How has your time as The Bachelorette gone so far?
Things are going so well! I have done some amazing, crazy things, and the guys are great.
Were you surprised to be asked to be the new Bachelorette?
We had been talking about it for a while, just kind of gauging whether I was fully ready. As things progressed, I knew that I wanted to do it. I went into (The Bachelor) wanting to find love and find my partner. Obviously, it didnt work out with Arie (Luyendyk Jr.), but things have never changed for me … so when I was offered this, it was a hard yes all around.
How were your friends and family regarding your decision to do this again so soon?
They were a little bit hesitant. Im so close with them, they didnt want me to leave for a couple of months again. At first, they were like, Just find somebody and date normally back in Minnesota but after talking with them, they knew that I could do this. And it was easier for them this time around, because they trust my judgment and know itll be better following my heart on my terms.
How difficult was it for you to face Arie on the After the Final Rose edition of The Bachelor?
Its one thing to see the person for the first time after a big breakup, and its another to do it on live TV in front of millions of people. I was so nervous. Sometimes, I get really caught up in my own head, and I wanted to say the things I needed to say … and to have Chris (franchise host Harrison) there to guide that conversation and to kind of lean on, it was wonderful. Hes helped me through this entire journey, and its been so good to get to know him.
