Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple, the stars of The Golden Bachelorette, have been showcasing their relationship post-show, but something about their dynamic makes it difficult for me to fully root for them. As the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, Joan’s journey was meant to find a love that would last a lifetime. Yet, her connection with Chock—while outwardly romantic—lacks the genuine spark that viewers hoped to see.
Joan, who first appeared on The Golden Bachelor season 1, returned to lead her own season and explore relationships with several promising men. Chock quickly emerged as a significant figure, but his reputation among fans was mixed. Some appreciated his boldness, while others found his behavior off-putting, labeling him as either non-committal or overly intense. Despite these critiques, Joan chose Chock in the finale, yet their relationship has continued to feel uneasy even beyond the show.
Chock’s Controversial Reputation During the Show
Throughout The Golden Bachelorette, Chock faced constant scrutiny from viewers. His past raised questions, particularly his long-term engagement that ended tragically when his fiancée passed away in 2022. While this backstory elicited sympathy, it also led some to wonder if Chock had unresolved issues that might hinder his ability to commit to Joan fully.
Chock’s actions on the show didn’t help his case. At times, his gestures felt overwhelming, leading some viewers to accuse him of love-bombing—a behavior that involves excessive displays of affection in the early stages of a relationship. Many fans doubted his sincerity, viewing his actions as performative rather than indicative of a deep, genuine connection.
Joan’s Struggles with Her Final Choice
As Joan navigated her season, her uncertainty became evident, especially during the final days when she was torn between Chock and another finalist, Guy Gansert. While both men had strong qualities, Joan’s hesitation signaled that neither relationship was fully solidified. Her doubts led many fans to believe that she should forgo choosing either man and instead embrace the possibility of staying single.
Despite these reservations, Joan ultimately selected Chock and accepted his proposal in the finale. However, her hesitancy lingered, leaving fans questioning whether her decision was made out of genuine love or a desire to fulfill the show’s narrative.
Post-Show Oversharing: Too Much Transparency?
Since the season ended, Joan and Chock have been highly active on social media, documenting nearly every aspect of their relationship. From updates on holiday plans to playful TikTok videos, the couple has been eager to keep Bachelor Nation in the loop. While transparency can be appreciated, their frequent posts often feel performative, as though they’re working harder to convince viewers—and perhaps themselves—of their happiness rather than simply enjoying their time together.
This constant sharing has left many fans overwhelmed. Joan and Chock’s insistence on presenting a picture-perfect relationship seems to lack authenticity, especially given the doubts surrounding their connection during the show.
Is Joan Truly Happy with Chock?
At the heart of the matter is the question of whether Joan and Chock are genuinely happy together. While they appear to be making an effort to build a life post-show, their relationship doesn’t exude the natural joy and compatibility that fans hoped to see. Instead, it often seems like they’re staying together more out of obligation or convenience than a deep, mutual connection.
Joan deserves happiness, but that may not necessarily involve staying with Chock. If she ultimately finds that their relationship isn’t fulfilling, choosing to move forward on her own could be the best decision. For now, though, it’s hard to fully support their relationship when it feels like something is missing.
