A lot of viewers – including me – had some negative things to say about this season of The Bachelor and its Prince-not-so-charming Charlie O’Connell. But after watching Monday night’s season finale [read a recap], I am going to (gasp!) defend our Bachelor. Unlike previous Bachelors, Charlie O’Connell is rough around the edges and not the most romantic person you will ever meet. Okay, I was putting it nicely. There were times when the guy seemed to have the charm of a doorknob. But...

But previous Bachelors who wowed us with their romantic gestures and tear-jerking proposals are the same guys who worked harder to extend their 15 minutes of fame than they did to keep their new relationships going. I can’t predict what will happen for Charlie and Sarah in the coming months, but I do believe what I saw on last night’s finale was genuine emotion between the couple. Some viewers are making fun of the fact that Charlie offered Sarah a “promise ring” instead of an engagement ring. Would we have preferred to see him propose without being completely ready, only to call off the engagement a month later? And yes, I must admit that his final speech wasn’t exactly Shakespeare – he repeated the high schoolish line “I’m going to be the best boyfriend ever” one too many times. But hey, the guy was a nervous wreck.

MORE POINTS FOR CHARLIE:

When he was supposed to make a decision two months ago, he wisely asked for extra time to get to know the girls in the real world. I’m pretty sure that the tasteless live finale that resulted from his request was ABC’s idea.

Thinking it would be disrespectful, he decided not to sleep with either girl until he made a decision. Double the points for that gentlemanly move.

He chose to go backstage to break up with Krisily. Sure, the cameras were still there, but it was better than breaking up with a studio audience in the room.

Way to go, Charlie. Now, let’s hope he can keep his promise to be “the best boyfriend ever.”