As The Golden Bachelorette draws to a close, fans are reflecting on the differences between Joan Vassos and Gerry Turner, the star of The Golden Bachelor. While Joan’s season left her with a solid and respected reputation, Gerry’s post-show journey hasn’t been as smooth, especially following his whirlwind engagement and marriage to Theresa Nist, which ended just months later. Here’s what Joan did differently—and the lessons she could teach Gerry about handling fame and relationships on reality TV.
5) Joan Handled the Fantasy Suites with Honesty and Transparency
The Fantasy Suites are a key part of the Bachelor series, but Gerry’s approach to the overnight dates left many fans confused and unsatisfied. While he made a joke about what happened behind closed doors, he never clarified his intentions, leaving room for speculation. Joan, on the other hand, was upfront about her approach. She made it clear to her suitors that she wasn’t looking for a physical connection at this stage. Instead, she wanted the time to deepen her emotional connection with her final choices, making her decision more thoughtful and intentional.
4) Joan Wasn’t Focused on Getting Engaged
From the beginning, Joan was clear that she wasn’t in a rush to get engaged. While open to finding love, she wasn’t desperate for a ring by the end of her season. This mindset allowed for a more relaxed and authentic experience, reducing the pressure on both her and the contestants. In contrast, Gerry seemed overly fixated on finding an engagement, which ultimately diminished the significance of the gesture. His rush to get engaged turned his season into a race against time, rather than a journey to find meaningful love.
3) Joan Took Her Time with Marriage
One of the most talked-about aspects of Gerry’s season was his rushed wedding to Theresa Nist, which took place just three months after their engagement. Sadly, the marriage was short-lived, with their quick transition from engagement to wedding contributing to the strain. Theresa later admitted that the studio’s pressure to marry within a specific timeframe played a role in their decision. Joan, however, isn’t rushing into marriage with her fiancé Chock Chapple. Her more thoughtful approach could help ensure her relationship develops in a more grounded, stable way.
2) Joan Was Honest About Her Family Priorities
Joan’s connection to her children and grandchildren was clear from the start. She communicated that she wasn’t willing to relocate away from her family, which helped her avoid any potential future conflicts. On the other hand, Gerry’s relationship with his own roots seemed less defined, and his marriage to Theresa ended partly because they both struggled to prioritize their families’ needs over their own. Joan’s clarity about her family values made it easier for her to find a partner who shared her priorities.
1) Joan Respected the Power of “I Love You”
Perhaps one of the most notable differences between Joan and Gerry’s approach was how they used the words “I love you.” Gerry famously told three women that he loved them during his season, including Faith Martin and Leslie Fhima, which left many fans feeling uncomfortable. Joan, however, reserved these powerful words for her true connection, Chock Chapple. By not rushing to say “I love you” prematurely, Joan ensured that when she did say it, it was genuine and meaningful, strengthening the foundation of her relationship.
Joan Vassos’ wisdom and self-awareness set her apart in her season, offering valuable lessons for both reality TV stars and viewers alike. While Gerry Turner’s Golden Bachelor journey ended in heartbreak, Joan’s thoughtful, transparent, and measured approach may prove to be the recipe for lasting love.
