11 Valuable Dating Lessons We've Learned from the Bachelor

TresSugarSource: 11 Valuable Dating Lessons We've Learned From The Bachelor

We've seen the good, the bad, and the totally awkward on this season of The Bachelor. From what makes a good first impression to what not to say mid-date, Ben's relationships have given us great insights into the dos and don'ts of dating. Now that we're down to the final two women, here are 11 of the most valuable love lessons we picked up while watching this season of The Bachelor. We might as well learn something from our guilty pleasure!

• The First Impression Matters: What happened: Riding in on a horse was a bold move, but it definitely made Lindzi memorable. Not only did her grand entrance earn her the first impression rose, but it also gave Ben an immediate sense of what she's all about.
  The lesson: Don't be afraid to show who you are right off the bat. For one thing, you'll feel more comfortable, and for another, you don't want to be with someone who can't handle the real you, anyway.
• Know Your Limits: What happened: Jenna may or may not have had a few too many glasses of wine, which left her crying in the bathroom before the first rose ceremony even started.
  The lesson: It's fine to enjoy a drink or two, but be aware of your tolerance and recognize when it's time to sip water instead. You want to actually remember the date, and you definitely don't want to have a breakdown minutes after meeting someone.
• Learn to Laugh at Yourself: What happened: Ben brought the girls skiing on the hills of San Francisco, and Kacie B. didn't quite have the coordination to stay upright. That didn't bother her, though - she cracked up while sliding backwards down the hill, booty in the air.
  The lesson: Guys don't expect you to be an expert at everything, so don't sweat it. Looking a little clumsy on a date? Own it! A sense of humor is way more attractive than insecurity.
• Guys Love a Little Competition: What happened: Something about girls playing sports seems to do it for guys, and Ben was no exception. He loved seeing the ladies play softball, especially because he was able to see a different, more focused side of them. (The short shorts probably didn't hurt, either.)
  The lesson: Switch up the standard dinner-and-a-movie routine and try something competitive instead. Not the best athlete? Go for low-key mini golf or a fun night of bowling - games that are a bit more playful.

• Sexy Should Be Effortless: What happened: Bummed that she hadn't kissed Ben yet, Jaime decided to go all-out and more or less choreograph their first kiss. Rather than seeming playful, though, the whole thing translated as really forced and really, painfully awkward.
  The lesson: You don't have to work to be sexy - you just are. Don't force things to get physical if it doesn't feel natural, and overanalyzing things will just make it worse. Adopt a go-with-the-flow attitude and let the relationship move forward when it feels right.
• Make Yourself Stand Out: What happened: Ben took the girls to a local village in Panama, where Courtney decided to sport her beaded top sans bra. The rest of the ladies weren't exactly thrilled, but Ben definitely appreciated her free spirit attitude. Nudity probably wasn't the best choice, especially out of respect for the other women, but you've got to hand it to Courtney - the girl knows how to attract attention.
  The lesson: You don't have to make yourself the center of attention all the time, but you shouldn't be a wallflower, either. Let your confidence shine through by speaking up and allowing yourself to stand out.
• Avoid Gossip: What happened: Emily told Ben about her issues with Courtney, then couldn't seem to stop talking about it. Ben was turned off by the catty comments and he wished she'd have focused on their relationship instead.
  The lesson: Tread lightly when it comes to talking about others, and when in doubt, don't do it at all. Your intentions may be good, but it's easy to seem a bit juvenile when you're complaining about someone else all the time.
• Don't Be Afraid to Hold Back: What happened: Blakely made a scrapbook of all the places the group had visited, including collages of the life she imagined living with Ben. The only issue? She hadn't been on a one-on-one date yet, so it felt like too much, too soon.
  The lesson: It's fine to fall in love quickly, and it's great to be open with your feelings, but it's important to gauge where the other person stands before diving into a conversation about your future children.

• Let Him Take Charge: What happened: When Ben announced that the group would be swimming with sharks, Rachel froze and said that sharks were her biggest fear. Enter big, strong Ben to the rescue - he all but ignored the other two women and held Rachel's hand throughout the entire date.
  The lesson: Guys want to feel needed, and they want to feel like men. Sure, they're attracted to women with a sense of independence, but every once in a while it's nice to step back and let him play the Prince Charming role.
• You Look Best in Your Element: What happened: Ben's feelings for Nikki seemed to grow tenfold after his date in her Texas hometown. It wasn't anything crazy - they went shopping for cowboy boots then grabbed beers at a local saloon. Still, Nikki sparkled throughout the entire date, and it was obvious that she felt really comfortable.
  The lesson: When you're in a place you love or doing something you love, your best self will shine through. Choose dates that put you at ease so that you're able to open up and feel confident.
• A Big Risk Can Have a Big Payoff: What happened: During her hometown date, Courtney staged a fake wedding with Ben. Seem a bit over-the-top? Maybe, but Ben absolutely loved her willingness to take a chance.
  The lesson: Trust your gut. Nobody can say what's "normal" for another relationship, and only you know what's right for yours.