Since I've been lucky enough to walk in the Bachelorette's shoes, Ladies Home Journal asked me to give my thoughts on Monday's episode and I wanted to share it with you here! I'm also including some fun throwback photos just for kicks : ) Enjoy!

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be blogging for LHJ.com for the new season of The Bachelorette—I think it’s going to be a great one! First off, I have to say I think Emily is so, so beautiful. And I don’t mean to devalue the importance of my time on the show or anyone else’s, but I really think this season of The Bachelorette is the most important in terms of what it means for her. I wanted to find love, of course, but at the time I kind of looked at it like, whatever happens, happens. But I think because she’s a mom and she’s bringing her daughter along with her on this journey, the pressure is really on, and I hope this is it for her.

That being said, I also have to say that the show packed some major cheese last night, maybe more than ever. I loved Randy but seriously, what the heck was up with the granny get-up? It was so hard to take these guys seriously. I obviously loved Arie; he is so dreamy and I’m pretty sure he’s already a front-runner for Emily. Now as for Kalon, a.k.a. helicopter guy? I’m all for standing out, but in the least pretentious way possible, which in my opinion, helicopter guy didn’t achieve. At first I thought Jef the hipster was kind of a joke but he’s right, the other guys probably will underestimate him. I love what he stands for and I think his charity work is a huge turn on. 

Overall there were definitely some good-looking men and I’m sure there are some solid guys in the group. I know that for me, that first night was such a blur (and no, not because of the champagne!). Emily is going to make some good decisions and some bad decisions, but at the end of the day I’m pretty sure she’ll pick the right guy. Whether it lasts or not has nothing to do with the show, and everything to do with their “real life” relationship. I know I picked the right guy and I actually believe that for a time, it was a successful relationship. I just hope that hers is a successful relationship that lasts longer than mine did.


Until next time,
Jillian

What did you think of Monday's episode – who's your favorite so far? Let me know in the comments below.

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