Can Your Marriage Endure World Scrutiny?

June 4th, 2009

I have never watched Jon and Kate Plus 8, and probably never will, so I won’t be writing about that show. The media are now reporting there possibly are problems with their marriage, in fact, it seems to be front page news on TV and magazines. There seem to be quite a few people criticizing them for their marital problems. I’m not going to defend their decision to air their personal lives on television for all the world to see, but I try to place myself in someone else’s place before I criticize them.

First of all, I don’t think I would ever open up my personal life for all the world to see, but I’ve never had that offer. They did and now they are having to live with the consequences of their decision, though I’m sure they had no clue as to what they were getting into.

Now, I think I have a wonderful marriage. My wife and I are best friends, first and foremost. We respect each other and trust each other. We feel as if a piece of us is missing when we are apart, and we enjoy each other when we are together. We can function apart, but work seamlessly as a team. I think we have a wonderful relationship. Yes, before you slam me, we do argue from time to time. We are still individuals and have different ideas about some things. Even though there are times we argue, or agree to disagree, the good times vastly outweigh the bad.

We don’t have a television camera stuck in our face 24/7. I’m pretty sure that would add just a bit of stress to our lives and stress causes problems. We have only 2 children, which is stressful enough at times, and I can’t imagine 8. I would think that Jon and Kate have enough pressure with 8 children without the added problems of the television crew.

So, before you criticize, try to imagine yourself and your spouse with 8 small children and how hectic your life would be. Then add that to the television crew in your house and following you around.

I still think that reality TV has gotten way out of hand, but as long as there are viewers, there will be these shows.