Why Is America Obsessed With The Bachelor, Colton And His Virginity?

Yes, once again I have gotten myself into a love hate relationship with the Bachelor. There I sit, every Monday night watching the show with my teenage daughter–that’s part of the love (to spend time with her) rolling my eyes half the time, and tearing up the other! While I think Bachelor producers have gotten really lazy when it comes to being unique–every season’s formula is boringly predictable, and it’s obvious to be that certain roles are cast, this season does add a new dimension: Colton and his virginity. Everyone seems obsessed with it, including the contestants. So, what affect will Colton’s lack of sexual experience have on his relationships? That’s what this week’s Love Essentially is about. 

How important is sex in a relationship? ‘The Bachelor’ might help us find out

by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group

Exotic destinations, sandy beaches, fantasy suites, hot tubs and flowing champagne are a few things that have been setting the stage for love and romance on ABC’s “The Bachelor” since 2002, when it first aired.

Audiences are captivated by the idea of two beautiful people finding love with a fairy-tale ending — a man on one knee holding a huge diamond ring, let’s be honest. Fans are also fascinated by watching (or I should say inferring) the physical intimacy that unfolds during the season, especially in the fantasy suites.

That’s why this season of “The Bachelor” should be interesting. Why? Because if you haven’t already heard, the bachelor, Colton Underwood, is a virgin.

Yes, the hunky, clean-cut, adorable 26-year-old former NFL football player told Becca Kufrin (during last summer’s season of “The Bachelorette” when he was a contestant) that he had never slept with anyone. Since then, it seems America is enthralled by Colton’s sexual status.

In a recent interview on “Entertainment Tonight,” Colton implied that he just might lose his virginity with one of his rose recipients.

“I’m waiting for someone who has the right heart. I’m waiting to be madly in love with someone,” he said. “If that happens by the time fantasy suites comes around, so be it.”

So, how could Colton’s virginity affect his relationships? A few ways, in my opinion.

(Click here to read the rest of the article, published in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press and several other newspapers across the U.S.)

Like this article? Check out, “Chris Harrison Talks The Bachelor, His New Book and His Divorce”

Editor-in-chief: Jackie Pilossoph

Jackie Pilossoph is the Founder of Divorced Girl Smiling, the media company that connects people facing with divorce to trusted, vetted divorce professionals. Pilossoph is a former NBC affiliate television journalist and Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press features reporter. Her syndicated column, Love Essentially was published in the Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press and Tribune owned publications for 7 1/2 years. Pilossoph holds a Masters degree in journalism from Boston University. Learn more at: DivorcedGirlSmiling.com