Surprisingly Really Great Reality Relationships

There is a lot of crap on tv these days. A LOT. Of total horse poop. But as I sit on my couch sick today, I find myself watching various reality television shows, and I am surprised at how great some of those relationships are. Lets be real, some of it could be amazing editing. But I think we could learn a few things from these shows.

Exhibit A - "Giuliana and Bill". This show is awesome. Bill and Giuliana have clearly gone through a ridiculous amount of pain and strife trying to get pregnant and then cancer, all on tv in front of millions of people. But they are so positive and love each other so much and stick together through thick and thin. And men, you could learn a few things from Bill, who puts his wife and family above all else. He's genuine, realistic, considerate, and never forgets to tell his wife how much he loves her. Also, he's hot. Giuliana is the same way for him. Bottom line, they don't neglect their significant other, regardless of what's going on in their careers or health. Relationship grade = A

Exhibit B - "Ice Loves Coco". Another great show. If you haven't watched it because you think it's just a show about a rapper who loves his wife who looks like a stripper, well, you'd be right. BUT, Ice T clearly loves Coco and would do anything to make her happy. He makes her laugh, he encourages her creativity, and no matter what, finds her sexy and attractive - and isn't afraid to say so (but not in a sleezy way). Again, men, you can learn something here. Women like to be reminded that you love them and have chosen the right path for your life - we like to hear how good we are looking to you, or how smart our ideas are. Relationship grade = A-

Exhibit C - "Khloe and Lamar". Not my favorite, but still a great show to emphasize that a relationship is a PARTNERSHIP. It doesn't matter what's going on with health, fertility, careers, etc, because it's not just happening to YOU, it's happening to US. Lamar is sensitive to her feelings and keeps things in perspective, Khloe is smart and considerate and tries to keep her man happy. They are a team, and encourage each other to be a better person. Relationship grade = B+

Just because we are married does not mean we can neglect our partners. There is a difference between being comfortable in your relationship, and straight-up taking advantage of the other person. Remind your significant other why you love them, why they make you happy, and why you feel you are lucky. Hearing my husband tell me that I'm looking good makes me feel great - coming from the person who sees me at my worst and STILL thinks I'm amazing is the greatest feeling in the world. It makes me want to throw all my sweatpants out and look good all the time for him, knowing he appreciates it.  This is especially important to emphasize your love when kids are involved - time is limited when kids are running around, and while it's important to get your own independent time in, so is spending 5 minutes with your significant other to remind them that you love your life and your decisions, and to steal a kiss. :)

5 minutes a day adds up to an extra 2.5 hours a month with your significant other - and isn't more time better? So finish reading this blog, and send your husband or wife or girlfriend or boyfriend a text or email that says "I love you, and just thinking about you right now makes me smile" :)