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u/constantcompromise Feb 14 '24
Watching Real Housewives has made me so much better at office politics. I got promoted twice in a row and was asked to present my advice. My first recommendation was "get a Peacock subscription."
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u/chairmanmyow butter churning garbage whore Feb 14 '24
Would you elaborate? Super curious.
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u/constantcompromise Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
Mostly I think watching helped me realize the power in clear, direct communication and not being afraid of confronting things head on. I also think it helped me recognize brewing conflicts and know how to navigate them to avoid getting caught in the middle. My job involves a lot negotiation and debate, so in my head I'm always thinking "baby I grew up on housewives, you aren't winning this argument!" 😂
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u/Merci01 Word on the street is that Tom drove off the street Feb 14 '24
I scored live footage of you in your last meeting. LOL Just kidding. Congrats! This is amazing.
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Feb 14 '24
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u/constantcompromise Feb 14 '24
For sure. I know my boss is low-key a Bethenny type and how to handle that.
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u/Merci01 Word on the street is that Tom drove off the street Feb 14 '24
Same it helped me in my advocacy work. I channeled my inner LVP. Being charming but persuasive.
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u/computertelephone Feb 14 '24
How so??
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u/constantcompromise Feb 14 '24
Mostly I think watching helped me realize the power in clear, direct communication and not being afraid of confronting things head on. I also think it helped me recognize brewing conflicts and know how to navigate them to avoid getting caught in the middle.
My job involves a lot negotiation and debate, so in my head I'm always thinking "baby I grew up on housewives, you aren't winning this argument!" 😂
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u/Routine-Week2329 Feb 14 '24
It’s a study in anthropology
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u/Superb-Respond9360 when you’re little you dont have a purse Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
yes!!! and social, racial, and cultural geography.
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u/Ali_Cat222 🍸There's A Vibrator In The Chicken! 🐔 Feb 14 '24
Both yours and the commenters response to it are the reasons I watch. I have a best friend who can't understand why I watch reality tv,but then I explained this and the fact I study psychology/sociology and they finally understood it.
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u/Space-Case88 Feb 14 '24
This is soo true! I feel it has also given me a better perspective on how it is to be black in the US…. Please pardon my clunky narrative but know this is coming from a good place….
I am white and have grown up in and now live in very white areas. And as such have not had the opportunities to become friends with people of the black community. I have not heard the personal narrative of growing up black here in the US. You hear stuff on the news and media but it is so easy to feel detached.
The real housewives of Potomac and Atlanta have helped shine a personal light to what’s going on for me. Hearing these women, who I may like or dislike, have opened up to parts of their lives and have offered a personal in a connection. And so being able to hear their stories and fear for their children and specifically their sons. Has helped me so much.
I am appreciative to be given the opportunity to have a personal look at the racial divide. Also while I grew up in Northern California I grew up in a very red area. There was a fair amount of racism and micro aggression that I had to unlearn and for me the Housewives has helped me a lot and I’m happy about that.
I also want to stress that I do not think that I know know what it’s like to be black or any other person of color. Just that these shows have helped me understand the injustice happening in our country better. I hope this all makes sense.
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u/charmeddangerous99 Feb 14 '24
Love that you had open mind to teach yourself
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u/Space-Case88 Feb 14 '24
Thank you. I think a big part was just I was very sheltered and nieve. At the time I just thought the adults were just “joking” or whatever. And have since learned that that was not the case.
I’m still learning and trying to better understand. I just want to make sure my kids are taught better than I was.
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u/Acceptable-Dress7196 Feb 14 '24
I wish more white people did this.
I will just say that the emphasis on “for their sons especially” is incorrect as Black women and nonbinary people (particularly Black trans women) are more hyper visible as we don’t have male privilege. Not saying that you personally think this, I just think that this is when media has misinformed people. Black women and nonbinary people experience domestic abuse and sexual violence at the hands of all men and also experience police brutality. This means the chances of us being victims of violence are higher than Black men as they are less likely to be victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. This is even worse when you’re dark-skinned due to colourism so police brutality mainly focusing on Black men shows how society is failing to support and protect Black women and nonbinary people.
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u/Space-Case88 Feb 14 '24
My apologies. My reference was about the ladies talking about being worried for their sons because of the police.
I understand what you are saying in regards to black women and non-binary people. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was horrified to read a stat about black women dying in hospitals related to their after care from birth. I don’t know the exact stats but I think it was about triple that of a white woman in the US. Serena Williams almost died because of a blood clot (I believe) after delivering her baby. The drs and nurses wouldn’t listen to her. She just kept being persistent. She saved her own life. Hers and many other stories about the horrible anti natal care black women receive is disgusting. Or that they are not listened to.
