Tonight on ABC's hit reality show "The Bachelor," Brad Womack will choose between Chantal O'Brien and Emily Maynard and propose marriage. Chantal, the brunette, is divorced and from Seattle. Emily Maynard, the blonde, is a single mom from Charlotte, N.C. A People.com poll shows 76 percent of viewers hope Brad picks Emily.
If producers portray Brad's final decision anything like past seasons of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," Brad will appear to be an emotional basket case at a total loss as to how to make this life-changing decision. In past seasons, it's almost seemed as though the bachelor flipped a coin to pick his mate. Some have dramatically weeped over the runner-up woman they let go, leaving viewers to feel less confident about the apparent first-choice woman they were about to propose to.
Bachelors and bachelorettes seek feedback from their families, who briefly meet the top two candidates. And a few bachelorettes have been pictured journaling on Decision Day. But there's never been any mention of prayer or spiritual reflection.
I bring this up because it offers a good opportunity to discuss romantic discernment from a real-life, no-cameras, Christian framework. The choice of a mate is the biggest one you'll make and it merits careful consideration and exhaustive prayer. So CatholicMatchers, how do you know when who've found The One, the soul mate God designed for you? What does your discernment process involve? A spiritual director? Eucharistic adoration? A special novena?
What are pitfalls to avoid when it comes to clear, Catholic decision making? Have you learned from past mistakes?
