San Diego, will you accept this rose? (Cue dramatic music and long pause.)
Jake Tinkham said “yes” to becoming San Diego’s star attraction for “The Bachelor Live on Stage,” coming to the San Diego Civic on February 27. The event brings all of the drama and love of ABC’s popular reality series to 66 hometowns nationwide for one evening—and deems a lucky local like Tinkham to be the lead for the evening. And what better cohosts of the show than former Bachelorette and Bachelor, Becca Kufrin and Ben Higgins?
Local ladies in the audience will compete through a series of games, challenges, onstage dates—both group and one-on-ones—and other fun ice breaker scenarios to win Tinkham’s heart. At the end of the night, Tinkham will hand the final rose to the woman he’s most compatible with. Without further ado, San Diego, let’s meet your Bachelor!
For how long have you been in San Diego?
Six years ago I had a client out here that I had to travel to frequently. I told myself someday I will be living here. I mean what’s not to love—the weather, the people, the culture, and, not to mention, a favorable number of breweries and fish taco joints that everyone loves to debate which is the best.
So, why are you still still single?
I wouldn’t say being single was the “plan” at age 31, but I have traveled and lived in a number of different cities—and another country—over the last 10 years. I know it sounds selfish, but I chose to focus on my education, getting my MBA abroad, career, and traveling. Looking back, I’m a much different person now than what I was in my early to mid 20s, and the types of girls I dated back then aren’t what I’m looking for now either.
What qualities are you looking for in a partner?
Something I look for is confidence, independence, personality, and a sense of humor. I know “ being authentic” is a cliché answer, but it needs to be someone that can hold a conversation and is great to be around, no matter the situation. In terms of deal breakers, jealousy is a no go for me and anything completely opposite of the qualities I just listed would be a deal breaker.
What’s your ideal date in San Diego?
It would be ideal to mix it up with romantic yet fun, such as going out sailing for an afternoon, dinner in Little Italy, and cap the night off with some pub trivia or karaoke to liven things up.
What should your prospective partners know about you before embarking on this amazing (one night) journey?
I love dogs and will never pass down an opportunity to pet one. I’m also a member at Modern Times Brewery, so I’m always looking for an excuse to stop by. Lastly, I’m competitive. If we play any type of game—even though friends would tell you I’m a nice guy—I’m not going to let you win at something just for the sake of winning. That’s never fun!
Well, how will you vet whether the girls on stage are there for the right reasons?
I believe you can sense a connection and sincerity when it’s there. It’s something that can’t be labeled as a logical approach. I guess I’ll have to trust my instincts and find out!
San Diego, Meet Your Bachelor
