Entertainment TV 'The Bachelor' 's Nick Viall Gets Real About Returning to the Franchise for a Fourth Time The new Bachelor opens up about his past failed reality romances By Aili Nahas Aili Nahas Aili Nahas is the West Coast Deputy News Editor at PEOPLE. She is also the TV deputy in Los Angeles as well as the Weddings Editor. Aili has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry and 12 years at PEOPLE. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 5, 2016 06:19 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Brian Doben Nick Viall is certainly no stranger to looking for love on reality TV. When The Bachelor‘s next leading man begins his run in January, it will be his fourth time on the franchise. Not that Viall minds. In fact, he tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue that “it’s frustrating that there is this idea that I was always a bridesmaid, never a bride kind …. It’s not fun knowing that people know me as the guy who professed his love for two women on national TV, only to realize that they probably weren’t the ones for me. But I’m actually really happy with the way things played out.” In 2014, Viall was the runner-up on Andi Dorfman‘s season of The Bachelorette; the following year he finished second place again, when Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe left him broken-hearted. This summer, Viall fell for fellow Bachelor in Paradise contestant Jen Saviano but left Mexico as a single man. RELATED VIDEO: The Bachelor‘s Nick Viall – ‘I Don’t Feel Unlucky in Love’ • For much more from new Bachelor Nick Viall, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday Still, the 35-year-old entrepreneur says he doesn’t want any pity. “While it was heartbreaking in both [Andi and Kaitlyn’s] seasons, I’m really grateful that they made the decisions that they did,” says Viall. “And Jen was an amazing woman, but that didn’t work out. A lot of people have relationships that don’t work out! Mine just happen to be on television.” Continues Viall, weighing in on the criticism that he’s only on television for the fame: “People meet people in lots of unique and crazy ways. [Going on The Bachelor] doesn’t mean I’m not genuine. Hopefully people will form different opinions along the way.” RELATED VIDEO: No Baby Talk! Bachelor Nick Viall Reveals His Biggest Turn-Offs And now, as he prepares for his new role, Viall says he’s grateful for past experiences. “I’ve grown and matured a lot [since my first season on The Bachelorette],” says Viall. “I’m a better communicator now. And I know myself a lot better. I never want to let the negative experiences make me too afraid to take risks in the future.” The Bachelor returns to ABC in January.