Reality Shows aren't Reality

So... it has been 10 days since my last blog. I'm slacking off....

I was watching TV the other day. A reality show. A show about boys who can't let go of their mothers. A show about a blonde boy who cares about blonde girls. Specifically, a girl who's a Barbie wanna-be. A show about a blonde boy who cares much more about how the girls look rather than how smart they are (whose mommy is upset about that). A show about a jewish boy who wants to break apart from his tradition and date a non-jewish girl (with much chagrin from his mommy). And about a boy who just cannot get out from under his mommy's shadow. You get the idea.... I'm watching Momma's Boys.

I have to admit it. I'm addicted to the show. It's only been running for 3 or 4 weeks and the finale is on Monday. I'm looking forward to it. It's about 3 boys who are obviously momma's boys. They set out on a journey to find a girl that they could possibly marry - and bring their moms along for the ride. Their mothers have a say in who they shouldn't and should date. Sometimes the boys listen, and sometimes they don't (when they aren't listening to their mothers, you know what they're listening to...).

What makes the show really interesting (and I mean really interesting) is a mother from hell. She'd make the worst mother-in-law ever. It's no wonder JoJo is still single. The umbilical cord wasn't cut at birth and still hasn't been cut. Seriously, the boy is in his mid-20's. It's time to let go.

While I'm fascinated by the show and wait anxiously each week for the next episode, I see a huge flaw. Not only in M0mma's Boys, but in every other reality dating show like The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and whatever else. See... while it may be "reality", it isn't real. On each date, you see romantic candles, the sun setting, making out on the beach, making out in the hot tub, making out in the ocean, and drinking wine (while making out).

Sure, the show's romantic. When you're thrust into a romantic environment (like Cabos) with a beautiful girl (and a sexy man), you just cannot resist the temptation to make out and make goo-goo eyes at each other. I have a feeling the blonde boy has gone a lot further than the show has let on (with multiple girls). He's a player, I'd bet on it.

Even if the boys find love (and if their mothers approve), it won't last. Why? Because it isn't real. Once they're back in real life... working, going to school or doing whatever it is that they do in life, they'll find out that when the romantic environment disappears, the lovey-dovey feeling will probably disappear as well. Then what? What's more - the boys and girls are all from different cities and states. Long distance relationship? Won't work. Count on it.

The best relationships start out boring and plain. Well, not boring - but normal. Become friends, go out once or twice to a restaurant, a coffee shop or even a movie to start with. If you really like each other, go out some more. If you're both daredevils or like to have fun, go have fun. It's your life, do whatever you want. Just keep it real. Get to know each other (slowly, might I add) and learn all your flaws. Get into arguments every now and then (and enjoy the making-up process). That's how you build a real relationship. Being whisked away to the tropics where you're dressed in bathing suits all day long, making out in the ocean and the sand gets you nowhere. It's all physical and nowhere near meaningful.

So here's a tip to the producers (like they'll listen), next time you want to make a "reality" dating show, make it real. Please.