The Golden Bachelor contestant, Carol Freeman-Branstine, has shared her reasons for departing early from Mel Owens‘ season.

“Making that choice was really challenging,” Carol, 63, exclusively revealed to Us Weekly at the Golden Bachelor Gal’s Brunch on Thursday, October 16. “I’ve never been the one to walk away, so this was a completely new experience for me.”

On the episode aired Wednesday, October 15, the reality TV dating show highlighted Carol informing Mel, 66, of her decision to leave the show during a group date due to the lack of progress in their relationship.

“I felt a connection from him, but I want someone who prioritizes me,” Carol clarified. “I chose what was best for myself and knew I had to safeguard my heart.”

Meanwhile, Golden Bachelor Mel Owens is in the process of narrowing down his choices as he prepares to meet the finalists’ families. “I’ll be meeting just three families next week. It’s a tough decision, but I’m seeking love and that unique connection with one of these women,” Mel, 66, commented.

She added, “Yes, I wanted to fall in love, but in the end, I have to be OK with myself, as well, so I decided to part.”

After Carol went home, Mel narrowed down his remaining ladies down to his final three going into hometowns. Debbie Siebers, Peg Munson and Cindy Angelcyk Cullers all received roses at the end of Wednesday’s episode.

“I’m not surprised [by] those three. They definitely all had the best connection,” Carol told Us of Mel’s picks. “I think it’s a good three [and] it’s going [to] be tough to choose from those three, I have to say.”

According to Carol, the remaining contestants are “all completely different” from one another.

“He really didn’t give us any direction this season because … I don’t know which direction he’s going,” Carol said on Thursday. “I don’t know [what] makes it so strong, but I just know that you can see the connection with each other.”

While Carol doesn’t know how Mel’s season will end, she does believe that he could find The One by the finale.

“I think he could. I mean, what are you gonna wait for?” she quipped. “He’s already graduated from college, he has his career. It’s not, like, we have to wait [until you] get out of school. I think he should.”

Season 2 Golden Bachelor Mel Owens is down to his final three. The 66-year-old former NFL player (turned lawyer turned reality TV personality) handed out three roses on the Wednesday, October 15, episode of the ABC series, giving Peg, Debbie and Cindy coveted hometown dates. “Your families, of course, are your biggest protectors and have […]

Mel previously told Us that all of the women on his season were truly incredible.

“The women are great, and you’re going to see that they’re great,” Mel told Us last month ahead of the Golden Bachelor season premiere. “They carry the show. They’re wonderful, and they’re feisty and smart, and truly, you’re going to see the passion from them. It’s a great, great show.”

Mel was previously married to Fabiana Owens, with whom he shares two teenage sons, for nearly 18 years.

“I’m never going to get in the way of someone’s happiness. If you want to find somebody else in a different phase in your life — it hurts — but I can’t get in the way of your happiness,” Mel told Us of his divorce. “And what’s your happiness may not be my happiness. That’d be a real conflict — you can’t stop somebody, say, ‘I’m over here now.’ You can beg and plead, but I’m fine. Life is short, and if you’re in love with somebody else, that’s fine.”

The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.