6.25.2009

A Word (Or Two) On Jon & Kate

Sigh.

Where to begin?

I know I am not saying ANYTHING new to state my disappointment and even disgust at the whole debacle that IS Jon & Kate + 8, but the thing I am wondering is why everyone is BLAMING Kate for the downfall of their marriage.

I'm not condoning her behavior of badmouthing / belittling him, although . . I don't know, that never really stood out to me in the episodes I have watched. I saw a strong woman with strong opinions and high standards of organization and behavioral expectations . . . but I really don't see how people have described her as abusive.

Maybe I missed that episode? (Granted I have missed quite a few.) And maybe I identify with her? (The difference is, Jeff calls me on my crap.)

Anyway, one of the big lessons I remember learning as a newlywed (and still have to re-learn occasionally) is that every marriage is different. What works for you could be WAY wrong for me, and vice-versa. Kate being the alpha-dog in their relationship seemed to work for them.

I think once Jon started listening to the media that he detests so much, he decided it wasn't working for him anymore. So what does he do? Well, certainly he doesn't talk to his wife about it. He decides to have an early mid-life crisis, complete with a younger woman, fast car and new bling in his earlobes (seriously, Jon??).

Problems for the couple surfaced in the media several months ago, and though both Jon and Kate gave several boo-hoo interviews, "We just don't know what is going to happen," "We are going in two different directions," blah, blah, blah, not ONCE did anyone mention that they were seeking outside help to try and fix their marriage.

Brilliant. Throw a temper-tantrum and pout and be arrogant enough to think that you are above (or beyond?) getting help to save your marriage.

That's GREAT for your kids. Bravo, you are a shining example.

I guess I blame Jon more than Kate. Perhaps her behavior was wrong, but HE NEVER SPOKE UP to tell her to knock it off. He just decided to quit.

On a semi-related note, several peeps commented when I announced my pregnancy that oops! I would have to change the name of my blog! I had always figured to just adjust it to "Jeff and Jor + 4." Now, as silly as it seems, I don't want to have anything remotely related to what has become such a train-wreck. So now, in addition to being peeved at the whole show-thing simply because it is so awful on so many levels, NOW I have to think of a new blog name!

Psh. Stupid Jon and Kate.

20 folks have commented...click here to do the same!:

Jenni Jiggety said...

I think both Jon and Kate are sktechy. Those poor kiddos...

The Lucky Mrs. T said...

I feel for the whole dang bunch. None of us could guess what it would be like to live under the watchful eyes of the camera. I would hate to have the camera in my house on any given day. And, yes, every marriage - no matter how great - has it's trials and tribulations. Tomorrow, I am thinking about posting on the SC Governor who took off to Argentina, to say goodbye to his mistress, while his staffers had not a clue where he was for 5 days.
My thought is - should this matter to us? Should it matter if it is our governor, our doctor, our check-out lady at the store?
Oh and P.S.
New name = HARD!

Liz (Loving Mom 2 Boys) said...

I think the whole thing is a train wreck. And I always wondered how much the editting of the show made her look worse than she was. In a situation like this I think they are both to blame - they are adults. I also wonder what in the media is true....and I also wonder why I concern myself so much. Like Mrs T just say should this really matter to us so much?

As for a new name....well yeah, I'm looking for a name myself....I don't think I can be much help....good luckl!!

Em said...

I was very happy to see that TLC put the show on hiatus. Not just for their sake and the kid's sake, but for ours as well - they need to go away!!

Jennifer Richins said...

I SO haven't kept up on Jon and Kate. I've caught a few episodes and ya, she's a bit pushy. But as you said, every marriage is different and what works for some doesn't work for others. I've seen them on magazine covers, but I haven't gotten the full scoop. I know if Rhett and I were having problems and one of us did something stupid, I wouldn't want the whole world judging me and taking anyone's side. It's such a personal thing.

I like Jeff and Jor + 4. What are you going to do when there's five? You'll be all out of rhymes!

Jen said...

stupid people making you change your name.....

the whole thing is just sad, really sad.

robin said...

How dare they ruin such a cool name for your blog!!! :(

Allison said...

I totally agree with you....I just feel for those poor kids!

Diane said...

i didn't give two hoots about this until now finding out that their little circus is causing you problems with the blog rename. now, i'm a little ticked!

Hollie said...

I pretty much share the same sentiment. I'm trying not to pay too much attention to all of the hype because I know so much is skewed in the eyes of the media. But I did somewhat follow the show before all this mess just because I thought it was a cute, wholesome family show so I do have some interest. Shame on me! I certainly wouldn't want everyone in my business, but then again that's why I would never sign up to do a tv show in the firt place.

Which brings me to my next point...WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO LEARN THAT REALITY SHOWS ALMOST ALWAYS BREAK A FAMILY APART!!! I suppose I can't blame the show completely, they most likely already had underlying issues, but it would be hard settling those under the watchful eye of the entire world. I mean come on; Jessica & Nick, Britney & Kevin, Whitney & Bobby and countless others divorced while doing a reality show. I think the only ones that make it are already so disfunctional that nothing phases them, such as the Osbornes. What is this world coming to when Whitney and Bobby can't work it out? =)

Anyways, I think "Jeff & Jor + 4" is cute. That's what I thought of when I heard of the new addition. I do understand your hesitation though.

CaraBee said...

The first and last episode I have ever seen of J&K+8 was this past Monday when they announced they were splitting up. The whole thing just makes me sick, to be honest. You are so right about what works in each marriage. Maybe someone looks in on my marriage and says "how could they live that way?" Who am I to judge? Ultimately, I just feel horrible for the kids, who will have the breakdown of their family documented on TV and the tabloids. So sad.

DysFUNctional Mom said...

AMEN! I get furious when I see people blaming her for everything. Maybe she was a bee-otch, but did his cheating make her LESS of one? Did it solve anything? I.think.NOT.
Good luck with a new blog title!

Summer said...

they both suck in my book. =)

But what do I know? I'm just a judging christian. ha ha

KIDDING!

La Pixie said...

I feel like more of it is Jons fault, although of course it takes two to tango.

also, your blog name has NEVER reminded me of them. do what you want with it. =)

Amy said...

I am not sure what to thing. I have mixed feeling. Kate wanted to try and work this out Jon said no. He is 32 and ready for fun. He has two earring now. Crazy.

Debbie said...

I just feel so very sorry for their kids.
And for you. I wouldn't want my name to be like theirs either:)

Dee said...

Hi I amcoming over from SITS.

To be honest I'veonly watched the show twice. It seems very sad and I'm totally with you on your assessment of the whole situation.

Your blog is lovely. How did you get those lovely fonts for your titles/

Joy said...

I agree that the demise of their marriage most likely could not have been just Kate. I think the powers of production {editing} are mighty.

I heard a snippet of an interview where she said {paraphrasing} that she regretted being 'so hard' on him for the last ten years.

jen allyson said...

I don't even think he cares if she treats him like crap. I think he's one of those guys who needs a bossy woman. I just think the wealth corrupted him and made him feel all big and all the women started coming on to him and he just did not have the moral backbone to say "no"

Anyway - I agree though, I blame him far more than I do kate.

hehe, that was a ramble -- This is Jen Allyson from theprojectgirl.com, just stopping by to say thanks for the comments! I'm also LDS :) Super cute blog!

Heather said...

I love Jeff + Jor plus 4! Stupid jon and kate!!!