How an Auburn University master’s degree aided ‘Bachelorette’ Charity Lawson

Charity Lawson knows a thing or two about people. And she has the degree to prove it.

A graduate from Auburn University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Lawson checked off a variety of psychology courses while pursuing her master’s degree. Now a marriage and family counselor, she has chosen to devote her days to supporting others’ mental health.

But Lawson’s day job isn’t the only place where she is putting her psychology chops into action. As the Bachelorette, she navigated dating 25 men with grace, composure and a little help from her academic and professional training.

“My master’s has helped me in so many ways as I navigated my time as the Bachelorette,” Lawson was previously quoted. “My career was in clinical mental health counseling and so taking some of those things that I’ve learned but also what we, as Auburn men and women, can rely on is the Auburn Creed. I just apply that to my daily life.”

Below are just a few of Lawson’s behavioral strengths that came in handy during her time on the show.

Staying grounded

Lawson has a knack for keeping her emotions in check. For example, she let herself feel happy and relieved after bungee jumping off a bridge and apprehensive before meeting potential in-laws, all while keeping a level head.

This emotional regulation — being the boss of one’s own emotions instead of letting them lead — is a tricky skill for many that Lawson honed as the Bachelorette.

Stepping into others’ shoes

Lawson wore quite a few different pairs of shoes as the Bachelorette. But some of the shoes she stepped into that mattered most were metaphorical: the experiences of the men who courted her.

On each date, Lawson invested in listening to the men – their fears, triumphs, and formative experiences – with empathy and validation. This empathy, or ability to embrace and relate to the experiences of others, is a trait Lawson excelled at throughout her time on the show.  

Saying goodbye

Some men didn’t make the cut. Other men didn’t deserve Lawson’s time or were just the wrong fit. Beyond breakups, Lawson had to acknowledge her own needs in multiple relationships.

This boundary-setting behavior, which is rooted in knowing and prioritizing oneself, is not easy, but Lawson had ample opportunities to practice it throughout her break-ups with over 20 men in her journey to find love.

Taking it seriously, but not too seriously

Lawson has an infectious laugh, and she doesn’t hesitate to let her sense of humor shine. Whether participating in a race in New Orleans (Lawson admits she’s not a runner) or listening to the men serenade her with off-key songs, she embraces laughter and lets the small stuff go.

Laughter not only feels good, but it can also be linked to a variety of outcomes, including maintaining relationships. Lawson appeared to embrace her own sense of humor and sought a partner who could do the same.

Throughout her time on the show, Lawson deftly displayed her ability to regulate her emotions, show empathy, set boundaries, and find levity – all traits she will bring to her engagement with Dotun Olubeko.