Emily Maynard offers support to Sean Lowe

WENN

Former "Bachelorette" Emily Maynard has given support to her former flame Sean Lowe as he kicked off his journey to find love on "The Bachelor." The 29-year-old Texan was left heartbroken after he left "The Bachelorette" last year, landing in third place in the competition to win over Maynard's affection. His sincerity wooed viewers and "Bachelor" bosses, as he was announced as the 17th "Bachelor" in the hit ABC dating show franchise.

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And the down-to-earth heartthrob has revealed to E! News that he didn't know if he was ready for love again -- or even have it filmed for all the world to see. He explains, "It wasn't an easy decision because, when the producers initially approached me, I was still getting over Emily, and that was so emotionally taxing. I came to the realization that my feelings were very real, and I felt like I owed it to myself to give it one more chance."

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Although he doesn't keep in touch with the blonde southern belle that broke his heart, she has reached out to him to offer her support through the process. He admits, "I saw her at ("Bachelorette" newlyweds) Ashley and J.P. (Rosenbaum's) wedding, and exchanged pleasantries, but she did shoot me a really nice text before the show started that said, 'I'm rooting for you, I'm here if you need me.' I thought that was really sweet to know that she's in my corner."

"The Bachelor" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.