Bachelorette Recap: The Finale

Photo via People.com

Well, this is a first. The finalist I like actually won! That truly has never happened, like, ever.

That's right, Jef proposed people...and Emily accepted. Looking back at this first photo and watching the finale I am struck by how much better he looks with less of a mohawk look as the sides of his hair grew out over the course of the show.

Photo via abc.com

I'm just so happy! About the proposal mostly, but the hair too.

But before I get too sappy, let's review.

First, Jef met Emily's family. Her family was very cute I thought, and I loved how Jef acted around them. He was respectful and genuine and brought flowers for Emily's mom. Thumbs up all around.

Then Arie met the parents. I felt like he just wasn't comfortable at all and it seemed a little strained. It actually reminded me of when Emily met Arie's parents and how uncomfortable that was. I was kind of surprised that Emily's family liked Arie as much as they did. He just wasn't "on."

Next came Jef and Emily's day date. Throughout the entire season I think the thing I liked about Jef was that he is just so real. Instead of the meaningless small talk that you see so much on these dates on The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Jef and Emily's conversations seemed to have meaning, depth and answered realistic questions. This one was no exception. I think he had such a valid point about meeting Ricki, and I was so glad that Emily let them meet. Of course, Jef was precious with Ricki, swimming in the pool with her and just being so sweet with her.

Don't you wish that when you had a problem you could just call Chris Harrison and talk it out? I know I sure do. Lucky Emily was able to and I have to say I really applaud her for making the hard decision to not go on a second date with Arie when she was so sure of her relationship with Jef. Throughout the entire process she has done things her way, with integrity throughout and I think that's really commendable.

Of course, that doesn't make it easy. Watching Emily say goodbye to Arie was so awful. I felt so bad for him. Like Arie, I thought he was going all the way to the end with Emily. Poor guy got a love potion and everything. Ugh. Just painful.

In the end though, it was worth it to see Emily and Jef together. They're so cute! Props to Jef for picking a bananas ring. And how cute that they are going on a mission trip to Africa and he's moving to Charlotte. I mean, this one's for real!

Photo via Examiner.com

A couple of notes to ABC...

1) Please stop playing super ridiculous music at the end of the finale. I mean Peter Cetera's Glory of Love? Is it 1986? Can we just talk about that poor song choice for a moment?

2) Could we not get a beach proposal in Curacao? That sad little set was not super romantic. I need a beach proposal on The Bachelorette!

xo,

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