“Staying young is a mindset,” they say.
If you were one of the millions of Americans who tuned into The Golden Bachelor, it probably didn’t surprise you to learn that two of the standouts from the show, Susan Noles and Kathy Swarts, recently embarked on a new “journey” together: a podcast. The two former contestants and current besties co-host the Bachelor Happy Hour: Golden Hour podcast, where they bring their signature humor and no-nonsense realness to a range of topics, including relationships, aging, and yes — sex.
I recently chatted with the dynamic duo all about how their lives have changed since leaving the Bachelor mansion — and whether they’ve found love since their last rose ceremony. They’re both currently single, and while they’re certainly ready to mingle, they’re not necessarily looking.
“I don’t think I’m trying [to find love],” Noles says. “I’ve been on all the dating sites and did all that. And I feel differently now. I can’t keep looking. I don’t need a man. I would like a man to share my later years with.”
“We don’t sit around waiting for a man to come knock on our door, or for life to come knock on our door,” Swarts agrees. “We get up and move! We’re so busy with the podcast and just living our lives. So if we meet someone as we’re out and about, that’s great, but I don’t think either one of us are in a position where we have to have a man, because we know how to enjoy life.”
The ladies also opened up about their previous marriages — which viewers unfortunately didn’t get to learn much about on The Golden Bachelor — and shared their tips for sustaining long-term relationships.
“Compassion, communicate and compromise,” Swarts says are the keys to a successful relationship. “Be true to yourself, and speak what’s on your mind in a nice, kind way. But you’ve got to say what you’re feeling,” Noles advises.
“Otherwise, being a good listener is really important,” Swarts adds. “I think that in so many relationships, people stand on this idea of, ‘I’m right, I’m right.’ You know what, you can die on the cross being right, or you can work to communicate, collaborate, compromise — and life’s probably going to go a lot better for you.”
One thing’s for sure: These two are goldmines of wisdom who hold nothing back. For more on advice for dating after 50, living well, dealing with menopause, and a whole lot more — including what they know about The Golden Bachelorette — check out our full interview below.
