A Man's Perspective - Week 7

A few random thoughts from Week 7 - The Brad Breaks the Rules Episode

- On Emily's date, Brad said that he was looking forward to one of the most romantic dates he had ever planned in his life. Brad is a liar. No way he plans these dates.
- What were the two local men thinking as they were swinging the jump rope for Brad and Shawntel as cameramen recorded their every move? This was hilarious. "These Americans are crazy! They've never seen a jump rope!"
- Brad's decision to get rid of Britt before he had to? I really really like that he got rid of her. Was it tough, yes! But why waste your time, why waste her time? I wish this happened more in real life. Too many people waste their time in relationships.
- The runner up quote of the week came from Michelle. "Truly - you used the yacht for Britt? Seems like a waste of a one-on-one to me. I don't think I even see them friending each other on facebook." Michelle - you are right. And speaking of that date…
- The whole date was awkward. It has to be next to impossible to have your first one-on-one date 5-6 weeks into the show. Brad has had multiple dates and has been comfortably kissing other women. Trying to rush into a sexual chemistry would be really weird, but without this type of interaction, Britt was just going to be a friend for Brad.
- Brad is so awkward with his chivalry after he eliminates someone. Comments like "Watch your step please" and "Can I take your hand" make me uncomfortable and I'm sure the girls feel the same way.
- "The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue graces the cover on February 15th" I hate when shows strategically make these plugs…but I hate it even more when it works. As soon as I'm not concerned with someone looking over my shoulder at work, I will be going to the SI website to check these pictures out.
- No cocktail hour. Good choice. You should have already made up your mind by now. What's another hour going to do?

Quote of the Week - Week 7

This one goes to the one and only host of the Bachelor, Chris Harrison - "There will be a rose on the group date. The woman that receives the rose will be safe for the next ceremony and will be one of four women that will bring Brad home on a home date to meet your families, a huge step in a relationship."

Anyone else laugh at that last part? It made me seriously question my manhood. If Chris is explaining this to guys on the Bachelorette, there is no way that he says that last part. This was entirely for the women and the heavy female viewing audience. To a guy the home date is about seeing if a girl fits in with their family. To a girl, it is the next step in the RELATIONSHIP. I had to push pause, do 50 pushups and shotgun a beer before I could continue watching.


Advice for the Bachelorettes

Ashley - She rocked that photo shoot besides having an A- cup. Lesson to be learned - Everyone has positive qualities. Be confident and allow your best sides to come out. What not to do: "What's wrong? You're scaring me." That lack of confidence is annoying. In an earlier episode, there was a group date that Brad was going to give Ashley a rose and changed his mind. I thought he was going to do it again and wish he would have.

Chantal - If you read through my posts, you will find a theme. A girl's body, breast size, clothes, etc. don't make her sexy. Confidence (without arrogance) is sexy. Comments like "I feel like a fatty today. I feel like a fat lard. Not feeling sexy." This drives a guy crazy. It is annoying and a turn off when you are first dating. Save it for when you get into a relationship and even then, only when you need some support. So after what seemed like hours of complaining, Chantal finally said "I'm going to act like I am confident and maybe I'll feel the part". Good move, and if you still don't feel the part, go to plan B and take your top off. I truly believe Chantal did this because of her lack of self-confidence. She would have taken her top off regardless, but unknowingly, she made a good strategic move. You have to show off your best assets in that situation.

Emily - She is sooooo...hot. I love the wet hair look. Maybe I can't say that Emily is a good mom yet, but I think she is and I certainly appreciate the difference between Emily and Michelle. Emily has been on 5-6 dates with Brad and she is still on the fence about whether she wants Brad to meet her daughter. Michelle wanted Brad to meet her daughter after date #1. With all this being said, I feel like Brad thinks Emily is in his top two and I don't get it. There just isn't any substance with Emily.

Shawntel - Instead of canceling the cocktail hour, why doesn't Brad just cancel the rest of the show and propose to Shawntel? Oh yea, because he will be able to sleep with two other girls in the honeymoon suite prior to making an official commitment! You have to love this show. You could tell when Shawntel received the date card that she was suppressing her excitement because she felt bad for Britt. What a great quality. Also...she is so much fun! Seeing your significant other engaging with other people and having fun is really attractive. There was only one thing that looked out of place for Shawntel (and the Woman's Perspective had to point it out to me). What's up with the huge butterfly tattoo on her lower back?

