October 28, 2020 • bachelor insider
Bennett Brought 'Study Material' About Emotional Intelligence to 'The Bachelorette'
Bennett, as we all know, went to Harvard. The wealth management consultant brought his Ivy League mentality to Clare Crawley's season of "The Bachelorette" and explained on a new episode of "Bachelor Happy Hour" that education doesn't stop once you finish school.
During one of the first scenes of this "Bachelorette" season, the men arrive at La Quinta Resort & Club and quarantine before getting COVID tested. Bennett explained in his snippet that he was reading a book on emotional intelligence, specifically group emotional intelligence.
Becca Kufrin brought this up during Bennett's "Happy Hour" interview and wanted to know if he actually read the book.
Bennett confirmed that he did own it and, in fact, already read it twice and brought it with him "as a refresher."
He said, "I think emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and all the components that make it up, are really important, far more important than IQ. I think EQ in relationships is chiefly important."
Bennett continued, "It’s an easy, quick read with a bunch of different anecdotes and I thought that was good to pound into my head as helpful learning tools for the process. It’s a high-stress environment, you’re constantly being challenged, you’re constantly being called out, you’re in this hyper-competitive environment. I thought that was one of the best things I could bring as study material and something to be mindful of throughout the journey."
He added, "It was serious and something I really value. I think we can always work on becoming more self-aware and better with relationship management skills."
Bennett said he felt it was important to bring books and other materials that are "relevant to what you're doing." Other than reading, he also journaled every day.
"Being mindful is important, especially when you’re in a situation like 'The Bachelorette,'" Bennett shared.
The 36-year-old told Becca and Rachel that he's had "nudges" over the years, including from "exes out the door," to apply for "The Bachelorette." He "never took it seriously," but then reconsidered once quarantine hit and he was alone in his Manhattan apartment.
He said, "It got me thinking this might be the time to do something like this. I gave it a shot and rapidly progressed through the process and was super excited to have an opportunity like this."
The Georgia native added, "Sincerely, I had the absolute best time of my life doing it. It’s one of those things where Harvard Shmarvard, 'The Bachelorette' is where it’s at. I had such a good time."
To hear what else Bennett has to say about that epic "Bachelorette" roast as well as his other thoughts on the season, be sure to listen to the entire "Bachelor Happy Hour" episode now!