Bustle Exclusive
A huge revelation helped her work through the shows inaugural season.
But from Joan Vassos, the first-ever Golden Bachelorette?
Its an earnest suggestion, and a celebration of the friendships shes fostered in Bachelor Nation.
They were big hits, these guys.
I tell Joan it sounds like more love stories might be in the making.
Ive got some in mind already, she says.
But first, its her turn.
Lots ofBachelorcouples make it, but some dont, she says.
And if you have hope going into it, thats all you really need.
Youve said that getting engaged at the end of your season wasnt necessary.
How did you arrive at that decision?
At this age, it takes a little time to get to know somebody.
Sometimes theres love at first sight, and sometimes you need more time.
Like, lets date.
I appreciate that youve said from Day One that you wouldnt move for a partner.
Is that still the case?
Yeah, its just the way I am.
I have great friends and family, and I love where I live.
I cant imagine not seeing my kids and my grandchildren all the time.
I have a mother whos 92.
I have a mother-in-law [whos] been part of me since I met John.
I want a guy that has the same thing.
Maybe we merge in the middle sometimes and go on a great vacation like, this can be fun.
In addition to staying close to family, did you have other nonnegotiables?
I was careful not to have nonnegotiables.The producers and casting agentJacqui [Pitman]know me well.
That was a struggle for a few weeks, to the point where I spoke to theBachelorpsychiatrist about it.
I dont know how to put John out of my heart to let someone else in.
How did they respond?
They said, You have two hands, and each of them has a balloon.
John is the balloon in this hand.
You dont have to let go of one to hold on to the other.
That was a huge revelation.
It was such a relief.
Have you had any near-misses about spoiling your season?
My friends are saying, Keep talking.
Give her another glass of wine.
But I am honestly really, really careful.
For me, the joy of watching the show is not knowing the ending.
I never look at spoilers.
I was like, Dont tell me.
I dont want to know.
Not knowing makes it a lot better.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
