Joan Vassos, the star of The Golden Bachelorette, has been an open book throughout her journey, from her past relationship experiences to her evolving perspective on love. Now, she’s sharing even more about what she learned from the whirlwind experience of going on 24 first dates in one night during her time on the show.
In a new video, Joan reflects on the lessons she took away from her fast-paced dating adventure. Her first piece of advice is one that resonates with anyone who’s ever hesitated to put themselves out there: “You’ll never regret putting yourself out there. You’ll only regret wondering what would have happened if you had. So get out there!” Joan encourages viewers to take risks in love, because the unknown can lead to wonderful discoveries.
Another lesson Joan learned from her 24 first dates is the importance of balance in conversation. “Not every conversation is 50/50, and that’s okay,” she explains. Sometimes, you might find yourself doing more of the listening, and other times, you’ll be the one doing the talking. Joan stresses that the ability to adapt and be present in the moment is a key part of dating.
Perhaps one of the most profound lessons Joan shared was about self-reflection. “Every date is a mirror,” she says. Sometimes the person across from you will reflect what you’re hoping to see, and other times, they’ll show you something you weren’t expecting. Joan encourages embracing both experiences as opportunities for growth.
Joan also offered reassurance to anyone nervous about first dates, reminding her followers that no one is immune to the awkwardness that comes with meeting someone new. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, first dates are always nerve-wracking. They are always awkward in the beginning,” she admits. But the key is to take the leap anyway and embrace the vulnerability that comes with it, regardless of your age.
In closing, Joan shared one final, empowering thought: “The best love story starts with loving yourself.” She reminded viewers that no matter how many dates they go on, rejection doesn’t define their worth. “Sometimes rejection is just redirection,” she notes. Instead of dwelling on what didn’t work out, Joan encourages embracing what’s to come and staying open to new possibilities.
Joan’s wisdom continues to inspire, showing that the journey to love is just as much about learning, growing, and appreciating yourself as it is about finding someone special.
