in reality

Last night I saw my first dose of TV in some time. I happened to call into the apartment downstairs and, while chatting, started to watch some junk MTV programme, since in this appartment the TV seems to always be grumbling in the background. To be honest, I don't think I've seen such a bad programme. There was a show called Parental Control. The basic premise runs something like this: Boy's parents don't like Boy's Girlfriend. They all agree to come onto the show. Both parents pick out a model of "ideal girlfriend" and then Boy goes on dates with these two women. While being filmed. Which is then watched by Parents and Girlfriend. After a couple of dates, Boy arrives home and has to face Girls and Girlfriend. He eliminates two of these women. In the particular programme, the Boy went on a date with a "player" and ended up going to a stip club with the date, and then kissing her - as the Girlfriend sat on the sofa sobbing and his parents made catty remarks. He then chose stripper girl and Girlfriend left the house broken. Well done MTV, another happy couple.

I guess I was just thinking about how different my ideas about these things are. How can you just treat someone like that? How can you just "try out" someone else? Love is hardly a test drive, with no obligations, a free warranty and six months interest-free credit. Who decideds to end a relationship on national TV? Where is the sense of trust, committment and honour in this?

If my parents ever got involved with a relationship I'd be so mad. But that's the point. They don't. They are of the attitude that I'm "old enough and ugly enough to work it out". They aknowledge that it is my life. Sure, they might have an opinion, and if they are asked for it, they will give it.

I guess I'm pretty clear that I'm not going to find a guy on MTV. But unlike the people on that show, I also know that when I get into a relationship it has to be aiming somewhere. If there's no chance of getting married, then it's over. I'm in it for the long haul. I don't think you can test drive other people "just to make sure he's the one". He is or he isn't, and deep down you know that - you just have to be honest with yourself.