Reality TV Love

Almost two weeks ago, my wonderful friend, Alaina Burd, decided to change her name.

She was a stunning bride. Postively glowing. Especially when she looked at Nathan.

I felt so blessed that Alaina would include me in the most exciting day of her life thus far. It was such a treat to see and feel her excitement along with all those closest to her, and to be completely caught up in emotion as I watched her walk down the aisle to the beaming groom.

Their committment to each other and the Lord is so encouraging in today's world of short romances. It's refreshing to see one that will last.

***

I didn't want to do it. But I did.

I got sucked into The Bachelorette last night. And furthermore, I have three top picks for the love-starved girl. William, PJ, and Ryan. How pathetic.

I got to thinking during the show, as I built up an annoyance at the professions of love in the previews of what was to come, about what the real problem with this show is.

For a reality tv show, it is surprisingly short on realistic circumstances. Ok, that doesn't narrow it down enough- it's not realistic for someone to fall in love with 20 guys at the same time. So forget that part and look at just one couple out of the 20.

This particular show is jam-packed full of highly romantic, once in a lifetime kind of dates. The couple is always doing something exciting, or in a magical atmosphere, or simply just away from all other influences in their lives.

I don't believe that you find... I hate to say "the one," but it will do I guess.... You don't find "the one" through a series of extraordinary moments. "The one" makes ordinary moments extraordinary.

***

Jered and I spent the first two weeks of knowing each other, not on outlandish dates, but doing homework in Johnson Hall Lounge. Do you know JHL? It's a dingy, out-dated lounge in the Johnson Hall dorms. It is NOT a candlelit picnic under the stars with flowers and wine and whatever else makes up a romantic date.

But it was real.

It was real life, with a real person, who wasn't trying to impress me AND the rest of America's ABC viewers with his great accomplishments and sensitivity.

But it turned doing homework into a memorable and magical experience.

I know, I know. Jered tells me all the time: I'm such a sap.

Well... here's another confession: I will most likely continue watching this season of The Bachelorette. Stupid and infuriating as it may be, it's a little addictive.

And besides that... I want to see if the masked man ever takes off his mask.