EXCLUSIVE: Bear Myrden initially turned down the chance to be Australia’s first ever Golden Bachelor, then he son changed his mind.
In an exclusive interview with Bear, which you can watch in the video above, the 61-year-old revealed why he first rejected the opportunity.
He also shared what life is like as a dad to three young men, opened up on the tragic loss of his wife Audrey and what his dating life has looked like since she passed.
“When [the opportunity] was first presented to me and I had almost two weeks to think about it after I turned it down, I kind of thought ‘Well, this could be the opportunity I’m looking for’,” Bear reflected on the start of this journey.
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In raising his three boys, now young men, Bear always instilled in them “to take risks and jump at opportunities”. 
After mulling things over, he thought back to a piece of wisdom one of his sons had shared with him.
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Bear and his three boys. (Nine)
“He said to me, ‘If you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results then that’s not going to work.’
“So I thought I’d jump into this and see where it brings me. If it bring me love then that’s a bonus.”
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A word of advice from his son proved to be the encouragement Bear needed. (Nine)
Bear tragically lost his wife Audrey 13 years ago. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour and given nine months to live.
Following her death Bear went into “survival mode” and focused on raising his sons.
He didn’t have much time for dating but thinks it’s about time that changed. 
Bear and his late wife Audrey. (Nine)
“I’ve had a few short-term relationships since my wife’s death. I don’t think I was ready. I wasn’t willing to compromise and I still had my head down looking after the boys, that was the priority,” Bear said.
“Now they’re just becoming men and moving out on their own and now it’s my time.” 
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