My take on Jen's self-described "nervous and excited" and coming across as boring and self-centered is because of her being uncomfortable with the situation, but trying to make the best of it. I know this, because if I were in her situation, I would be the exact same way.

The reason we all LOVED Jen, and wanted Andrew to choose her on The Bachelor is because she was a NICE, sweet, non-materialistic, non-showy kind of girl. I honestly don't think she has surprised us in The Bachelorette at all! I think, she has been exactly who she is! (As a side note: ABC is making her over waaaaaaaay too much with the cake of makeup, false eyelashes, etc. - it's exactly the opposite of why we all fell in love with her in the first place! She's a beautiful girl without all of that!)

Compare to Trista. Trista (whom I liked as well) is more of a show girl, meaning, she was a Miami Heat Cheerleader, she LOVES to be in the limelight. I don't mean this as an insult to Trista at all, because I do sincerely like her - it's just a difference between her and Jen. She just feels waaaaaaay more comfortable with the limelight than Jen does. Jen, on the other hand, is a bit awkward, and a little less polished in the limelight. Case in point - Andrew's proposal - she even went to grab the ring before Andrew gave it to her (also, unfortunately, something I would do!)

Jen may appear to be an "it's all about me" type of person, but I really don't think she is. I think she is focusing on herself in The Bachelorette because she truly wants to end up in a successful relationship, and this is her chance, AND she doesn't have the skills (like Trista) to do it a bit more gracefully - so she appears awkward and self-centered. kind of like how someone who is shy sometimes appears to be snobbish, or someone who's insecure sometimes appears to be a cocky. I know I have personally mistook one for the other more than once, unfortunately.

Additionally, it's not just that Trista was a cheerleader, she's just somehow waaaaaaay more comfortable with the spotlight on her. It takes a certain kind of person to do that well. Some people can handle it well (Trista does), and some people can't (Ryan (Sutter) - a little more awkward - like Jen Schefft (like ME!)

FYI, I was also a cheerleader, and am actually a flight attendant - very public job - BUT, even with all that, I could NEVER do what Trista, Meredith, and now Jen did! That is a LOT of pressure, and a LOT on your shoulders - to "carry" a show, to be "comfortable" and to continue to "be yourself" while trying to find love AND entertain the nation while doing it!

I, for one, like Jen Schefft, and think she is doing the best SHE can do, and I'm okay with it. Yes, we do see a few more awkward moments because of her lack of finesse, but I accept it. Just like I accept the awkwardness of each of the family dates, full well knowing that each family is doing the best they can do under those circumstances and some handle being in the limelight (cameras in your face) better, and some are a little more uncomfortable with it, and are doing their best to make it through the night!

Thanks for indulging me. For whatever it's worth.

All the best-
Fly Girl Jude

Photo: Courtesy of ABC