Observations of Paradise - Part One

I've been completely absorbed by a Paradise Hotel marathon on Fox Reality lately, and surprisingly enough it's given me a lot to think about in regards to how I approach relationships. When I started watching, it certainly wasn't because I thought it would provide so much opportunity for introspection - I just wanted another guilty pleasure. In fact, I respect the show because one of the producers was interviewed as saying that he doesn't approach reality tv as a social experiment - he's just trying to entertain and get ratings. Out of the blue, though, it's given me a lot to think about.

Zack and Amy's relationship is at times twisted and at times adorable. In the beginning, Amy selects Zack as a roommate and he's disappointed - so much so that he tells her that he thought he would've "done better." When I first saw this, I pegged Zack as the biggest douchebag I've ever experienced. I mean, maybe you believe that in your cocky little head, but who says that out loud? After that comment, you'd think Amy would either bitch slap him or ignore him outright, but no - she sleeps with him that night. I'd like to say that I think she's insane, but instead I can see myself doing something similar. It's hard to admit, but I've been in situations with men where the worse they treat me, the more I try to be with them. I take it somehow as a challenge rather than a turn-off. Thankfully I've gotten over that now, but seeing Amy that night made me realize just how far I've come.

On the other hand, a girl that I just can't relate to is Charla. The girl goes on a reality show involving hot single people at a resort and acts like a cold-hearted bitch. She makes no effort to get to know anyone - male or female, then bitches because nobody likes her. Finally, she aligns herself with one of the guys and rooms with him, then freaks out when he even walks toward her bed. As if that private humiliation wasn't enough, she tells the entire group that she doesn't like for this guy to touch her bare skin. Ouch. Charla also walks around "paradise" looking like her puppy just died - she never smiles - yet almost all the footage of her consists of her talking about ways that she can stay. She wants to play the game, she wants to get other people out, yet she seems miserable. I don't get it. Is competition so compelling for some that they're willing to be unhappy just to win? I'm glad that I missed out on that gene.