There are so many ways to find a partner these days, whether it be striking up a romance with a high school sweetheart or giving your thumbs a workout on Tinder.
Reality television on the other hand takes us on the wild ride of first dates and falling for the unrealistic expectations of said date taking us out on a yacht with strawberries and champagne.
Two women who have set out on their somewhat unconventional journey to find love on the current season of The Bachelor are Greek-Australians Marg Zogoulas and Bella Varelis.
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25-year-old marketing consultant Bella Varelis told Neos Kosmos her friends and family were “over the moon” to hear she would be appearing on the show.
“They all want me to find love, especially my yiayia! She’s a hopeless romantic like me,” she said.
Since appearing on The Bachelor, there have been plenty of tabloid stories that have come out about her previous relationships with former Bachelorette contestants.
Recently evicted Nadine Kodsi even went on to accuse Ms Varelis and bachelor Locky Gilbert of setting up the relationship prior to recording the show.
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Rather than focusing on the rumours Ms Varelis channels her energy elsewhere.
“I think the most challenging part is when people fabricate stories and misinform just because they want to remain relevant, it’s hard to not take it personally but I just hope people will be able to see through the gossip,” Ms Varelis said.
“It’s a little overwhelming but instead of reading into fabricated stories, I’ve been focusing my energy towards the positive and staying close to people who feel like sunshine.”
Fear of bad edits are often a sore point for many reality TV contestants, Ms Varelis is only slightly worried.
“I was unapologetically myself the whole time so I’m hoping they pick the best parts and not the times I was hangry or tired, forgive me for what I said when I was hungry!”
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24-year-old car sales consultant Marg Zogoulas may possibly have had it a little easier coming onto the show however being away from home was not always easy.
“It was definitely challenging being away from your friends and family and having little contact with them. Sometimes you just wanted someone you know to help guide you through what’s happening,” Ms Zogoulas told Neos Kosmos.
“I learned that I am an extremely strong person. No one truly understands how hard it is to be in an experience like that. Although it was amazing it definitely had its challenges.”
Ms Zogoulas did find some solace after striking up some strong friendships in the mansion with fellow contestants Charley, Marlaina and Irena.
When the contestants are not being schmoozed on boats, planes and trains the mansion provides enough entertainment to keep sane until the next rose ceremony.
“A day off in the mansion often started with a big walk with the girls, feeding the alpacas and reading a book by the pool,” Ms Varelis said.
There is the question of how you go through a shared experience vying for the love of the same man without wanting to feed your friends to the alpacas.
Ms Zogoulas explains, “I really grew amazing, strong friendships with the girls very quickly. So I didn’t find it difficult to maintain that, we all knew what we signed up for and had to support each other’s journey.”
You can find Bella and Marg on The Bachelor every Wednesday and Thursday night on Channel 10 at 7:30 pm