From left: Ben Higgins, Joey Graziadei, and Arie Luyendyk Jr.Photo:Rick Kern/WireImage; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty; Joy Malone/Getty
Rick Kern/WireImage; Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty; Joy Malone/Getty
Joey Graziadeiis ready to stand on his own two feet as he begins his journey as the next Bachelor.
The 28-year-old tennis pro revealed that he has turned down advice from formerBachelorleadsBen HigginsandArie Luyendyk Jr.ahead of his search for love.
“I was lucky enough that Ben Higgins sent me a DM, Arie did as well,” he toldEntertainment Tonight.“A lot of guys just kind of wanted to at least send some support, saying they’d love seeing me last season and they wanted to make sure if I needed anything whatsoever, they would be there to help.”
Joey Graziadei.Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty
Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty
Graziadei admitted that it’s “nice” to hear from alums of the ABC dating series but he has given the same response “every time." He recalled telling the former Bachelors, “I appreciate the love and support, but I really am excited to do it my own way. I don’t think I really need to look for advice from anyone. I think I’ve just got to look within. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna do my best to show that.”
The lead forThe Bachelorseason 28knows what he is looking for when it comes to finding a wife on the dating show.
“I think it might be those intangibles I can’t explain,” he explained. “I definitely want someone who’s outgoing, fun, can make me laugh, can really be willing to take on life together… It’s gonna be a vibe thing.”
He added: “I think there’s gonna be a lot of amazing women that bring a lot of different things to the table, so for me it’s just gonna be trying to pay attention to what fits, what feels right.”
Joey Graziadei.ABC/Ricky Middlesworth
ABC/Ricky Middlesworth
Graziadei, who was the runner-up onCharity Lawson’s season ofThe Bachelorette, admitted that he is hoping to follow in her footsteps.
He called Lawson “amazing,” adding, “I think the big thing for me is she fully gave into this and you could tell that she was really committed to find her person. That gave a level of comfort to all the other guys. I’m going to try to do the same, to really make sure they understand that I’m here fully committed. I believe in this process. I’m going to be invested. If I can give that same level of confidence to them, I know they’ll have that instilled in themselves as well."
“Anything I can do on my side to give that level of comfort is all I’m trying to focus on, because I just want them to feel like they can be themselves and try to ignore all the outside factors that come with it,” he continued. “We don’t want to have to worry about them getting to that point where they feel like they can finally be themselves. I want them to be [themselves] right away.”
Joey Graziadei and Charity Lawson.ABC/Craig Sjodin
ABC/Craig Sjodin
Graziadei is hoping his approach will lead to the same happiness that Lawson and fiancéDotun Olubekofound on the series, sharing, “I think they are going to be a very successful couple at the end of the day, and do everything they need to do to make sure they’re gonna be living happily ever after. I want the same thing. That’s the goal. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’re doing it.”
Lawson andOlubekopreviously told PEOPLE that they will be cheering for Graziadei.
“We truly wish him nothing but the best,” she said in August. “We saw how much of a lover boy Joey is and how much he wants his person. I do believe that he is going to have no problem finding that. He is an incredible person. We’re both rooting for him and rooting for his success.”
Olubeko got to know Graziadei throughout filmingofThe Bacheloretteand called his fellow finalist “an awesome guy” because of his character.
“He’s very intentional,” Dotun said of Graziadei. “And I think that’s going to lend very well to the show. We’re both excited to watch that journey.”
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source: people.com
