The "reality" aspect of reality television has long been called into question, but for former "Bachelorette" Andi Dorfman, being on a series like that was actually quite a revealing experience.
"As funny as this sounds, having been on reality TV kind of shows me the reality of the world," Dorfman tells "Oprah: Where Are They Now -- Extra."
On her season of "The Bachelorette" in 2014, Dorfman got engaged to contestant Josh Murray, who got down on one knee and presented the Georgia attorney with a sparkling, three carat Neil Lane diamond ring. Eight months later, the fairy tale was over and the couple broke up.
Dorfman says the experience taught her a humbling life lesson.
"Whether or not I'm getting engaged with a rock from Neil Lane or in a different relationship, it's still tough. It still sucks when you break up. I'm no different; I'm not shielded because I was on TV," she says. "It kind of humbles you."
“It's hard not to get wrapped up into the whole industry life... You kind of start to lose sight of the reality of life, so to speak.”
While on the show, Dorfman adds, it can be difficult to remember that the glamour of it all can be fleeting. "It's hard not to get wrapped up into the whole industry life. Especially on the show -- you're getting touted around on planes and helicopters and [to] private concerts," she explains. "You kind of start to lose sight of the reality of life, so to speak."
But when the cameras stop rolling, real life takes its course and sometimes offers a harsh reality check.
"You get hit with a break-up and you're like, 'Wow. My stuff is no different than anyone else,'" Dorfman says. "It's pretty humbling."
Today, more than a year after her public split, the 29-year-old says she's in a good place in her life, living in Manhattan and promoting her new tell-all book, "It's Not Okay."
"I never thought I'd be an ex-fiancee, living in New York City, single," Dorfman admits. "Crazy. But I'm happy. I'm very happy."
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