Aren’t shows like the Bachelor weird considering how ENM is perceived?
My (26F if it even matters) girlfriend (23F) got me into this show that is like the Bachelor but for lesbians. To start with the positive I was really impressed with how many of the women dealt with jealousy and communicated their feelings both to the Bachelorette but also to each other. I found it especially wholesome when the first girl to have an overnight date with the Bachelorette came back to the house afterwards and immediately went to comfort and clear the air between her and a girl that was very obviously devastated, and she did so in such a loving and caring way.
On the other hand I am really surprised that these shows are so popular and normal in the same world where ENM and polyamory get so much shit online?
I get that everyone consents to be on this show but none of them are openly poly or ENM and of course all struggle with these feelings of jealousy after having a sweet moment with the Bachelor/ette only to see them going out with another person that same evening for example.
It seems borderline traumatising and I wonder how they can get past this even if they do make it to “winning” the game. And also how the Bachelor/ette manages their own feelings knowing how many options are there for them.
Anyway, I know most of these shows are heavily scripted, so the conversation I wanted to start is mostly on why do you think this specific portrayal of “love/romance” is so popular to the mainstream in SUCH contrast to the mainstream’s perception of ENM.