Peter Just Posted A Heartfelt Message About The 'Bachelor' That Will Literally Bring You To Tears

On Thursday, ABC stood in the middle of the Bachelor Nation town square (aka Twitter) and announced that Arie Luyendyk Jr. will be the next Bachelor. And so, it was in stone: Peter Kraus would not be the next Bachelor after all. Several hours later, Peter said goodbye to The Bachelor franchise on Instagram, and just a warning, his words will turn you into a puddle of Peter-loving tears.

As big of a bummer as it is to see Peter climb atop a horse and ride away from Bachelor Nation, the writing was all over the wall the moment Peter told Rachel Lindsay he wouldn't propose at the end of a reality TV show, since it wasn't really his style. The chances of seeing Peter as the Bachelor seemed to all but dwindle away when series creator Mike Fleiss tweeted, “Do we really want a Bachelor who isn't ready to settle down with a woman he loves? Hmmm. Not what #thebachelor is all about." Sure, all of this "Peter isn't right for The Bachelor" talk could've been a big fake out, a way to throw fans of the scent — but it wasn't. And so here we are, staring at goodbye letter from the Bachelorette contestant who got away.

Peter's Instagram post begins,

"#tbt to the most incredible journey of this life time that has now officially come to an end today. As I sit here writing this, I struggle to hold back the tears as I am overcome with emotion one last time. First and foremost.. @therachlindsay , there are so very many things that I've wished I could say to you since the day we parted ways in Spain, but for everyone's sake, I'll keep it short... You gave me a chance and all that I can say is thank you. I have a heart filled with love for you now and always and wish you nothing but the best in your life and love ahead."

Well, this is sweet and gracious and a far cry from that one time he told Rachel to "go find someone to have a mediocre life with."

Addressing the TV network directly, he continues,

"ABC, you saw something in me, but something held me back. You treated me with such love and kindness and showed me glimpses of a life I never once dreamed that I could have. I will be forever humbled and grateful and will always look back at these last 6 months with an ear to ear smile, knowing that this has truly been a very special life indeed."

And what a beautiful ear-to-ear smile it is. Forever humbled and grateful to have you on TV, Peter.

And don't worry, there are even more gorgeous words from Peter:

"Upon leaving the @bacheloretteabc I was asked, "what did you learn about yourself during this process?" And at the time I naively said "nothing that I can think of." Now... looking back... I realize I learned one of the single greatest teachings of my life;

When you let uncertainty or fear guide your decisions, you risk missing out on what could potentially be the greatest opportunity of a life time. So live dangerously, live without the fear of the unknown, and continue to live and love with a heart that is truly open to anything. #thankyou #lovealways"

Wait a second. When he says, "When you let uncertainty or fear guide your decisions, you risk missing out on what could potentially be the greatest opportunity of a life time," is he talking about not being the next Bachelor? Or is he talking about not proposing to Rachel? Honestly, it's a fitting sentiment for either scenario.

It's also entirely possible that he's just saying, "Hey, if you want to try out for The Bachelor/ette, do it. Don't be scared"? Seriously, what does that last paragraph mean? *Stares at photo of Peter until it gives the answer.*

Ugh, Peter. You handsome and kind dreamboat of a human, you. Miss you already.