The Golden Bachelorette star Joan Vassos has accepted Chock Chapple’s proposal, but I’m worried that the pressure to commit to something will ensure that she won’t get the happy ending she deserves. Joan, who originally appeared during The Golden Bachelor season 1 as a contestant hoping to win Gerry Turner’s heart, was ready to find something real. After leaving The Golden Bachelor, Joan was asked back to start the process as The Golden Bachelorette. While she wasn’t necessarily a Bachelor Nation darling, Joan was well-liked enough for viewers to get excited when they found out she’d become the next lead.
As the lead of The Golden Bachelorette season 1, Joan was ready for an exciting new opportunity. She seemed like she was going to do what it took to find love with her cast of guys, but it was clear that Joan was particular about who she dated in her real life. Opening herself up to new people, new experiences, and new ideas, Joan had a whole new chapter of her life unfold during her time on the show. Getting to know Chock and the other Golden Bachelor contestants was exciting, but may have put pressure on Joan’s ultimate decision.
Joan Joined The Golden Bachelorette Hopeful & Optimistic
She Was Ready To Find Love After Loss
Although Joan’s time on The Golden Bachelor wasn’t cut short because of heartbreak, by the time she became The Golden Bachelorette she was ready and hoping that love would be on the other side of the experience. Joan’s life prior to her Bachelor Nation experience wasn’t easy, especially within the last few years. After spending the last several decades with her late husband, John Vassos, she unexpectedly lost him to pancreatic cancer in 2021. Through the last years, Joan’s been grieving and doing her best to move forward, keeping steady for the grown children and grandchildren she shared with John.
While Joan shared she hadn’t dated much after her husband’s death, it was clear that she was ready to jump back into the dating scene when she landed on The Golden Bachelor. Joan’s quick stint on the show was fun, and prepared her for her own time as the lead which came quickly thereafter. She was prepared for the environment of the show and how much responsibility would fall to her as the lead. While she didn’t know about the pressure she’d be under, Joan felt ready to accept everything that came with leading the show and knew she’d succeed.
Joan’s Final Choice Chock Has Been Full Of Red Flags
Chock Has An Array Of Issues
Although she was able to find her way through the difficulties of figuring out who would work for her and who wouldn’t, Joan’s choices toward the end of the season each featured their own set of red flags. With her final three coming down to Chock, Pascal Ibgui, and Guy Gansert, Joan felt certain about very little when it came to her future with the guys. Joan had a connection with each of her final three men, but when Pascal chose to leave the series, she felt even more unclear about the relationships she had left with Chock and Guy.
Chock, who joined the series just a year after losing his late fiancée to cancer, was still dealing with grief of his own as he moved through the beginning phases of his relationship with Joan. After being engaged for nine years, Chock’s fiancée lost her battle with cancer and left him unsure of where to turn. Unfortunately, Chock’s grief brought up some major red flags. He was perceived as someone who isolated himself quite a bit, and on top of his isolation issues, he appeared to be love-bombing Joan at moments. Viewers were overwhelmed with Chock’s strong feelings for her.
They’re Looking For Everyone Else’s Approval
When Bachelor Nation watching closely, Joan chose Chock and accepted his proposal. While many viewers weren’t satisfied with the choice, they were willing to give Joan and Chock’s relationship a chance. Bachelor Nation struggled with the way Chock behaved around Joan, wondering if he was more invested in the relationship for clout than he was for genuine affection. Joan’s decision was difficult for viewers, and as Bachelor Nation moved through the first days post-season, it was clear that social media would be a place for her to share more of an unfiltered look at her relationship with Chock.
The pair have posted more about their relationship in the last few weeks than Bachelor Nation saw about them during The Golden Bachelorette season as a whole. While Joan and Chock have been open about their relationship with one another, they’ve also been doing their best to keep their private lives to themselves in the moment. Seeing Joan recording nearly every big moment of their lives has been overwhelming, but it’s also been obvious that she feels like she needs to update Bachelor Nation about what’s going on in her relationship. Their relationship feels like it requires social media validation.
Did Joan Settle For Someone Who Won’t Make Her Happy?
She May Not Be Satisfied With Chock
Although Joan and Chock have been sharing their happiness throughout their first weeks together in public, I’m not certain that she’s actually found someone who will make her happy. Chock’s penchant for isolation during The Golden Bachelorette season has appeared to transfer over to their day-to-day lives, especially with Chock being quieter during Joan’s videos on social media. Joan has been overtaking most of her posts, leading people to struggle with the power dynamics in their relationship. As the Golden couple continues to share more about their relationship, the less I’m convinced that they’re a good fit for each other.
While Joan may be happy with Chock now, it doesn’t feel like the two are a pair that are meant to last the rest of their lives. Joan and Chock’s relationship doesn’t always feel equal, which has given me pause about their future together. While Joan is looking for someone who can go with the flow and match her energy, Chock feels like someone less spontaneous than she’s interested in. While only Joan and Chock truly know their relationship, I’m worried about their future if their personalities continue to clash. The Golden Bachelorette pair may not continue to work well.
