Dating Advice from Auburn’s Bachelorette

This article was first published in July 2023 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to date 25 people at once, Charity Lawson ’18 has the answer. The child and family therapist from Columbus, Ga. has embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime as the star of “The Bachelorette,” and is using her career experience to navigate the way through multiple relationships.

Lawson first appeared as a contestant on “The Bachelor” in January 2023. Despite being sent home as a finalist, Lawson was named the franchises’ next bachelorette weeks later.

“Going through the first initial season with Zach [Shallcross] on the bachelor, and then getting the opportunity to become bachelorette has been a whirlwind and moving very fast, but it has been great,” said Lawson.

As Bachelorette, Lawson experienced a different set of circumstances than she did on The Bachelor. Being in multiple relationships at once was “a lot more complicated than anticipated,” she said.

However, she applied her education and experience as a therapist to her difficult position. A graduate in rehabilitation and disability, as well clinical mental health counseling, Lawson used coping mechanisms learned in the field to help her manage stress throughout the season.

“It is a very high-intensity, emotional environment, and being able to give myself grounding techniques—or being able to journal and utilize those coping techniques—was incredibly useful throughout my time as Bachelorette,” said Lawson.

It’s an interesting position to be in, considering Lawson never expected to be on the show in the first place. Her best friend secretly nominated her to be a contestant on “The Bachelor,” and the rest is history.

“When I was reached out to initially to do it, I was definitely taken aback,” said Lawson. “I have watched past seasons before, but never in a million years would I willingly put myself out there and go on a show like this.”

Although the “random” call-back from ABC caught her off guard, Lawson saw it as an opportunity.

Relationships, even before she was on the show, brought their challenges for Lawson. After graduating college, she left unwanted relationships behind as she transitioned from student to a working professional, and ironically found some of her best relationship advice during this in-between period. “Being your best, most authentic self,” is a mentality she applies to everything she does.

“Auburn has really cultivated a space for me to do that,” said Lawson. “I can credit a lot of that to Auburn for instilling in me.”

As the season begins, with the eyes of America watching, Lawson will relive her experience episode by episode, but the drama will feel much different away from the cameras.

Even though the show has granted her a multitude of opportunities, Lawson intends to continue pursuing mental health counseling in the future.

“Whether it is telehealth, life-coaching, motivational speaking, I have no idea. But there are going to be so many beautiful ways to utilize my degree, and I definitely plan on doing so,” said Lawson.

No matter one’s dating situation or circumstances, Lawson herself found that it’s crucial for young individuals to figure out who they are as people before committing to a relationship.

“Before you really commit yourself to another person or give yourself wholly to another person is it so important to become confident and secure in yourself,” said Lawson.

By Mallorie McCoy ’24