The Bachelor

I just watched the season premier of Season [whatever] of the The Bachelor tonight.  In the past I've kind of joked that being a contestant on the show is one of my "back-up plans" if I don't find a husband the "normal way."  You know, meeting a real guy at a bank or coffee shop or in the produce aisle, hit it off and get married.  Or however it happens to work.  So obviously, I figured if I didn't magically bump into Mr. Right on the bus, I could definitely rely on reality television to give me a "boost" in the dating world.  Keep in mind, this is something I simply joke about.

But as I was watching the show, it was painstakingly obvious how going on a show like that is something that would never work for me.  Even watching all the fakey intros the girls had when they first approached Ben (the Bachelor) made me realize I wouldn't get past that part.  It's just so...rehearsed.  And all-around fake.  I mean, what kind of couple meets and you have the perfect one-liner combined with a wink or nod or hat?  Maybe it's just my personality.  Even for some of the more important presentations I have had to give, I normally prepare just an outline and primarily wing the rest.  It feels more natural that way.

Moving past the intros, you start to see the girls of the show interact with each other.  I think this is the part that, if I were present, I would start to go completely insane.  There was crying.  In the very first episode.  Before anyone was even sent home.  Yes, I recognize that reality television loves drama and it will be emphasized.  I guess I just find drama to be a waste of time and emotions.  And I prefer honesty.  Just seems to make life in general go a bit smoother.

Oh, what am I saying?  These aren't the main reasons that I wouldn't make it on these types of shows.  I'm way too picky.  By some peoples' standards; not my own.  I once mentioned that I had high standards and my sister retorted that I have impossible standards.  But in all honesty, maybe they just seem impossible because our society doesn't try as hard to maintain any morals.  And shows like The Bachelor definitely reinforce this kind of society.  I wouldn't do well on a show like this because I expect to be with a man who is only dating me.  A one-woman man.  Apparently, these kind of guys are rare these days.  And I certainly expect that he's not going to be smooching and skinny-dipping on the first date or two.  Seriously, people?  How is this being "picky"?

It's okay to have high expectations for the person you're going to marry.  You're going to be with them for a long time; they may as well be a good person who cares for you.  Views life in the same fashion as you.  I realize that the choices I make in life are not the "popular" choices.  When have I ever cared about being popular, though?  I used to wear velveteen dresses with matching turtle necks and leggings.  I doubt that was ever popular (don't worry, it was in elementary school...I think).  Anyways, I know that the majority of people think I'm weird or nutty for choosing to "wait for marriage" and for basically skipping the stage in life when you can "date for fun."  But I don't need everyone to like the way I do things.  I'm doing things the way I believe God wants me to...the best I can, trusting Him.  I mess up, sure.  But someday, He's going to bring along that one guy who does like the way I do things.  And then we can live life trusting our Lord as best as we can together.