Jason Mesnick Image: Lucien Knuteson

Jason Mesnick caused a stir when he broke off his engagement on The Bachelor and married Molly, the season 13 runner-up. But it all worked out. Back on his home turf in Kirkland, the reality TV star is selling real estate and living the family man life.

What was it like facing the initial backlash from your season?

When you’re living in the middle of it the backlash hurts, but when you know you’re with somebody that you really truly care about, it makes it all worth it.

Do you have any big takeaways on love?

Love changes over the years, but I think the most important thing is to make time for yourself and your kids. In the Bachelor world, the couples that make it go back and try to live a regular life like anyone else would. People who say, “let’s go to LA” are just trying to follow the dollar. It’s so easy to get swept up into that world, but it will spit you out faster than anything else.

What is the best “real world” love story you’ve been told?

A couple I have known for years were both backpacking around Israel and they met on a kibbutz. Fast-forward 30 years, they have an amazing growing family that includes three kids and one grandchild — and all because of a passion to travel and a little kibbutz in Israel.

How did you end up back in your hometown?

I was always going to come and live in the community where I grew up. My kids are going to the schools I grew up in.

Speaking of your kids, you do “doughnuts with daddy” with your daughter. How did that get started?

It’s mostly because [my daughter] just loves doughnuts. I would go to the gym in the morning and bring in a doughnut before she went to school. It’s a kid who loves doughnuts and a dad who will do anything for his daughter. She can get me to do anything.

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Jason dishes on his favorite bachelor contestants.