ABCBen Higgins is making them wait.
The Bachelor is less than a month away and anticipation is at an all time high for Ben H., a fan-favorite from Kaitlyn Bristowe's season of The Bachelorette, to make his debut as the ABC hit franchise's 20th leading man. And it sounds like anticipation could be the theme of Ben's season when it kicks off on Monday, Jan. 4.
On a conference call with reporters, Ben revealed he decided to limit the "kissing and making out" during his time as the Bachelor, a stark contrast to previous Bachelor Chris Soules, who drew criticism for how many women he kissed during his season.
"One of things that I went into this season after talking to some of mentors and my friends, and also just thinking how I want to do it myself was I really wanted to concentrate on getting to know these woman outside of the physical aspect of it," he explained.
He continued, "I think that is always important in a relationship and it comes in time, but I wanted to make sure we spent our time getting to know each other one on one and not necessarily kissing or making out the whole the time."
And while Ben will kiss some of the women—"That does happen"—he stressed, "It was something that I kind of wanted to hold back from I guess as this thing started."
As a Christian, religion is very important to Ben, and he revealed "faith" is the quality he is most looking for in a future wife. "I would really like to find a woman that had a similar faith as I do," he said. "I think that'd be important as we raise a family, as we move forward in life. So faith is important to me."
Looking back at The Bachelor experience overall, Ben said it hasn't changed him, but opened up his world to new opportunities. "I think in life I'm typically a very happy person. I don't think many things can change that, but this experience in general has been an incredible one. From last season even to this season, it has allowed me to focus more on what I'm looking for and also just having some experiences I never thought I'd have in my life."
For now, Ben is back in Denver and returning to his normal life after taking a break to film The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. "I'm going to start my job again...my house needs a little work. I'm going to do some yard work!"
Thanking his friends and family for keeping him grounded throughout the whirlwind experience, Ben added, "I have faith in Jesus that continues to remind me that I'm not the biggest thing around. That's what I'm excited to get back to."
The Bachelor returns Monday, Jan. 4 on ABC.