Who are these people?

My husband started a blog and I've been inspired to do a bit more blogging myself. In a recent post of his he brought to light one of my shortcomings: television watching. Namely, "The Bachelor". I totally agree with him in his assessment of the show and how awful it is. Why do we watch people torment themselves on television and who are these people who sign up for such public humiliation? Don't they know that they're going to be competing for one guy and there's a very high probability that they won't be the last woman standing? Why are they so shocked when they're sent home? Do you suppose it's mostly drummed up drama for the sake of 'good' television? I think maybe yes.

And yet I watch. I majored in Psychology and Sociology in college - it's a very interesting case study. That's my excuse. I've only watched parts of past seasons so I'm a bit of an amateur of all things Bachelor related. Of which I'm rather glad. I have gotten more wrapped up in the last season of the Bachelorette (Ashley), Bachelor Pad (ugh!), and now the current season with Ben. I think I'm figuring out many of the games the producers play and am less enchanted with the whole process. As the season goes along I find myself watching only the highlights (or lowlights as the case may be). Or even better, finding an entertaining review like the one at That's what We Said. Now that I know the cast of characters, it's rather boring listening to them prattle on and say meaningless things to each other. Because if we're going to be realistic, we know the Bachelor has to pretend to like everyone and make out with them a lot until he sends them home and keeps the girl he really likes.

Anyone who has been watching this season has been a fan of Kacie B. all along. And I applaud her family for standing up for some values for once and voicing their opinions about not wanting their daughter to live with a guy before they got married. Unfortunately it was passed off as the most archaic of ideas and Ben couldn't imagine not 'trying it out' before you commit to being married. And silly Kacie B. could only think with her heart and be willing to give up her morals if she could only have another chance with Ben. Listen to your parents Kacie. You're a sweet girl and deserve a better romance than this sham.

Here's my little soap box - the success of a relationship isn't the result of everyone always feeling good and having a chance to try it all on for size. You can figure out if you get along and have common interests and values without checking to make sure all your bits fit together properly. It's about taking on the adventure of life together and committing to making the relationship work.

Really, I'm pretty sure being surrounded by all these pretty ladies and them throwing themselves at him has stymied Ben's judgment a bit. He's thinking with his nethers. Not a good idea Ben. When everyone on the show is telling you that Courtney is a bit cuckoo, you might want to listen.

Looking back, I really actually liked Emily the best. The one who cared enough to approach him about Crazy Courtney and then got reprimanded for doing so. She was funny and intelligent and she seemed capable of more than the awkward surface chatting that all the other girls had to offer.

Who knows, maybe Courtney is the best match for Ben. He seems the most at ease around her probably because she's pushed past the small talk and all the other girls are trying a little harder to be 'ladies'. I'm going to guess he's going to pick Courtney but I will not be one bit surprised if it's yet another Bachelor match-up destined for failure. The producers totally bank on drama and not on successful relationships to determine the success of the show. So all you single ladies out there, this is not your best bet for finding a great husband. Just sayin...

I've moved on to better drama. Stuff that doesn't affect real people. Better dialogue. Downton Abbey! :)