Written by Mary Kornegay, Relate Regular Contributor
Note: This article is an opinion piece.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am a reality television junkie. Give me a bag of popcorn and a new episode of “Jersey Shore” any day. But just how much reality is in these “reality” shows? Are our favorite reality television couples the real deal?
(Photo by jolienadine.com)
Is it possible to fall in love on a reality television show? Just ask one of the 12 final couples from “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” who have ended up breaking up after they left the show. Out of the 14 seasons, two have been successful. Television shows such as “Tila Tequila” and “For Love or Money” are even worse. The stars of these shows are desperate for their five minutes of fame, and those relationship statistics are even lower than those from “The Bachelor.”
It is impossible to start a healthy relationship on a television show. The fairytale whirlwind relationships all start out with glitz and glamour, and end in heartbreak. Most real couples don’t have the luxury of jumping on a helicopter and flying to Sea World on one date. Most real couples get to spend more than three weeks total together before deciding to get engaged (and this isn’t even three weeks one-on-one!)
While watching these reality shows are thoroughly entertaining, you can’t put any faith in the actions of the stars of these shows. Heidi from “The Hills” should NOT be a role model. Her relationship with Spencer should not be mirrored in your relationship. Don’t take advice from Jillian from “The Bachelor” or any one from the cast of “The Jersey Shore!”
That being said, I fully encourage you to watch every episode of trashy television you possibly can. No one can make me laugh more than the vapid ladies of “The Bachelor,” (who expect to come on TV and get all the attention from the man, knowing they’re competing with 24 other women.) As long as you don’t put too much stock in finding your “true love” on a reality television show, you should be fine.
Tags: Jersey Shore, reality TV, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, The Hills, Tila Tequila, true love on TV
