Mom Blogger Face-off: Are you addicted to reality TV?

Audrey McClelland

Mom Generations

@AudreyMcClellan

It's sad to admit, but my weeknights revolve around my reality TV shows. I'm absolutely, positively addicted to Bravo's The Housewives series, ABC's Bachelor and Bachelorette, E!'s The Kardashians, Bravo's Rachel Zoe, American Idol, The Voice and Bethenny Ever After. When I say addicted, I mean it -- I cannot miss an episode.

When these shows are on, everything else needs to (and must) stop. I don't know what it is about reality TV, but I've become one of those people that gets sucked into the lives of these people and just can't stop watching.

When it comes to The Housewives, I actually get emotional about them... good and bad emotions. With the Bachelorette, American Idol and The Voice, I'm actually on Twitter throughout the hour sharing my opinions and views with the "world." With Rachel Zoe's show, I'm blogging after every episode, drooling over her fashions and the crazy-cool lifestyle that Rachel lives. I've even been known to (I can't believe I'm admitting this) tweet Rachel during the show (I actually pretend she's going to respond) and let her know how much I adore her. Okay, it's borderline obsessive, I get it, but I love it! I'm addicted!

My friends always joke around and poke fun of me, but for me, I feel like it's a great and easy way to veg out and take a break from my work. I understand that the lives of these people are the complete opposite of mine, but I appreciate being let in for the hour once a week.

Heather Durdil

Domestic Extraordinaire

@DExtraordinaire

The biggest reason why I don't watch reality TV is that it really isn't reality. Can I relate to those in reality shows? No, not really.

I mean, 15 years ago what we call reality TV shows were crazy Japanese games shows that you would hear about from your friends. Somehow, through reality TV, life has become some sort of no holds barred competition where there is a huge cash prize at the end.

Life just doesn't work that way and I would rather spend my time doing other things than watch the train wreck of some people's lives under the guise of reality TV.

I don't see how comparing yourself with others is ever going to make you happy. When I see shows like The Real Housewives of whatever city or The Kardashians being advertised, it just makes me a bit sad. In my life, I try not to gossip about anyone and I feel like these shows are encouraging it and encouraging people to not be content with what they have.

It's one thing to be curious about how someone else conducts their household and their life in general, but to me these aren't real life scenarios. They say that money can't buy you happiness and I think that these types of shows just reinforce how much truth there is to that saying.