In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we sit down with Davia Esther — writer, former Miss South Carolina, and fan-favorite from The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise.This conversation is raw, reflective, and deeply human.Davia opens up about grief, losing her mother at a young age, and the complicated reality of carrying loss into adulthood. We talk about independence — when it’s empowering, when it becomes armor, and how it can quietly shape our relationships.We dive into emotional permanence, abandonment wounds, dating in New York City, building community far from home, and what it really feels like to process life in public. Davia also shares what The Bachelor experience actually gave her (hint: it wasn’t just romance).This episode is about healing, honesty, and learning to sit with yourself — even when it’s uncomfortable.💬 In the comments:Do you see your independence as strength, protection, or both?00:00 – Davia Esther joins & NYC serendipity03:00 – Saying yes in New York07:00 – Building real community13:00 – Finding her voice through writing17:00 – Losing her mother & living with grief22:00 – Independence: gift or armor?26:00 – Dating, abandonment & emotional permanence35:00 – Therapy, healing & self-awareness38:00 – The Bachelor experience & friendships41:00 – Holidays, loneliness & reaching out43:00 – Game: How well do you know yourself?47:00 – Moon landing debate & rapid fire48:30 – Final thoughts & where to find Davia