Production of The Bachelorette has been on hold during the Coronavirus pandemic, but once filming is back on, Clare Crawley, who already has some issues with potential partners, will be the star of the show.
The 39-year-old will be the oldest woman ever cast on the show as the main woman, who is looking for love among the male suitors. While past contestant, Tyler Cameron, shared his crush on 48-year-old Jennifer Garner on social media, there’s no chance she’ll be on the show.
While age should not be a factor in finding love, Crawley is almost 40, and her age has been a topic of discussion among fans. Some think she’s too old for this reality show, while others embrace the change, especially since many prior contestants have been so young, and perhaps not really ready for marriage.
There are two sides to every coin, and there are pros and cons to being 39 on this show. While Crawley is confident in her choice to participate, she must realize the potential for problems, even if there are plenty of positive aspects, too.
10 Plus: She Knows What Kind Of Guy She’s Looking For
Once a person is nearly 40, they have a good idea of what type of person they are seeking as a mate. Crawley has surely dated many men already, and she was also a past contestant on The Bachelor. At this stage, Crawley knows what she’s looking for, so she can weed out the men who aren’t the right match. This will help her find “the one” without worrying that she's let the wrong guys go.
9 Plus: She’s Well Past Playing Games
At 39, Crawley isn’t interested in playing games or beating around the bush. She’s ready for love and will be direct and forthcoming with the men in the mansion. If she’s going to find her match, she needs to be straightforward and honest, and she can’t compromise her chances of finding her husband by being silly or unnaturally sweet.
Now’s the time for Crawley to put it all out there and see which men are open to all she has to offer.
8 Plus: She Can Teach The Guys A Thing Or Two
Some of the men in the mansion will be younger than Crawley. As the more “mature” partner, she can guide them with her experience and wisdom. She may have more to learn in many areas, but her age has afforded her a number of opportunities to evolve and become educated. The men in the group will appreciate her stories and solutions, and will surely find her to be interesting and insightful.
7 Plus: She’s A Fresh Change For The Show
Seeing an “older” woman as the main face of the franchise is long overdue. Women in their 20s and early 30s obviously have a lot to offer, but the show never gave women Crawley’s age a chance to find love in this format. If this season proves to be successful, it will open the door for more women her age (and older) to participate in the future. The same goes for older men.
6 Plus: She’s Comfortable In Her Skin
When a woman is approaching 40, she is likely to be more comfortable in her own skin than a younger woman, who may still be figuring things out. It’s evident that Crawley is self-assured and at ease with herself, which will allow her to express herself on The Bachelorette, without holding back. Her ability to focus on the big picture won’t be compromised by insecurity or self-doubt. This will be appealing to the men.
5 Problem: She May Hear Her “Biological Clock” Ticking
Let’s assume that Crawley wants kids one day. These days, women are having babies later in life, but 39 is no “spring chicken” in terms of pregnancy. The guy she chooses should be prepared to get the family thing going pretty soon. There may not be much time as a couple if a baby is a top priority. Whoever Crawley chooses must be on the same page when it comes to starting a family.
4 Problem: If The Guys Are Younger, She’ll Be Labeled A “Cougar”
There’s a good chance that Crawley will find a guy who is younger than she is on the show. That’s perfectly fine, as men date women younger than they are all the time. Still, the whole “cougar” label seems to stick, even if the woman isn’t that much older than the man she’s with. Crawley better get her claws out! She’s sure to fall for at least one contestant who was born in a different decade.
3 Problem: Some Viewers May See Her As Desperate To Find A Husband
At this stage in life, Crawley must be beyond ready to walk down the aisle. Some viewers may think this is her last-ditch effort to find a mate. She’ll be weeding through these guys like she’s at a yard sale, and hopefully one of them is truly her perfect match. If she only accepts a proposal to create the illusion of a successful finale, her relationship is doomed to fail.
2 Problem: All The “Making Out” At The Mansion May Seem Immature At Her Age
Anyone who has seen The Bachelor or The Bachelorette knows that there is a ton of making out going on in the mansion and on dates. Crawley will surely have her fair share of smooches and whatnot, and we’ll all watch her get romantic with the men.
Some viewers may find all this canoodling to be unbecoming, and they’ll be sure to share their thoughts on social media. Hopefully, Crawley doesn’t get shamed for doing what all the previous contestants have done over the years.
1 Problem: If It Doesn’t Work Out, She’s Back To Square One
Crawley will invest a good deal of time looking for love on The Bachelorette. If she does not find a man who’s “husband material,” she will have to start from scratch. All the days away from home and seeking out love on reality TV will have been a waste of time, and Crawley will have to return to “traditional” dating.
Once she’s a famous face from being on the show, it may make it even harder for her to find a husband who’s sincere. She won’t know if the guy is out for his 15 minutes of fame, or in it for the long haul.