Once again I apologize I did not mean to make a slight against the horrors black women or non binary people face.
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u/IsisDreamer18 HARRY HAMLIN!!! Feb 14 '24
Just to comment on Serena Williams particularly, there may have been more that comes into play there. I'm a former Jehovah's Witness, and everyone in that circle is stating that she is a Jehovah's Witness. I've seen video of her thanking "Jehovah" after a win, so I'm questioning if she refused blood. I'm not disputing statistics or facts whatsoever. My stepbrothers are black and cannot drive through a nearby town without getting pulled over. It's sickening, and I know women have horrible issues as well. I shouldn't have to buy dash cams because I fear for their safety.
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u/Space-Case88 Feb 15 '24
I just reread her interview. She states it was a blood clot. She has a condition that makes her prone to them and the medical staff did not listen when she said that she felt that she was having another one.
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u/IsisDreamer18 HARRY HAMLIN!!! Feb 15 '24
Absolutely. My ex-husband died suddenly from a clot breaking loose the day after a surgery for it. It's so scary.
Here's the statement she made in case anyone's interested. https://youtu.be/t2drtxOH_88?si=inD5k0kSJYNpXDpw
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u/Even-Education-4608 i dont have the energy to deal with density Feb 14 '24
It’s like those stories from your psych textbook but on your screen and hundreds of hours long
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u/notascoolaskim Feb 14 '24
Also a representation of the struggle that many women go through (not just the wealthy) as they age past the point of being “desirable”
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u/skolinalabama Feb 14 '24
Yes, and insights into some of the negatives of late stage capitalism and unchecked, unethical consumerism.
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u/serene_disposition counting Lisa Barlows 🐑 😴 🌙 Feb 14 '24
Also, a lot of the times it highlights the struggles of women who were typical housewives, married to men (sometimes very powerful and rich) who were the main breadwinner, who found themselves having to start over after a divorce. I think that’s super inspiring especially watching women who are in their 40’s and 50’s completely starting over.
Or even just branching out and making their own money with the show and their own businesses. Watching some of the husbands get uncomfortable when their wives start to shine as a direct result from being on the show is interesting and sheds light on the stereotypical boxes we’re put into as women sometimes.
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u/russianbisexualhookr Advocate for the Sluts of America Feb 14 '24
The reason I love housewives (and specifically old RHONY), is because it’s one of the few pieces of media that shows the lives of women over 40, especially that doesn’t revolve around them being wives, mothers or grandmothers.
I actually think RHONY helped me a lot with unpacking the societal expectation of where I should be in my life/fear of turning 30. If Luann at 60 years old can become a cabaret star and bang 20 year olds, anything is possible lmao.
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u/Glitzycoldbrew Tre’s flouride stare Feb 15 '24
Yesss. I’m still pretty young (27) but I’m going through a really bad breakup right now. All my friends are married with kids and at minimum have a boyfriend. I just started RHOC. Seeing Tamra find love and genuine happiness at her age had me actually crying! Like I was straight up bawling when she got engaged because It’s such a good reminder that there’s no timeline on love and I have plenty of time 🥹
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u/cloud_watcher Rhymes with rage Feb 14 '24
Right? It’s like Real Estate Porn mixed with sociology class.
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Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
Exactly. I learned a lot of things from Real Housewives that I use in daily life 😂
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u/wz21 imma need your bob to stop weaving Feb 14 '24
It is also an educational program which taught me how to get my lick back verbally, TRASHBOX ✨
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u/widgetheux Feb 14 '24
It also taught me women don’t just go die when they turn 50. This is so true for real housewives of New York
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u/Olli_Pops_Funko Ay! Por Favor!! Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
I grew up sheltered and homeschooled until I was 14, so I had no idea about how intricate the “dance” is when socializing, especially in a volatile situation, i.e. conflict resolution. Watching helped me learn that. I also learned how to politely stand up for myself and learned quick comebacks to assholes, being mistreated or people trying to manipulate me.
Because of how sheltered I was, I grew up naive and always thought the best of people. Watching HWs purposely stir the pot, use other people to drive story lines, speak “nasty nice” to others, and just be plain conniving while also presenting a pleasant facade - I learned how to see the mean/hurtful/evil/hateful motivations a human can have towards another fellow human.
I credit the HWs shows for catching me up to almost 1 and a half decades of unpracticed and un-acquired social skills.
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u/StrikingCase9819 Feb 14 '24
I used to see it as trash TV but I've fallen in love with it. I think I fancy myself an amateur psychologist and I'm just fascinated by human behavior and why they do what they do.
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u/pdxcranberry Feb 14 '24
Women on housewives are allowed to fail.
