As her journey on The Golden Bachelorette nears its end, Joan Vassos is offering valuable dating advice based on her experiences. Ahead of the much-anticipated finale, the 61-year-old star took to Instagram to share her wisdom with those who are re-entering the dating scene.
Kindness, Reciprocity, and Respect Are Non-Negotiable
Joan’s first piece of advice is simple but powerful: “The bare minimum you should expect in any relationship is kindness, reciprocity, and respect,” she shared. “Don’t be overly impressed by someone just because they pay you compliments or act nice. These are basic expectations.”
She emphasized the importance of holding yourself to higher standards and not settling for less. “Treating you well is not a bonus—it’s the standard,” Joan added.
Give Love Time to Grow
While love at first sight is a romantic notion, Joan believes it’s more important to take time to get to know someone before making judgments. “It’s okay not to be sure about someone right away. You don’t know them yet,” she said. “Even if love at first sight exists, don’t expect it. Allow yourself the time to build a real connection.”
Joan’s advice encourages patience and a focus on truly understanding a partner’s character before diving headfirst into a relationship.
You Are Worthy of Love, No Matter What
Joan shared a message of self-worth, reminding her followers that everyone deserves love. “You don’t need to prove to anyone that you are good enough,” she stated. “Whether or not someone falls in love with you, you are worthy of love. We all deserve it.”
This positive affirmation was a standout moment in her message, as she urged others not to lose sight of their value during the dating process.
Communication Is Key
For Joan, clear communication is crucial in any relationship. “Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions,” she advised. “Set boundaries early and express what you need. It’s better to be upfront about your expectations than to compromise later and potentially not get what you need.”
By prioritizing open dialogue, Joan believes couples can avoid misunderstandings and build a stronger foundation together.
Parting Words of Wisdom
Joan ended her post with a final bit of encouragement: “I hope this helps. It certainly helped me. Good luck with your dating journey!”
Joan’s advice comes as she wraps up her role as the first-ever Golden Bachelorette. The school administrator and grandmother began her journey with 24 hopeful men and has narrowed it down to two finalists: Guy, an ER doctor from Reno, and Chock, an insurance executive from Wichita. Fans are eagerly awaiting the season finale to see who she chooses.
The final episode of The Golden Bachelorette and the “After the Final Rose” special airs this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
