The Golden Bachelorette’s Joan Vassos and Chock Chapple have been engaged since leaving the show, but I’m convinced they’ll never live together. The more time goes by, the more I wonder if their relationship can survive being long distance. I know it’s easier now when the blush of new love is fresh, but I’m worried about what will happen over time. As Joan and Chock grow more comfortable in the relationship, it may become harder for the couple to keep the fires burning. If they’re not careful, they’ll lose that loving feeling.
Joan, who recently turned 62, was a private school administrator in Maryland when she decided to appear as a contestant on The Golden Bachelor season 1. When things didn’t work out between her and Gerry Turner, she was cast as The Bachelor spin-off’s first female lead. Joan kicked off The Golden Bachelorette season 1 by greeting 24 single Golden men. Among them was 60-year-old Chock Chapple, an insurance executive from Kansas. He went on to win her final rose, but I’m worried that the physical distance between Maryland and Kansas threatens to derail their love.
Joan & Chock’s Long-Distance Relationship Explained
Over A Thousand Miles Between Them
Joan lived in Maryland long before appearing in the cast of The Golden Bachelor season 1. She was married to John Vassos for 32 years, and they had four children together before he passed away in 2021 of cancer. Joan lives near several of her children, as well as her grandchildren, so I can completely understand why she doesn’t want to move away. I worry the back-and-forth nature of their relationship will take its toll on them one day.
For his part, Chock lives in Wichita, Kansas, where he was born and raised. Not only is it where he raised his family, but it’s also where he runs a successful insurance business. It would be difficult for the divorced father of two to move away from the Sunflower State. Though Joan and Chock seem solid now, I think their long-distance relationship will grow more burdensome over time. Joan’s been spending more time in Kansas since getting engaged, but I don’t think it means she’s moving there.
Why Joan Won’t Move In With Chock
They’re Enjoying The Status Quo
Parade recently asked Joan about her and Chock’s unique living arrangement. “Everybody looks at this like …. ‘There’s no way this can work because you’re not together every minute,'” said Joan, adding, “We don’t feel the same way about it.” Joan explained she and Chock have very full lives and don’t need to spend every waking moment together. I think it’s great Joan and Chock can think about their relationship in a way that’s outside the box. Overall, I hope it continues to work for The Golden Bachelorette duo.
“We’re not living with each other, but we’re kind of living our best lives.”
Joan explained she and Chock love to travel back and forth to visit each other when something fun is going on. She loves being in Kansas. The couple also enjoys traveling together. Joan and Chock were recently in Cancun and Northern California. They also like to meet up in New York City, where they plan to get a place together someday. “We’re not living with each other, but we’re kind of living our best lives,” Joan told Parade. I’m glad Joan and Chock’s current situation is working, but I wonder how long it’ll last.
Can A Long-Distance Marriage Work?
Gerry & Theresa Were Long-Distance Too
Since getting engaged on The Golden Bachelorette season 1, Joan and Chock have been thriving despite not living together. I was thrilled that they found each other, especially after the failure of Gerry and Theresa Nist’s marriage on The Golden Bachelor season 1. I am, however, worried about the couple. Being in a long-distance relationship is one thing. Over time, Joan and Chock may come to find that a long-distance marriage is much more difficult. After all, Gerry and Theresa tried a long-distance marriage too.
