Why I cheer for Charles Ling on “The Golden Bachelorette.”

“I’m 66 years old, but I look 36.”

It’s definitely one of my favorite lines from the first episode of The Golden Bachelorette. What makes it even better is that it is performed by the lovely and charming 66-year-old named Charles L. – a retired data analyst and widower who is embarking on a new search for love with Joan Vassos. He’s a proud father of two, he’s funny (and he knows it), and he values ​​commitment, as evidenced by his 36-year marriage to his late wife.

I watched his story and closely watched his first moments with Joan in the first episode and I just couldn’t help but develop a soft spot for the guy. He was incredibly polite, completely relaxed (and dare I say gentle) with the bachelorette. But the icing on the cake? As he reminded Joan to prioritize her Journey in this wild process of finding the right partner.

Before they parted, he looked Joan in the eyes and said, “This is your journey to find love… It’s our journey, but Charles isn’t in charge. Joan, you’re in charge.”