Chock and Joan ended the season with an engagement, but one obstacle remained: Joan lives in Maryland, while Chock lives in Wichita. Together, the couple decided to embrace the unconventional nature of their relationship and enjoy a long-distance romance. Joan and Chock agreed to split their time between their two homes, and they also planned to purchase a third home in New York City. However, their NYC dream seems to have stalled. And as Joan and Chock spend time in Wichita, I believe their plans are changing as they settle into life in the Midwest.
Chock Wants Joan To Be Comfortable In Wichita
He’s Adapting His Life For Her
During Joan and Chock’s New Year’s trip to Kansas, Chock pulled out all the stops to make Joan feel at home. On January 1, Chock shared photos from their trip, writing, “It’s been a fun few days showing @joan_vassos around Wichita!” Joan echoed Chock’s enthusiasm about the trip, writing on her account, “Had the best time starting the new year in Kansas with @chockchapple! Headed back to see my kids and grandkids but will miss my new friends in Wichita.” Joan included a photo of herself arm-in-arm with a group of women as they celebrated the new year.
Joan also poked fun at Chock’s massive sock collection during her trip to the Midwest, which Chock followed up with a post detailing his donation of the excess socks. While this seems like a minor change, it speaks to the influence Joan has on Chock’s home. Chock is adapting his home and lifestyle to make Joan happy. There has been some speculation Joan and Chock’s separate homes are a sign of their unwillingness to integrate one another into their lives, but it’s now clear to me that Chock sees his home as a space they both share.
A recent appearance on the Dear Shandy podcast gave more insight into Joan and Chock’s habits as they discussed a shopping trip to Home Goods. Chock explained Joan convinced him to buy new throw pillows, filling two shopping carts with items for his king-size bed as well as his guest room and son’s room. This is another example of how Chock is allowing Joan to make herself at home in his space, which tells me they intend to spend plenty of time there in the future.
Joan Will Now Know People In Wichita
She’s Building A Social Network
Joan’s post about her new bond with Chock’s friends gives me faith that her future lies in Kansas. Joan is more likely to move to Kansas if she has a support network beyond Chock. Chock is committed to his work as an insurance executive, meaning he can't devote 100% of his attention to Joan when she’s in town. Joan must have connections in the city, which she established during her January visit.
Joan’s relationship with Chock’s friends proves how much effort he’s putting into making her comfortable. It suggests their plans for Wichita are long-term. I don’t think Chock would be encouraging Joan to form relationships with his friends if they never spent time together again. He wants her to build connections in Wichita that will help her adjust to being away from home. This is a sign Joan and Chock are leaning towards establishing roots together in Kansas.
Joan Doesn't Have Friends Or Family In NYC
Nothing is Tying Them To The Big Apple
Chock secured his place in Joan’s heart in The Golden Bachelorette season 1 finale when he presented her with a key that symbolized their future home in New York City. While Joan and Chock have always dreamed of living in New York, they lack a close social network there. Joan’s loved ones are in Maryland, while Chock’s friends and business are in Kansas. They have little connection to NYC other than their dreams, and I’m convinced that’s not a good enough reason for a permanent move.
But living in Kansas will give her Chock’s existing social circle, providing her with a foundation for building lasting connections. Joan will likely have a hard time leaving her friends and family in Maryland behind, but her pain will be lessened if she has a new group to welcome her. While she now has that in Kansas, she doesn’t have it in NYC.
If Joan and Chock buy a home in New York City, it’s likely to be a romantic retreat rather than a full-time home. Joan and Chock are too established in their lives to leave everything behind and start over. If they decide to make one location their home base, I believe Kansas makes the most sense. Chock can continue to grow his business, while Joan has proven she can blend seamlessly into his friend group.
Will Joan Give In To Chock And Move To Wichita?
She May Be Ready To Leave Maryland Behind
Joan and Chock had big dreams of jetsetting between three locations, but it’s not sustainable. I’m positive it’s only a matter of time before they grow tired of the constant travel. Spending so much time apart can be hard on a relationship, and the only solution is for Joan and Chock to agree on a home base.
I’m convinced Joan and Chock’s posts are setting the stage for a permanent move to Wichita. He’s going out of his way to make sure she feels at ease in his home, which suggests she’ll be spending a lot of time there soon. As Joan and Chock settle into life after The Golden Bachelorette and plan their wedding, they’re likely looking for a more stable living arrangement. Joan loves Chock with all her heart, which is proof she’ll follow him anywhere he goes.
