Lesson Learned From an Unexpected Source -- Reality T.V.

This weekend I hapened upon a marathon of an old reality show -- My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancee. For those of you who somehow missed this show the first time around, allow me to provide a bit of an overview. The concept is relatively simple. Pretty girl (hereinafter "Bride") and Obnoxious Guy (hereinafter "Groom") attempt to convince their respective families that they (1) met on a reality dating show (2) fell in love (3) got engaged and (4) are getting married three days after announcing their engagement. The couple is horribly mismatched, thus adding to the humor of the show. If the couple successfully convinces their families that they are getting married, they each win $500,000. But, there's also a delicious bit of dramatic irony. You see, what Bride doesn't know is that Groom is actually an actor (as are his insane family members).

Bride's family is comprised of dad, mom, two brothers, and a sister. They are an extremely close and supportive family. All family members are disturbed by Bride's choice of husband. And, they voice these concerns. But, in the end, they attend the "wedding" and support her because they love her unconditionally. The show, which initially seems to focus on Groom's poor manners and inability to control his bodily functions, actually ends on a touching note.

The first time this show was televised a few years ago, I was still married to Dr. Evil. We watched it together. And, I recall being quite shocked to discover that my parents were also watching the show. Emily Post and my dad are not big reality t.v. fans, but they enjoyed this particular feature.

As I watched the series again this weekend, I suddenly was struck by the irony of my parents watching the show. You see, dear readers, my parents were not huge fans of Dr. Evil, even before the extent of his evil nature became apparent to all. Call it a sixth sense, say "father knows best" -- but they truly didn't like him. Their dislike, BTW, wasn't without reason. And, they expressed their concerns prior to the big day. But, in the end, they were there. Emily Post planned a truly beautiful wedding and dad gave his little girl away to a less than worthy recipient. They stood by me, even though they knew I was likely to get hurt. A few years later, when I called them up and told them I needed to come home, they allowed me to do so with open arms. And, when I finally decided that it was over, they supported me, and gave me hugs...they cried with me and for me. They helped me put the pieces back together. That my friends, is love.

I've spent my adult life looking for that magical love -- that storybook fantasy. I've searched for that person who completes me. Through all the ups and downs of my search, sometimes I forget that I already am tremendously blessed to have friends and family around me who love me so completely. And so, to build on one of RD's recent posts, I would like to say thank you -- to Emily Post and dad, to all the friends who listen to the tears and give advice and who are always there for me. At the end of the day, no matter what the future may hold, I am an extremely lucky girl.