Today's Obsession: Teen Mom

Teen Mom

While this may seem like a far cry from Les Miserables, I can honestly say that both stories have changed my life; this is rare for me--it takes a lot for something to change my mind and actions. So indulge me in my love for Teen Mom because I will miss it terribly. (The last season of the original series ended this month).

My fan status shouldn't really come as a surprise. They graduated from high school around the same time as me. The drama completely sucks you in. And amidst all the craziness are adorable babies.

Leah, Amber, Sophia, Farrah, Caitlyn, Bentley, & Maci

  You're probably still wondering why I loved the show so much because it's basically the same formula as every other reality [or as I like to say, documentary] show.

Part of it is because of the connections I made while watching the show. My brother, sister, and I would always watch it together. We would burst out laughing at the stupidity or hilarious moments. I still find it so funny that Amber's boyfriend Gary wanted to have a romantic dinner with her, so he picked up meat loaf from The Cracker Barrel. There is no question that I am closer to my siblings because of this show--especially because not very many people watched it, so they were really the only ones who shared this obsession.

But it's more than that. I think it's the honesty. I cried almost every episode. That was the power of the storytelling and their openness. I am still amazed that they were willing to let people they didn't even know into their lives like that. I am barely even honest with myself.

Tyler, who is one of the most incredible men I have ever seen--he and his fiancee, Caitlyn, chose adoption for their daughter and have remained together in a healthy, loving relationship--shared something that was unimaginable. His dad, who has been in and out of prison for 20 years, texted him once and said something to the effect of "I care about because you are my son, and that's instinct, but I love coke more than anything or anyone." This was an unreal thing for me to hear. But Tyler knew it was the truth, and he is dealing with that and living his life and making sure he isn't his father. If I choose to go into counseling, I will encounter heartbreaking relationships like this one. I feel more empathy. I think I am being naive, but I feel like I could be good at counseling teen moms if that was something I pursued because this show is basically a case study.

I felt compelled to watch because I knew their stories and couldn't help but care. I could ramble on about all the things I love about Teen Mom and all the moments that taught me something valuable, but I think I am going to leave it at this: Be there for your children--in whatever capacity is best for them--no matter what. And don't be selfish (especially if you have a strange obsession with Farrah Fawcett--you know who you are Deborah).

So goodbye Teen Mom. I wish you had left me with more closure, but I guess that would go against what I loved most about you--your realness.

If you are in need of a good cry or laugh check out Teen Mom on MTV.