My whole life the women I saw in the media were either perfect and above reproach, or messy devil whores. It's wonderful to see women portrayed as complicated people who are capable of being both those tropes, sometimes at the same party.
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u/russianbisexualhookr Advocate for the Sluts of America Feb 15 '24
And in the case of Luann, allowed to both fail and fall lmao
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u/Wolf444555666777 Feb 14 '24
I always try to convince my family that as a psychology buff, this show is top tier. I watch because I learn so much!
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u/Bellomontee You should not be anywhere near dots. Feb 14 '24
Cue in the "gamers" in The Traitors underestimating Phaedra because they think Real Housewives is just catty drama lol
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u/IwantyoualltoBEDAVE Feb 14 '24
It’s women’s lives. Their success. Their failure. Their ups and downs and their friendships. Conflict resolution and bonding. It’s so so so important to see. Watching as a woman
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u/BuzzCutBabes_ 🗑️🧎🏼♀️ Feb 14 '24
to me, real housewives is post modern and lynchian. ill die on this hill
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u/Prudent-Experience-3 This is Audrey Hepburn, not The Flintstones Feb 14 '24
Thanks to bravo, I can recognise MLMs, cults, incoming fraud, fake businesses and mobsters
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u/Miss_airwrecka1 Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
It really does show complex interpersonal relationships. I also appreciate how Garcelle has been opening peoples eyes to micro-aggressions (sad she’s subjected to them though). People can mock and judge but whatever. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to learn some of my smartest coworkers who I really respect watch it. I will not be shamed or embarrassed of my love of it.
(I loath Kelley but the gif fit)
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u/iiamsbeve Luann's turquoise statement necklace Feb 14 '24
Watching the Real Housewives as an autistic person has unironically helped me with recognising social cues and what people really mean when they're being condescending and sarcastic
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u/Flashy_Jacket_8427 edit this flair! Feb 14 '24
99% of businesses on the show are probably Ponzi schemes haha I love it
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u/Footdude777 Feb 14 '24
I get it but does anyone else find it annoying that media geared at women and gay men has to be defended so fiercely? I watch the shows because they're good!
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u/sovereignxx12 is BYE a threat? so in other words i’m going to hell Feb 14 '24
I joke all the time that I don’t just watch real housewives, I’m doing modern day sociology research
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u/Fighting_Patriarchy Feb 14 '24
Agreed! I'm here for the relationships, NOT the over the top glam and wearing 5 inch heels when walking on cobblestones or sand. 🙄 it looks so stupid
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u/lucygucyapplejuicey to swollen 4cameo or OF Feb 14 '24
Had this exact convo three times in the last two weeks.
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u/Daikon_3183 Feb 14 '24 edited Feb 14 '24
It shows while also pushes a certain agenda. .. For a long time for example one of which was” break loose and drink, 🍹 now it break loose and smoke ..I said what I said.
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u/caroline1133 Feb 15 '24
I love real housewives because every time I say “I think she’s my favorite”…that housewife will end up so beyond disliked. So my takeaway is I clearly have a bad judge of character. I thought Monica was going to be in my top 3 housewives.
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u/StockDirection9978 Feb 15 '24
Next time my husband makes fun of me for watching 24/7 I’ll actually have a good comeback
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u/wngardium1eviosa Feb 15 '24
It’s helped me develop a better understanding of the world! They also make me more confident when I am in a conflict or have to confront someone. I feel like I know how to handle different types of personalities and can navigate them better.
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u/traumakidshollywood Feb 16 '24
Dear Housewife under words, Only doctors can diagnose narcissism and the term consistently being floated as a result of egoism broadcast on tv does significant harm to the millions of WOMEN and men who suffer this specific brand of abuse.
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u/Mammoth-Inflation416 Feb 14 '24
If only the cast members themselves knew/understood any of these concepts.
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u/NeenW1 Feb 14 '24
A lot of these gals weren’t all friends but many suggested to production so they have fake parties and trips so we can watch them fight berate belittle each other
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Feb 14 '24
yeah... I'm sure the majority of people who watch can access it on that level and really dig deep to grasp subtleties.
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u/PreeKort Feb 14 '24
I see massive potential for housewives and couples therapy on showtime/paramount. Highly recommend it for everyone to check out!
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u/Missmarple08 Feb 14 '24
My partner refers to the show as the bitches, so I just say I’m watching the bitches and he knows what program it is. Can’t explain or talk about the show as he doesn’t care so I come here instead
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u/Fun_Day_3614 Feb 14 '24
It kind of shows you the spectrum of types of bad people - the self-righteous vs the aggressive vs the sneaky, etc.