I believe a larger issue is at play betweenThe Golden BachelorettecoupleJoan VassosandChock Chapple’s long-term success besides their relocation issues. Joan originally appeared inThe Golden Bachelorseason 1, where she was one of 22 women vying for lead, Gerry Turner’s heart. Joan got a coveted one-on-one date with Gerry that solidified her as a frontrunner. However, she left the next day due to a family emergency, but she left such an impact on producers and viewers that she was chosen asThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1 lead.Joan had 24 suitorsin her season.
Chock was an early favorite of Joan’s, and they kept their romantic momentum throughout the competition, with Joan ultimately giving Chock her final rose. Since getting engaged during the finale, Joan and Chock have been trying to build their life together, although I’ve seen them encounter many obstacles. Currently, I know they are mapping out where they want to spend their time as a couple, while navigating other factors such as family involvement, public scrutiny, their career trajectories, and holding their place inBachelorNation, but I seeone issue standing out among the rest.
Joan & Chock’s Relationship Has Been Long-Distance Chaos
Their Plans Are Up In The Air
Joan, 62, is from Rockville, Maryland, where she is the matriarch of her close-knit family. Chock, 61, has his roots in Wichita, Kansas, where his children and family reside. Since their engagement, I’ve watched the couple attempt to figure out how to navigate their long-distance relationship, but I don’t think it’s going well. Originally, they had the intention of traveling between Maryland and Kansas to see each other, but also decided on buying a place in New York City, where they would spend quality couple time. However, I’ve noticedthe pair have been quiet about that NYC settlement ambition recently.
What I’ve seen actually happen, is Joan spending more time in Kansas than Chock has in Maryland, which has led to suspicion that Chock wants Joan there permanently. Joan has gone back to Maryland several times recently without Chock, which makes me think that Joan is the one making the most sacrifices. She stated onThe Golden Bachelorettethat she wanted a partner that fit into her lifestyle, and I don’t see that happening.
This last week,Joanhas been in Kansas once again. This time, she’s taking care of Chock as he recovers from eye surgery.I don’t believe that theGoldencouple intended on having this much chaoswhen it comes to where they have their time together and how much separation from her family Joan was going to have, but it is cause for concern. Aside from traveling between Maryland, Kansas, and NYC, Joan and Chock go on vacations together, like to Mexico and Northern California, and they attendBachelorNation events together as well.
I’ve witnessed a lot ofGolden Bachelorettefans voice their discontent with Joan and Chock’s arrangement for maintaining their romantic connection. There has been backlash over Joan being in Kansas with Chock most of the time, and I feel her time spent there could mean that’s where they’ll end up. Kansas is more centrally located for everything the pair does, but I know it’s not what Joan had initially envisioned, which is why there is pushback from fans.
Joan & Chock Are Having Trouble Blending Their Families
“A Little Hard Right Now”
Joan and Chock are also plagued by the difficulty blending their families. TheGoldenmatch were only able to step out as a couple in mid-November 2024 due to NDAs and contractual roadblocks, but it was just in time for the holidays. Chock spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with Joan’s family in Maryland, but I’ve noticed since then, Joan has been in Kansas with Chock’s friends and family, and I don’t think it’s a good signChock hasn’t been back to visit Joan’s family. During the holidays, Joan made what I felt was a concerning remark about family blend.
“A little hard right now.”
While Joan didn’t expand on what she meant, I’m certain it has to do withthe lack of smooth sailing they’ve encountered trying to incorporate both their families into their relationship. When Chock met Joan’s kids in Tahiti, they expressed concern over Chock’s intentions, and I don’t think they are convinced their mom’s engagement is working all that well. In the above Instagram post from Joan and Chock, they discussed the hurdles they’ve been encountering trying to plan a dual family trip to Disneyland.
They have to take into consideration schedules and logistics for the trip, and both of them looked overwhelmed by the upcoming feat. The inability to lead an easy life as a couple with regard to their family blending is a huge red flag for me. Since family is so important to both of them and they, but mostly Joan, are making sacrifices surrounding that, I can understand the public backlash over fans' unsettled views on the pair’s long-term viability.
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Joan & Chock Too Concerned About Their Influencer Careers
They Are Too Involved With The Wrong Thing
While the long-distance and family blending issues, I believe, are big points of contention that threaten Joan and Chock’s longevity as a couple, another issue stands out as potentially more damaging to me.Joanand Chock have been spending a considerable amount of time launching their influencer careers.
It seems like every other post from either of them is a promotion of some kind, with Joan having more broad influencing success and Chock’s being tied to Kansas.
I feel they are spending too much time trying to capitalize on theirGolden Bachelorettefame and not enough time on figuring out the chaotic nature of their romance. I recognize that the reality TV trend for cast members is to have social media engagement, but I think they are going overboard. They should befocusing on coming up with a better solution to the distance and family issuesat the center of their union and less focused on their career ambitions and relishing the spotlight. I fear Joan and Chock will become too plagued by the logistical problems and ultimately break up.
