deals announced 1 day after Bach finale airs, moves to LA, and Cat gives up her job to join him.

The difference between the two couples is quite obvious.

I totally agree. You can't genuinely keep repeating "I have no interest in fame and money" and "my number one priority is my relationship", and then do things like DWTS and Hydroxycut. Also, they have some pretty major differences - ones that probably didn't seem important during a 10-week vacation, but ones that will probably cause issues IRL. What I've seen in their interviews, tweets, instagram, etc. is that they are both LOVING the attention, and I think that's going to be the end of them.

I loved them on the show, but everything I've seen post-show tells me that the odds are against them.

[mare2]

^ I agree. They're adorable, but I hope they learned a little something from Emily and Jef. I'd rather not see five instagram pics per day of them looking happily in love, but in another breath, claiming to wanna go back to a normal life.

[docnash14]

^ I agree. They're adorable, but I hope they learned a little something from Emily and Jef. I'd rather not see five instagram pics per day of them looking happily in love, but in another breath, claiming to wanna go back to a normal life.

In my opinion, it doesn't have to be either or. Ashley and J.P. certainly went about living a normal life, albeit they continued to tweet about what was going on with them as a couple and provide pictures. While I think Catherine is a mature young woman, she is also human. Whether she is reading forums such as this - I have no clue but I don't see how she could be completely immune from hearing the skeptics pick apart her relationship with Sean. So I don't blame her from wanting to announce/reaffirm their love, particularly after having to be mum about it for four months.

[albean99]

^ I agree. They're adorable, but I hope they learned a little something from Emily and Jef. I'd rather not see five instagram pics per day of them looking happily in love, but in another breath, claiming to wanna go back to a normal life.

In my opinion, it doesn't have to be either or. Ashley and J.P. certainly went about living a normal life, albeit they continued to tweet about what was going on with them as a couple and provide pictures. While I think Catherine is a mature young woman, she is also human. Whether she is reading forums such as this - I have no clue but I don't see how she could be completely immune from hearing the skeptics pick apart her relationship with Sean. So I don't blame her from wanting to announce/reaffirm their love, particularly after having to be mum about it for four months.

Exactly and if they didn't post pics, etc there would be comments about that. I think it's a lose lose for couples on the show. Ashley & JP didn't seem to have the same kind of opportunities and really didn't need them because she had to finish school and he has a career that he seems to love. I do think Ashley would have done DWTS if given the opportunity because didn't she say she wanted it? Other couples that are married are using their opportunities that being on the show have afforded them such as Trista & Ryan and even Chris & Peyton. I don't begrudge anyone on the show for doing so because you may never get another chance. I'm thrilled that Chris, Peyton, & Jillian, three of my favorites, have been able to get shows on HGTV. Peyton's also working with Stella & Dot these days.

[mare2]

Several couples from this franchise IMO have tried too hard to prove their relationship to the fans, only to have it crumble weeks/months later. I guess time will tell with these two.

I never did get an over-sharing vibe from JP and Ashley like I did with a few of the other couples. But I wasn't following them too closely either.

[Fruit Loops]

^^^Thanks for posting. I love seeing the Market Research - Q score side of things and how it drives decision making. No surprise to see that he has marketability.

I can't blame a person for pursuing fame and fortune if the opportunity presents itself, it's the attitude that he's above it that's such a turnoff for me when it's as plain as day that's what he is doing. Selling himself as the guy "who just wants a simple Christian life in TX" doesn't cut it anymore after 3 TV shows and he should just stop saying it if he doesn't want to eventually be perceived as a phony.

Intentional or not, he positioned himself on a religious platform to get these gigs. Watching this component get pushed into the background because it makes him less marketable as well as his choices on TB have been a big surprise to me. Actions speak louder than the scripted PR words he spouts off so easily now.

I see both of them as riding the fame wave where ever it takes them which is one of the reasons that I see red flags. The edit of the season and some of CH's commentary makes more sense to me now. He seems very caught up in the moment. I feel like I'm watching a more PR savvy, prettier version of DeAnna and Jesse.

And if he actually marries Catherine, would that change your POV? Would it then look like it was two people who took advantage of an opportunity that fell into his lap... just like Chris L who is relishing this camera opportunities and normal life with his wife?? Isn't it too early to draw conclusions? One thing certain, taking a position on a religion platform is not a door into any form of Hollywood fame. All networks avoid association to this platform - all, except, the Christian TV networks, which we know has no association to reality tv or tabloid hosting.

[NCGalBecca]

I don't agree. He's following the Tim Tebow strategy. He hasn't been hurt at all by it but could lose that segment of his fans if they believe he's not being truthful or a good representative. I've seen a little blowback on Twitter and FB that he's Teetering on fame*** territory after the TV wedding and hydroxycut deals.

If they marry soon, no my mind wouldn't necessarily be changed considering the circumstances. I found the timing of the whole TV wedding announcement and their "scripted answer" for it to be tacky and a misstep if they aren't really into the fame game. But I think they both totally love the spotlight and want folks talking about them. Actions here speak louder than their words.

[Guest]

I think the Hydroxycut is what did it for me. I don't blame him at all for the DWTS gig - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, you make enough money to send your kids to college, and it appeals to his competitive nature. I don't blame him for the TV wedding - if I remember correctly, the contract basically says that you have to have a televised wedding if you want to get married during a certain time span. However, how does endorsing a supplement that causes dangerous side effects and promotes unhealthy weight loss in God's plan for him?

I don't think it's fair to compare him with Chris L. Sean is taking EVERY SINGLE money offer that is thrown at him - whether or not it is true to his character. Chris L gave up a very generous Bachelor offer (and presumably subsequent generous offers) so that he could go back to his normal life and work on his relationship. And, then he took an opportunity that allowed him to use his own interests and talents.

And, I don't think it's too early to make conclusions. They might prove me wrong (I truly hope they do!), but I could tell this early with certain other Bach/ette couples. A couple's immediate response to the media is very indicative of their relationship and their lasting power, IMO.

[Guest]

It's fair to compare everyone on this show. Chris L. is just as "bad" as everyone else FOR STAYING ON TV. He's just as lucky as anyone else that's ever graced this show. The same goes for Sean, Ali, Jillian (she's the most talented of the group and no, she would not have made it onto extreme makeover home edition w/o the show), Trista, Jesse Palmer, and all the other rejects.

I never had a problem with leads/rejects staying on TV though.

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