A few words for our parting Bachelorettes

Britt - A Man's Perspective's thoughts after watching Emily and Shawntel's date…Britt has no chance. Also, she is sooooo…skinny. And she has really really long hair and not in a good way. Something about Britt that just doesn't do anything for me. Obviously, Brad felt the same way.

Michelle - I know what Michelle was thinking during the photo shoot. "Ashley showed off her butt, Chantal showed off her boobs. I need to do something special. I got an idea. I'll use my move! I'll kiss Brad!". Michelle was fun to have around, but it was time for this novelty to head home. I liked the exit interview because she didn't make a fool of herself and it was different. There have been girls that have given the silent treatment to the Bachelor, but never the silent treatment to the camera as well. Michelle was stubborn and proud. In my opinion, she didn't have a lot of self confidence and she had her guard up the entire season. I look forward to her appearance on the reunion special...and as the next Bachelorette.

Polyga - (not for) - my

Before I go any further, I have to say that this show is awesome. I watch and feel so focused, like Jon Gruden watching football game film. My roommates could start going at it on the dining room table, and I probably wouldn’t even notice. In fact, they’re oiling each other up right now. (OK, I noticed.)

I really like the Brad, in a brotherly way. His willingness to attack whatever elephant is in the room / helicopter / private island / yacht is something I have a lot of respect for. I recall him being a bit shallow the first time around, which is not a knock on his character, but rather on his emotional intelligence or intimacy ceiling. He spoke in clichés and avoided potentially difficult topics. This time, he’s mature and probing. Good job, dude. Keep it up.

I think many of us in early dating phases (or maybe for much longer) avoid issues that will result in conflict. The people I’m closest to are capable of, and desire to, explore those issues. I’d hope that’s true for my girl someday too. If your heart is in the right place and there is a desire to find a solution, it will happen. This also requires confidence in knowing yourself and trusting that great will find you. It might mean letting go of pretty good … which is easier said than done.

Totally sick of the Brad getting the credit from the ladies (and taking it) for planning these dates. A lot of guys feel good about themselves when they recommend a restaurant with less than 500 similarly named (chained) domestic locations, so stop setting that bar up in the stratosphere.

We got a guest appearance from the Anguillan Bob Dylan, Bankie Banx! That’s pretty random. When the Bachelor takes a romantic getaway to our country, I would gladly play the role of lazy-river-tube-floatin’-Minnesotan entertaining those not on the date. Just saying.

Britt handled herself well, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I wonder when girls are told on this show that the romantic chemistry wasn’t there if they just go off the side of the wild wagon. I don’t see Britt one-hour-at-a-time motel hopping, but I sometimes wonder. Maybe her next boyfriend will thank the Brad for it. ;)

I can’t digest how much Ashley chews her words. Sorry, it’s a deal breaker.

A relationship built on fear may work for dictators and concubines, but it didn’t work for Michelle and the Brad. I think he canceled the cocktail party because he was scared that she would be able to manipulate her way back in.

The subject of this post relates to that painful group date. Keeping one girl happy is difficult enough. Chantal is a basket case, Michele is psycho, and Ashley was unintentionally hilarious when she was freaking out about being let go, not letting Brad get a word in.

Emily and Shawntel are the top two contenders. Both great girls – I like them both – they’re also very different. Shawntel, as was foreshadowed earlier, is an action star. She is a great companion on any date. She’s lady-like yet sporty, relaxed yet focused, and serious yet fun. My concern is whether she’s anywhere near old-married-couple mode. How would this relationship translate to 9-5 weeks, laundry, bill-paying, and grocery shopping routines? Would Shawntel quickly tire of it? Not that all people want that right away, some can just enjoy “experiencing life” together for a while.

Emily, on the other hand, exudes “wife” and “mother” qualities. It’s almost like she belongs in the 1950’s as a Playboy’d up June Cleaver. She comes across as the ultimate domestic partner. She’d look great on your arm at corporate events, would dutifully take the kids to tennis practice and put them to bed, and then come back downstairs and be an am-I-really-this-lucky cuddle partner.

Two options filled with causes for concern and reasons for hope; I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out!

A Man's Perspective - Week 6 CORRECTION

I guess I'm going to take rappelling down a waterfall off of my bucket list...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41580903/ns/us_news-life/