Real Housewives Are Human Too
Many of us will have watched the Real Housewives series of
programmes or seen the press and magazine coverage of their antics and
lifestyles. The stories of these 'real housewives' and WAGs may fill us with a
mixture of horror, envy and disdain as we view their reported choices and
excessive ways, particularly as they're often seen as role models for young
girls. We may speculate that their more outrageous behaviour is done to
maintain public attention and help reinforce their celebrity status.
But if we dig a little below the surface, behind the glamour and
glitz, we can see that real housewives have their own concerns, worries and
issues. Indeed, some are living out personal crises, making life-changing
decisions and even using their time on the show to raise their public profile
and gain exposure for their own existing businesses.
Oftentimes 'Real Housewives' can appear detached from reality
and normality, living in a continual flurry of visits to expensive shops,
restaurants and beauty salons. Maintaining such a high-profile lifestyle
involves a lot of pressure to keep up appearances and be seen to be living the
fairytale existence. Being photographed partying, drinking cocktails, maybe
spending their husband or partner's money in a whimsical self-indulgent flurry
of activity, bickering over trivia, appearing to sulk if they're not treated to
appropriate gifts or get what they want can make them appear spoilt, selfish
and childish.
We've no doubt noticed in magazines and on social media how many
of the younger WAGs and Real Housewives seem to look the same, morphing into
each other with identi-kit hairstyles, dress styles, breast sizes, sporting
smooth, wrinkle-free faces and pouting lips. Often one is indistinguishable
from another in a group photograph. This may be their aim, providing
reassurance that they're doing it right, following the right guidelines to be
part of this elite, exclusive group, much like young children who need to wear
the same brands so that they feel they belong.
But these choices can indicate insecurity about having an
individual appearance and identity. If they looked or acted differently what
would be the consequences, would they be okay, good enough? They may live in
constant dread of their appearance changing, of putting on a little weight, of
finding a grey hair or the tiniest wrinkle. How could a person find the time to
retain their personality and identity whilst still maintaining constant
surveillance over every aspect of their image. Being the perfect wife, mother,
woman means never really relaxing or letting go of control, otherwise things
may slip and someone else may be there, ready to step into their shoes.
Whenever we choose to judge someone else it's inevitably done
from our own perspective, but when we go through tough times, difficult
emotions and pain it's a very personal, relative experience. If we dismiss or
belittle another person's problems, efforts or situation because of their
apparent good fortune, attractive appearance, wealth, status or perceived lucky
breaks we're doing them and ourselves a disservice. Few of us are so secure and
confident in ourselves and our self-belief, or so emotionally resilient that we
remain unaffected by the hardships life sometimes throws our way. Deep down
most of us need love, kindness and acceptance; we crave reassurance that we're
okay.
As a Real Housewife there's continual pressure to look the part
and never age. Maintaining this must become onerous, tedious and exhausting at
times. Every aspect of their life, their wardrobe, personal fitness sessions
and treatments can fill each day, becoming almost a fulltime job. Often
everyone else has an opinion, wants to give their advice, become part of the
team, so presenting a magazine/Stepford wife persona, living the dream.
Every so often a Real Housewife is seen to step away from the
lure of fame and leave the limelight behind, or they decide to use it to their
advantage and develop a charitable or business initiative, create a product,
write a book, use their position as a force for good. You will then see her
transition and become more than her public persona. In leaving behind her
character from the show she can reclaim her name, establish her identity and be
recognised for her talents and attributes in her own right, no longer part of
the brand!.
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