The relationships of Nick Lachey, Jessica Simpson, Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott—although they have made a profit on their marital problems, are all examples of the reality TV couples curse. If you are not familiar with this curse, it basically means that any couple who stars in a reality TV show will ultimately break up. But what happens when the relationship hardships go beyond the TV screen and projects onto your relationship? Presented here is a list of the five ways in which reality TV can actually negatively impact your relationship.
1. The grass is always greener complex: Thinking about ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ and ‘Love and Hip-Hop’, we cannot stop ourselves from watching the downfall of reality stars, whose lives we may feel are not being utilized properly. However, subconsciously, you may be dreaming of living in the big house you see before you. You can start to wonder how much better life would be if you and your partner could afford the life of luxury like our celebrity counterparts. Womenshealthmag.com’s “Watching TV Can Ruin Your Relationship” concludes, “Either way, comparing your real relationship to a TV couple could lead to a lousy love life.” This kind of thinking can cause strain on your relationship and make both of you feel inadequate.
Via Real Housewives Of New Jersey
2. Unaired dirty laundry: Watching shows like ‘Tori and Dean’ and ‘Kendra on Top’ may have you feeling a bit paranoid about secrets in your relationship. “On-again, off-again relationships on TV shows—built up by sweeps weeks and season finales—impact what you think a husband or boyfriend should be.” Shows that are primarily focused on a couple trying to get their relationship back on track can make you reflect on the problems in your relationship—or look for them.
Via Tori And Dean
3. Not giving or receiving enough attention: If you follow the Kardashians, you may notice the lack of togetherness displayed by Bruce and Chris Jenner, which has led to their divorce. Do not take a page from their book and neglect your partner under any means. No matter how time consuming work may be, make time for intimacy so you and your partner can grow as a couple. Women’s Health also adds, “You’re more likely to see marriage as a burden, and be open to the idea that there’s someone better out there.”
Via Keeping Up With The Kardashians
4. Stirring up drama for ratings: Celebrity reality TV stars are often believed to be using their own drama to make a profit. Although this may be great for ratings, it shows viewers that all mistakes can be forgiven. This is a lovely thought but it’s not always the case. People tend to do better when they let a bad relationship go. Staying in a relationship that has no mutual trust or respect for both parties should not be dragged out. The sooner you end a bad relationship, the more time you have to move on.
Via Kendra On Top
5. False sense of love: Following shows like ‘The Bachelor’ can really give people an incorrect vision of love. Reality dating shows portray one “big delusion: the notion that women will tolerate a guy who casually dates a dozen different people while slowly weeding out his least favorites.” No way will your girlfriend or boyfriend wait for you to date 12 other people and then decide if you want to be with them.
Via The Bachelor
These instances may not arise from watching reality TV viewings. However, feelings of inadequacy can be there already and reality TV starring people in relationships can remind you of them.
But then again, some people tend to take comfort in knowing that people have more drama than you.
