Dennis Gries and Sebastian Klaus: This is how the “Bachelors” feel about family planning

For the first time, two “bachelors” will be looking for love: Sebastian Klaus (35), sales manager in the real estate industry from Hamburg, and Dennis Gries (30), owner of a fitness and wellness facility from Kempten. From January 17th, the single men will be seen on the RTL dating show (also). In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the two talk about what sets them apart from each other, why they are still single and what kind of relationship they want.

Why did you want to become a “Bachelor”?

Dennis Gries: For me, a childhood dream has come true. I had it in my head years ago that I definitely wanted to take part. This year people from my circle of friends kept saying that I should finally apply and I also thought that now was the right time. As fate would have it, the production was one step ahead of me and approached me about it.

Sebastian Klaus: It wasn’t really a childhood dream for me (laughs). I met a woman in Bali and she had always followed the format and then told me at the end of the trip that I would be the perfect candidate for it. I had doubts, but we spontaneously took a few photos and a short application video and then sent them in. Six months later, here I am.

When did you know that there would be two Bachelors and what do you think about it?

Klaus: We got a little clue during the blind dates in Cologne. We met for the first time in South Africa.

Gries: Exactly. We knew before the flight to South Africa that there would be two. And of course our thoughts turned accordingly on the plane. What will that be like? Do I like him? Is he younger or older? Is it similar in type or completely different? And is this now turning into a complete competition? How it actually turned out is very exciting. It was an exciting time.

Klaus: I had similar thoughts to Dennis. I asked myself: Do I want him to have a certain type of similarity to me or would I prefer him to be completely opposite to me? I was torn until the end. The advantage of a similar type is certainly that the inner values ​​come into focus.

What similarities and differences did you discover between the two of you?

Gries: Which I think describes us quite well: quiet and loud. Sebastian is more of a mysterious type (laughs). Definitely a little calmer than me.

Klaus: What we have in common is that we both enjoy doing sports. It became clear to me right from the start when I saw him that I definitely don’t have to give up my fitness program completely (laughs). We used to do sports together, but I like to get up a little earlier…

Gries: We may have also played sports against each other – that’s just a little spoiler.

How important is it to you that the woman is sporty?

Gries: A partner should definitely be able to identify with the topic of sport and have an affinity for it. Simply to be able to accept our lifestyle. I think this is very important to both of us. It doesn’t have to be a completely fitness-crazy woman, but she should enjoy exercise when you do something together.

Klaus: Exactly. Now I don’t have to stand in the gym with her all day or every morning. I also like to do my training alone. But you should be active together, that could be hiking, walking or even skiing.

What else does your dream woman need to bring with her?

Gries: It should have positive and good energy. And she should be at peace with herself and simply open to new things.

Klaus: For me, my partner has to be loving and sensitive so that we can spend some quiet time together. And the topic of humor is extremely important to me, that we can laugh together and surf the same wave.

Gries: It’s true that you don’t always have to laugh loudest at your own jokes, that would be nice (laughs).

The season begins with blind dates. Did you have any experience with this?

Gries: I was a complete newbie when it came to this. I haven’t even used any dating apps yet. So for me it was something really crazy and very exciting to experience when suddenly a person stands in front of you that you haven’t even seen a photo of and just throws you into this adventure.

Klaus: Blind dates were actually new for me too. With dating apps, you already have a picture in your mind and you can of course choose who will be standing in front of you.

You have already explained in advance that as a duo you value being able to exchange ideas during the show. Who are usually your significant others in life?

Klaus: It’s usually my sister-in-law and her best friend, the two of them have always been very knowledgeable about my dating life. My mom always wanted to know what was going on. My brother is a bit more reserved, he’s only interested in it once it’s moved on to the next level.

Gries: I mainly exchange ideas with very close friends and if I really don’t know what to do next, then my mother has the last word (laughs).

Speaking of family: Can you imagine starting your own?

Klaus: Absolutely. This doesn’t have to be right now. I would really like to have my first child before I’m 40, but it’s not a must. If I’m in a happy relationship at 40 and have the feeling that a child would be just right, then that’s great. If it doesn’t happen until you’re 43, that’s still completely within reason.

Gries: I don’t really want to associate my future with big planning. If that happens, I would be very happy. My older brothers also both have children, which is really something wonderful. But there shouldn’t be any pressure to have children because if it happens, I want to raise them in a happy environment and, ideally, together with my partner.

What would you say if the woman already has a child?

Klaus: That’s not a problem for me. I have dated two women in the past who had a child. In the end it didn’t work out for other reasons.

Gries: I see it the same way. The best example is my own mother: my two older brothers are my half-brothers and she is still happily married to my father. That’s why I wouldn’t close my eyes to it.

It’s been a year since you two last had a relationship. Why are you still single and why hasn’t your true love worked out yet?

Gries: My last relationship lasted three years and I’m not a person who jumps into the next relationship straight away, but rather wants to reflect on the whole thing first. I need time for myself again and I can manage very well on my own. So I don’t always need someone by my side right away, but of course it’s even nicer when you really fall in love again.

Klaus: I’m a relationship person and I really enjoy being in relationships. Why hasn’t it worked properly yet? I’ve always tried to reflect on what the points are. And I just notice that I got to a point with each of my relationships where at some point it didn’t work so well anymore, including working on the relationship. Maybe also because neither of them were 100 percent behind it. Up to now I have always decided together with my partner that there is simply no point in continuing this and that we should simply part on good terms. I’ve always been lucky in that regard.

Would you be willing to move for love too?

Klaus: Absolutely. I would do that for the right person. Even though I know that my family would probably cut me short (laughs). But I’m also more of a wandering child. I feel like I’ve lived everywhere, from Berlin to near Munich.

Gries: It’s different for me, I’m a very close-knit person. I live where others go on holiday, so it would take a lot for me to pack up. So if a woman convinced me where it was even more beautiful than in the Allgäu, I might not be averse, but I don’t know the place yet (laughs).