Marriage in America documentary on A&E

[youngnhappymamma]

Did anyone else watch this? I think it is such a cool idea...follow 9 completly different couples around from the time they get married until 10 years later. Now you know that some of them aren't going to be together in 10 years (which is sooooo sad that so many people go into marriages saying "we're going to be together forever" and then end up divorced less than 10 years later....) I think most definitly the southern couple aren't going to last...........I loved the couple from Brooklyn!!!!

[JessicaS]

I did see it mentioned...I had been planning on watchng it but I guess I missed it...damn

[kama'aina mama]

Loved it! Dh and I were TOTALLY handicapping the couples!

Amber and Scott (caucasian couple from Alabama): No way. IF they stay together at least one if not both of them will be miserable. They have totally conflicting plans and desires.

Toni and Kelly (caucasian lesbian couple from New Jersey): I give them at least an 80% chance, probably better. They both seem clear on what they are doing and why. They are mature, have 'sewn their oats' and are ready to settle down. Moderatly good support from their families. The only concern I have is that it is hard to say how much they are in love with each other. They were not big on PDA's, which is fine, but the things they praised about each other were more 'job interview' good qualities than 'you get me hot and I wanna live with you forever' qualities.

Cheryl and Neal (Fillipino Catholic woman, Jewish MD in training man, New Jersey): I am worried about their cultural differences, which have already been an issue. She seems to be doing a lot of the work in the relationship and with him starting his residency soon that ain't gonna change. The divorce rates for docs are astronomical. I like them and really hope they make it but I fear they will not.

Reggie and Betty (Caucasian woman, Haitian man, Queens, NY): Wow, childhood sweethearts. But they really seem to have chosen each other as adults rather than just fallen into this as teens and never had the energy or gumption to look around more. They seem so in love and they are very kind and respectful of each other. I loved that they are very supportive of each others dreams and that there wasn't big shifts in their comments in private interviews. (like with Amber and Scott) I really think they will make it.

Donna and Todd (Caucasian couple living in Manhatten, came home from honeymoon to WTC devestation): Sorry, but they are not going to make it. I don't see the long haul mentality ion either of them and I think when things get tough they will split. This is one of those 'starter marriages' you may have heard about.

Chuck and Carol (Caucasian couple, southern CA, he's an ex-con, both are AA): I actually really like this couple and I like their odds. They are committed to each other and they are committed to marraige. I have high hopes for them and I really hope they have a good marriage.

Frank and Nadine (African American couple in Alabama, she has a 6 y/o dd): Tough one. I think that his baseball dreams are going to cause them some conflict. I am also worried that he is looking for a mommy and not a wife but that she isn't really interested in parenting him. I love that their daughter (hers from before) had such a prominent role in the wedding and in their decisions. She was just adorable and very charming. I gotta say they are about 50/50 in my mind right now.

Brenda and David (Mexican/ Mexican American couple in Southern CA, he has 1 ds and one step dd): I don't think they will make it. They both seem very detached, from each other, from the kids. He talked about the girl he has been raising going to live somewhere else like it was no big deal at all. She has some serious issues with being the second wife and isn't mature enough to examine them and resolve them. They have a really cavalier attitude about divorce which I think all but guarantees they will get one.

Chris and Vanessa (Colombian American woman, Caucasian man, policeman, Queens, NY. Married at St Patricks Cathedral): I think I missed part of their segment. I do remember that their familes both seem to really support them as a couple. Each family has really embraced the new member and I think that helps a lot. They seem to have a lot of social and moral priorities in common also, which I think is good.

So, what do you think? I seem to have 3 couples in the Success column, 3 in the Failure column and 3 in Maybe, so if my predictions are right they will fall into the statistical curve. Who have I totally misjudged? Where am I dead right? I think this series will be fascinating.

[youngnhappymamma]

I think you are right on all acounts!!! I was thinking just about the same exact things about everyone!!! How funny...I wonder if it really is that easy to predict......I mean I'm sure there are always going to be those few that suprise you or really grow up and learn and grow along the way, etc....but I am willing to bet that for the most part it's probably not too hard to predict people's happiness and even marriage outcomes....I think for the most part people today go into relationships (marriage included) with the idea in teh back of their mind that they have an out so that if at some point their partner no longer makes them happy then they can get out and move on, etc....which is sad because it seems like a lot of people (like the southern couple) are all about "my partner has to make me happy, etc...." instead of going into like a partnership for joint happiness, etc....ANYWAY..I guess that was my little rant on marriage today.... The short version....