Colton Underwood, the Bachelor of Season 23, has already been dumped twice in the span of two back to back episodes. The strong women who decided to leave the show on their own accord exemplified self-respect in acknowledging their true needs. They basically asked themselves the same question viewers are wondering at home: “in less than two months, can you truly see yourself marrying someone you have co-dated with thirty other women?
Bying for someone’s love and attention is hard enough, but imagine trying to get to know them while they simultaneously date thirty other people. Genuine relationships take time, and that id exactly what contestant Elyse explained to Colton in Episode 5.Â
Weeks after experiencing a true connection in their one-on-one date, Elyse from Soldotna, Alaska, felt that she was being forgotten by the lovable bachelor. Tearful, she put on her best dress and met with him privately to express her concerns. Elyse admitted that she would not be able to be engaged to Colton at the end of the show, but that she would need more time alone with him. Wanting to experience the normal intimacy and bonding cultivated within a relationship, she left the show. Elyse was true to herself knew that Colton’s vague compliments would not amount to much in the end.
Elyse’s departure was a shock to the rest of the girls, and it ultimately shook Colton. The Bachelor’s biggest fear is to choose someone who is in it for the wrong reasons. Although he claimed to have felt a spark between them twp, Elyse’s honesty was appreciated.
I admire Elyse for doing what she did because it proved that her intent was real. She just wanted to find love, but she realized that The Bachelor is not an environment that could allow such a feeling to genuinely flourish. Photo courtesy of ABC Network
Closely following Elyse, NBA dancer Sydney decided that Colton needed to take initiative, or her time was up.
In Episode 6, almost half of the girls complained they had not had enough time with Colton. They were concerned that they would not get a rose. Sydney was among the worrisome girls, but she was the only one brave enough to confess to Colton.
In a brief discussion, Sydney basically called Colton out for not doing enough to get to know the other girls. He keeps his circle small, and the same girls get chosen for dates time and time again. Flustered, Colton clearly did not have a good enough response, so Sydney left. Before walking away though, she warned Colton that he was spending his time with girls who were on the show for the wrong reasons. Her farewell left him with a lot to think about.
Sydney was forward, and she was not afraid to say that she wanted more out of their relationship Photo courtesy of ABC Network
I think that Elyse and Sydney are great examples of what it means to have self-worth. In any relationship, women should be able to recognize what is lacking. If you are not being treated the way you deserve to be treated, speak up. There is no use in sticking around if you are the only one trying.
Stand up for what you want and walk when you have to walk. Strong, independent women know when to leave the room.