Reality Televison: The New Date-Night?

Who says television watching isn't a time of closeness and communication between spouses?

My husband and I watch a number of television shows (taped previously on our digital recorder so all commercials can be 'zapped' through in seconds, YEEHAW!) Of these shows, a large portion of them are reality television shows. We try to avoid the gratuitous ones like the plague. "The Bachelor", "Big Brother", and "Fear Factor" to name a few. Our favorites? Most anything by Mark Burnett. The guy's a genius when it comes to connecting you to people and wringing tears from you at their sorrows and joys as if you were an actor following a script. It's as though he has the power to reach through the television and edit us all into the story. An unexpected by-product of this are the long, sometimes heated, and always lively discussions I have with my husband over who's getting voted off the island, or what the teams ought to be doing with their task on 'The Apprentice'. The truth is, we've never been so involved, or emotionally staked in television shows! How about "The Amazing Race"? Brilliant. "American Idol"? Sure! "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Wow. How about the unexpected hit "The Contender"? There's a reality show I never thought I'd be able to 'get into'. What a laugh! Mr. Burnett reached right into my living room and hooked me the first episode. Last night I cried when Bonsanto went home.

We watch series such as "ER", "CSI" (All of them), and a few newcomers that have quickly become favorites, "Numbers", "House", and "Jack and Bobby". Extremely well-written shows with great characters and skillfully produced plots.

The truth is, with the technology available to record our prime-time favorites then watch them later, sans commercials, sans children...we have fallen into a most enjoyable pattern of television watching. It's like date-night every night! We call each other to anticipate the outcome of this or that challenge on such-and-such a show that night. We give our evenings to the children, and once they are in bed and off to dreamland...it's mommy and daddy time! We break out the popcorn, watermelon, soda or whatever snack we're having, and settle onto the couch together to get lost in the lives of others for a little while. With the power to pause at any whim we are free to stop for anything. This comes in handy with small children needing last minute drinks of water, a bottle refill, telephone calls, or pregnant me heading to the bathroom yet again.

We also pause for conversation. We laugh, cry, giggle, discuss, enjoy, argue, entreat, persuade, and share our feelings and opinions about whatever is happening. These moments often lead to emotional connection about our own lives, struggles and daily challenges. We pause to remind each other of something that happened that day, or a concern that comes up. With busy schedules, little children, my husband working two jobs, a limited budget, our nights out are few and far between. Thank goodness for our date-night television! We look forward to our shows like other's look forward to a vacation. That being said...the summer is coming and this week and next pretty much wrap up the season. Season Finale week is probably among the most disappointing in our year! It's a good time to have a new baby. Often we compromise our sleep staying up beyond reasonable hours to watch our favorites in the evenings. We won't be as tempted to do so during off season, and with a new little one on the way, that's a good thing! It's almost like we planned it that way...ha ha.

I like our television time. I look forward to our television time together. I love our animated conversations. I am thankful for the entertainment provided. I can't imagine living without the ability to record and watch those shows at more convenient times, allowing us to prioritize our time with our children while they are up and about.

I know many experts suggest that television watching is not an acceptable form of connecting with one's spouse. I beg to disagree. At least in our case. So...as we say goodbye to our time with TV this season, we know that next will bring us back to our comfy spots side by side on the couch, remote in hand ready to pause and discuss with all sorts of emotion. In the meantime, a new baby, long summer days in sunny Florida, four children, and life...will keep us entertained and busy. The time 'til next season will pass quickly and happily!