Yulia Belchenko: “We are happy with those we love.

She was a mystery from the beginning. At the first party of the 11th season of the project “The Bachelor” on STB, Yulia Belchenko was nicknamed “Bunny” – because of her costume and tenderness in communication. But what is she – one of Mikhail Zalivako’s minions in life and who was she in the past? About feelings, the initiative in the relationship and the future with the bachelor – in our interview.

Yulia, most of all people talk about you as a member of “Bachelor 11”. What was your life like before the project?

My life has been quite intense and contrasting. I went to university and worked in a museum. She was getting her master’s degree and working part-time in a factory. I sat in the office for months and traveled during vacations. I also have sports and charity in my life. Every day is filled with bright colors and good intentions.

On Instagram, you write about ambassadorship of the Happy Shore Animal Aid Project. What pushed you to do this?

I love animals very much. When I was a kid, I always took care of stray fluffies and often brought them home. I even wanted to become a veterinarian to help all the animals, but I’m afraid of blood. That’s why I help out as a volunteer. Animals can’t ask for help, they just endure and suffer. They don’t deserve it.

How did you get to work at the plant?

I had a part-time job in a factory when I was a student in Poland. I chose a job that could be combined with couples. The first beauty contest in my life was at the end of my studies in Poland, among female students. The rest of the competitions were already in Kiev, when I returned to my homeland. At that time I was already working as an SMM manager.

How did you decide to go to the Miss Ukraine Universe pageant in 2019? What did that step mean to you?

For me, it was like a parachute jump. It’s very exciting and a little scary. A beauty contest is a childhood dream of mine. I always thought the contestants were like fairy tale heroines, in beautiful dresses and with a crown. But the main purpose of participating in beauty contests is to do good on a larger scale, to involve a huge number of people, to remind them of social responsibility.

Were you a fan of The Bachelor before you participated? What seasons did you watch?

I am very romantic and sentimental. I believe in love, like in a fairy tale. So yes, I watched the project, almost all seasons, cried and rejoiced with the contestants.

How did you know you were cast? What were the emotions and expectations?

I never thought that I would take part in the project, because I am an introvert and do not like a lot of attention to myself. Everything happened spontaneously and so quickly that I didn’t immediately realize that I was one of the participants. Emotions were quiet as I could not believe this was happening to me. Then, after a few days, of course, it hit. I was worried about who the Bachelor was, whether I would like him, whether he would like me, what kind of competitors there would be, and other trivial thoughts.

Can you describe a day on the project? How does it go?

We have an irregular schedule. Lifting, makeup, hair. When the other members are on a date, we get together for a get-together. Then we shoot the interview. It can also be a commercial shoot. Sometimes we have a couple of hours of free time. We discuss clothes with stylists and go for fittings. In the case of receiving a date invitation, the schedule is very different, but we never know what is waiting for us to meet Misha.

You are the owner of the first kiss with Misha on the project. What does the first kiss with a man mean to you?

Even on our first date, I noticed that Misha and I were very similar and even spoke the same phrases. It’s very rare that you can make contact with a man right away. I rarely get close to a person so quickly. From the first minutes Misha gave me confidence and great sympathy. The first kiss is decisive for me. I use it to judge whether a man and I are suitable for each other, whether we can have a romantic relationship.

On the project, you often talk about the initiative. How far are you willing to go in a relationship to get a man’s attention?

It’s not about initiative or lack thereof. It’s important to understand who it’s all about. For someone, I wouldn’t bother, I’d just wait for his manifestations. It’s all about the man himself. If I care about a man, I am ready to make steps towards him, but only as long as I feel that my feelings are mutual and that our relationship has a future.

In the seventh episode of The Bachelor, you had to give up your date to another contestant. Why did you decide not to fight for him until the end?

I learned about this punishment for losing when it happened. I didn’t want to give up my date. But I respect myself and believe that if a man wants to see me, he will ask me out without rules, punishments and games. It was important to me what Misha would do in this situation, because not only the girl has to fight for a relationship – it’s a task for two people.

During your time on the project, you’ve gotten to know Misha quite well. What kind of girl do you think he needs for a happy life?

I don’t think it’s about any qualities or character traits. We are happy with those we love and who reciprocate.

Text: Victoria Pokatilova
Photo: press service of STB