Ben Higgins didn't walk away with the girl and the final rose on Kaitlyn Bristowe's season of The Bachelorette [1], but he did walk away with a bunch of adoring fans — and now he's the Bachelor [2]! The 26-year-old software salesman from Denver won over viewers with his sweet, genuine personality and his kind words for Kaitlyn. (Who didn't love it when he stood up for her during the "Men Tell All" episode?) It's Ben's turn to hand out the roses to the women competing for his heart [3], so to celebrate Monday night's big premiere, check out 11 reasons you can't help but adore Ben!

He Shows the Love For His Family

"Home is where one starts from. -T. S. Eliot."

He Looks Really, Really Good Shirtless

"Colorado welcomed my cousins in with blue skies and great weather"

He's Ridiculously Adorable With Kids

"The cutest baby on Instagram coming for round 2. #gerber #babymodel"

His Instagram Caption Game Is on Point

"'S'mores and squad' — teenage girl"

He's Genuinely Thoughtful

"You may have seen this veteran and I on the show this week having a quick talk, but what wasn't shown was this mans encouraging and supportive words for not only myself but also Kaitlyn. Have you ever met a stranger who even in a short discussion makes life a little more grand? Well he did that for me."

He Shares the Best Throwback Snaps

"Putting some swag on because someone said I got a date tonight."

He's a Taylor Swift Fan

"We made it. @taylorswift you made me a swifty tonight and life will officially never be the same again.#onwardsandupwards"

Wait, Did We Mention He Looks Good Shirtless?

"Happy Father's Day [4] to the guy who flew 1300 miles to help me reroof my house and put in a sidewalk all on a weekend that is supposed to be about him. Much love and appreciation sent your way to paps."

He's Supersweet With His Mom

"Got to spend the weekend with family and watch the final episode with this beautiful lady. She stayed strong and made it through...it can't be easy watching your son on this journey but she did a pretty darn good job. #momnowknowsIamnotavirgin"

He's Loved by Bachelor Nation

"It is a good morning when you run into some of Colorado's favorite people #fanguying"

And Through It All, He Showed Nothing But Respect For Kaitlyn

"This is when it all started, and dang it was a wild ride. I have nothing but respect for Kaitlyn as a person and her desire to take this process seriously."