Entertainment

This Is What 'Bach' Star Michael G. Is Doing Now

by Lindsey Kupfer

As it turns out, there are still super attractive former Bachelorette contestants who are looking for love. For example, Mike Garofola from Desiree Hartsock’s season of The Bachelorette is a 30-something, single, lawyer in New York City and he revealed all the trials and tribulations of dating in a big city including some not so glorious first dates. His tales also spoke to my heart since dating in New York is an absolute nightmare. The last time we saw Michael Garofola, he was on Bachelor in Paradise. He came in hoping for a shot with Tenley, but with three guys chasing her, he didn't last long. I personally think Tenley should have chosen Michael over Joshua, but what do I know?

Since the show ended, he moved back home to New York from Texas and has been working as general council for an international trading company. He then had to explain exactly what that meant since I know literally nothing about the law. He’s the in-house lawyer, which means his only client is the company he works for. Not to mention, he lives in a great part of NYC and has an adorable dog. Who wouldn't want to swipe right on Michael G.? (He says he's on some dating apps, so keep a look out ladies!)

“The thing about dating [In New York] is that everyone sort of has this idea that they have limitless options,” he tells Bustle. “I mean a lot of it is because everyone sort of has in their head that they don’t have to settle, which is a good thing, but this whole idea of 'I’m not going to settle' has turned into, 'I need to find the person who is like the most perfect person in the world on paper and in-person and it needs to be right away.'”

He added:

Someone could be perfect for you but it might take a little while for them to get comfortable and you to get comfortable with them and develop a rapport, but I feel like if that person doesn’t knock you off your feet on day one, it's hard to schedule a second date … We expect someone to be, like, funny and attractive and smart, the total package all the time. I think it's kind of unfair. It's a lot of high expectations of people, but we're all guilty of it.

And, just like that, Michael Garofola has summed up the major issues single people face in the world today.

And dating can be rough even for someone who survived two stints on a reality TV love show. Michael says that he once went out with a girl whose friend actually ruined the date. After a few drinks she brought him to a bar meet her best friend who revealed his Bachelorette past to his date. After that he was hit with a barrage of questions.

“It became so overwhelming. I was just like, ‘Look I’m trying to answer both your questions but you need to relax … I felt like I was in front of a firing squad,” he says. “[The friend] was insulting and she genuinely wanted to know things, which I understood. Unfortunately for her, she invited this guy to come along.”

The friend apparently had a problem with Michael’s attitude and stormed out of the bar, with Michael’s date in tow.

Another first date got offended when he turned down a second round of drinks. After he got home he received a slew of texts, including one that read: "You need to open your heart more."

Think dating is hard? Michael Garofola is here to tell you: You’re not alone.

Images: Instagram/MichaelGarofola; Giphy (3)