Here's Why The Bachelorette's Mike P. Was The Star Of The Season's First Group Date
Week 2 got very intimate for him.
It wouldn’t be The Bachelorette without talking about sex, and by now Bachelor Nation knows there’s a good chance production will make someone feel uncomfortable about their sex lives at some point in the episode. Whether they’re negatively framed as a sex worker (which is, you know, not a negative thing) or they’re ostracized for never having sex or being kissed, contestants’ sex lives — or lack thereof — are usually used as a plot device. And it looks like Mike Planeta on The Bachelorette Season 17 is no exception. The San Diego native is already getting the ~inexperienced guy~ edit, even though there’s a lot more to the gym owner than just his sex life.
Heading into Week 2, it quickly became apparent Mike’s sexual history was going to be a Big Thing. The former professional baseball player is serious about his religion, which, to him, means waiting to have sex until marriage. During the June 14 group date, Katie’s suitors had to put on a performance to show why they each were the best lovers, a task which had Mike visibly upset. As a result, the self-proclaimed “one-woman type of guy,” revealed to Katie — and the rest of the contestants and all of America — that he is a virgin and saving sex for marriage.
Mike’s heartfelt confession had a positive impact on Katie. “Mike acknowledged that he knows exactly who I am. For him to choose to be here for me — knowing who I am and how I am — that's probably what hit me the most,” she said before awarding him the “greatest lover of all time” trophy during the group date.
So, what else is there to know about Mike? In addition to knowing how to open up, Mike, 31, describes himself as “easygoing, social, goofy and disciplined” in his official ABC bio. His Instagram is full of pictures of his dogs (he has four), his athletic past, his travels, and his family. In fact, he says his family is “extremely important” to him, and he wants to find someone his parents and three sisters love.
Mike’s bio also says he’s looking for someone who “loves staying active, will make him laugh, and most importantly, has the same set of values as he does.” Considering Katie adores her own family and is famous for making people laugh, it seems like there’s potential for the two to really connect.
Season 17 of The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
