Why I watch reality television

I do not “keep up” with a certain tv family, but I do watch several Bravo shows most would refer to as a guilty pleasure. Years ago I started watching the Real Housewives of New York. I had moved away from NYC where I grew up and watching New York on television made me feel less home sick. Many of the housewives lived and worked where I used to live and work. It made me happy. When more Real Housewives started coming, I tried to keep up with them. However, not every city needs a Real Housewives show. There were two cities they went into and I lost interest; however, I always returned to RHONY. My favorite was B. Frankel because she was the most real.

Reality television is a great escape after long work days and stressful meetings. Listening to wealthy women complain about their lives even though they have so much privilege made me feel better. It reinforces something many people do not want to admit—we want to see the rich and famous when they are having a bad day because it reinforces the fact that money cannot protect you from everything. The rich are unhappy. The rich get divorced. The rich get sick. They are not exempt.

Right now, RHONY (the new season 14 cast) is on in the background. I have done my two projects for the day and so now it is “fun time” to relax. The episode I am on is women taking themselves too seriously and worrying about what other people do and say instead of enjoying what they have. These are women with amazing lives, working, balancing families, and getting glam done so they even look like models. The women’s “non-stop” lives are fabulous and full yet they complain.

I most certainly do not have glam. Any of you who have checked out the LCALVERTJD channel on YouTube know I do not care if my hair and make-up are camera-ready. I like to jump into my day and living is more important than sitting and putting on fake lashes. After one hour of reality television, I can happily turn back to my real and full life and feel such gratitude for my present version of myself.

Please comment below with your favorite reality television show. I am also currently watching Below Deck: Down Under about yatching.