My husband and I watch completely different, yet equally frightening shows
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
My husband and I share many common interests, which is the key to any successful relationship, in my opinion. However, when it comes to our preference in TV programs, we do not see eye to eye. As everyone who reads my column on a regular basis knows, I am addicted to reality television. Essentially, as long as I have access to BRAVO, I am a happy camper.
I’m cognizant of the fact that my preference for watching women with too much money, too much Botox and too little depth is a character flaw, of sorts. But, I can’t help it. I find them fascinating. Now that I am working toward my degree in the mental health field, it makes even more sense to continue observing this particular demographic. It’s like an “I Spy” for personality disorders.
My husband on the other hand, prefers reality shows about tiny houses and “off the grid” living. (How does this guy put up with me, right?) It is, pretty much, the POLAR OPPOSITE of the current season of the Real Housewives of Orange County (which I am loving, by the way).
In the spirit of compromise, I attempt to watch with him every so often. Last night’s (horrifying) episode was about a young couple and their FOUR cats who were building a house with the square footage of a roomy walk-in closet. Contrary to the mindset of many conservative politicians, I do believe that global warming exists and the toxic effect of the way most of us live is a real (and growing) problem. I appreciate people who conserve energy and minimize their carbon footprint. However, when my husband starts sketching ideas for a kitchen table that converts into a sofa, I get really nervous. Did you know that there is such a thing as a composting toilet? Oh yeah there is, but not on my watch.
Living in the middle of nowhere (with hundreds of miles to the closest JCrew), hunting for dinner and being able to touch both sides of the house by standing in the middle of the living room does not have the same appeal to me as it does to him. With our sons growing up and heading off to college soon (I can’t even type that without tearing up, I swear), I do think that downsizing and scaling back is in our not so distant future. But, I require baby steps and a bathroom with running water.
Perhaps the safer answer is for both of us to go cold turkey from our unrealistic, reality shows and watch Game of Thrones like everybody else. Problem solved.
Happy Weekend!
