Joan Vassos, the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, is nearing the end of her season and reflects on her experience in the mansion, including what she would change for future seasons. While viewers are still unsure whether Joan’s soulmate is Chock Chapple or Guy Gansert, the 61-year-old private school administrator from Maryland has already made up her mind about one important aspect of the show.
Joan’s Big Recommendation for Future Seasons
Reflecting on her time in the Bachelor mansion, Joan offered her biggest recommendation for improving the experience for future contestants. While it may seem minor, she pointed out how difficult it was to sleep in such crowded conditions.
“This sounds really petty, but I think it’s really hard to sleep in the house at night,” she confessed in a conversation with Swooon and other outlets after filming the Men Tell All special. Joan mentioned how cramped the living quarters were, with bunk beds and little space, making it tough for everyone to get adequate rest.
She compared the setup to a “big campground or a fraternity house,” adding that a better sleep environment would make everyone feel more refreshed. “You want everybody feeling good in the morning when they wake up,” Joan said. “This is a long journey, and it’s very emotional, so getting some sleep is really important.”
The Benefits of Better Sleep and Teamwork
Despite the cramped sleeping arrangements, Joan found other aspects of the mansion experience enjoyable. She loved watching her suitors interact when they weren’t on dates with her. “It’s so fun to watch their interaction in the mansion,” she said. “I know my dates and what I’ve done with them, but it’s funny how they view each other.”
Joan was particularly impressed by the men’s camaraderie, as they helped each other with cooking and laundry. But she still felt that a better sleeping setup would help the contestants feel more energized and ready for the emotional journey ahead.
Improvements Already Made to the Show
Joan also shared that some changes had already been made between The Golden Bachelor and The Golden Bachelorette. One of the most notable was the extended runtime of her season. Joan was thrilled about this change, saying, “I love that they made it a longer show because you really got to meet the guys and form opinions about them. You got to hear their stories a lot more than you got to do with us women on The Golden Bachelor.”
This change allowed Joan to get to know her suitors on a deeper level, which she felt made for a more meaningful experience. The longer format allowed for more personal connections to form and provided more insight into the men’s stories.
The Golden Bachelorette’s Ending Is Near
As Joan’s season of The Golden Bachelorette winds down, fans are eagerly awaiting to see who she chooses for her “sunset years” soulmate. Will it be Chock, the insurance executive from Kansas, or Guy, the emergency room doctor from Nevada? The finale is drawing near, and only time will tell if Joan finds her happy ending.
Catch The Golden Bachelorette every Wednesday at 8/7c on ABC.
