I choose ME!
We watch and I write; correlating fictional characters with reasonably realistic plot lines to our lives. Script my life! I chose not to review a whole season of a series, neither a film this week. I was struggling to write an authentic story about something that spoke to me through visual consumption.
And then I felt emotions erupt as I watched the latest episode of Grown-ish. While I sometimes relate to the protagonist, Zoey Johnson, she annoys me more as I watch this second season. I must forgive her because she's a spoilt 19 year old who is yet to learn the realities of growing up. But she does these really annoying things like being judgemental and being up in people's business. I do love Nomi, Sky (Halle Bailey) and Doug (Diggy Simmons) though. Their characters have so much to offer to the show and audience.
In this week's episode titled, 'Nice for What', the young women of the coming-of-age sitcom had to make hard relationship choices. I'm glad that Jazz and Doug are back together, #CoupleGoals. Nomi has been dating her lesbian college professor. Ana is back in a situationship with Aaron. And Zoey and Luka are their usual, odd, cohabiting selves. Would it be weird if Sky and Vivek got together? Just asking for a friend. (Hides face.)
Ana, Zoey and Nomi find themselves questioning their relationship status. This comes after an akward breakfast where Nomi walks in from professor Hewson's, while Aaron kisses Ana goodbye leaving the apartment. Zoey poses the question if these are the types of relationships that her friends really want? Later in the day, Zoey makes it akward when she meets professor Hewson, at the library. She admits that she knows about her relationship with Nomi. Zoey confronts Nomi about her relationship with Paige, citing that Nomi is compromising herself. In a clapback, Nomi highlights that Zoey lives in Luka's shadow which is pathetic.
In the meantime, Ana pretends to be cool with her situanship with Aaron. After chugging down a lot of vodka, the twins question Ana if the 'fun' she's having has anything to do with Aaron having his own. To prove them wrong, Ana interrupts Aaron and the girl grinding up on him by whispering in his ear. He takes her back to the apartment, and puts her to bed to sleep off the alcohol. Ana confesses that she really wants a relationship with Aaron, something that he's not ready for.
Nomi heads over to Paige's house to apologise for Zoey's behaviour. In the midst of the conversation, Nomi highlights that she's been unhappy trying to make Paige happy. She hated not telling her friends about the most important relationship in her life. She breaks up with Paige and walks out. Meanwhile, Zoey realises that Nomi was right! She does do whatever Luka wants. Zoey then leaves Luka on his own while she does what she really wants.
Zoey and Nomi make up as they share their lessons. Zoey learns that she needs to do whatever she likes even if it's by herself. Nomi with a breaking heart, realised that she deserved better. And Ana asks for space from Aaron in a text.
I was where Nomi and Ana are a few months ago. It sucks! While I am a private person, I would like to be known officially as someone's partner. If we are doing couple things, why shouldn't we be a couple? Why can't we be seen in public together? Why are you messing around with other people? Why are you the only one who should be comfortable in the relationship? Why the f@#$ are we in a situationship?
After the three house mate's relationship choices, I realised that I too needed to reaffirm what I will, and will not compromise on:
1. I need to have a committed relationship...period!
2. I don't want to be a secret. No sneaking around!
3. I need to be taken out on dates and spend time together with my partner.
4. I need him to claim me publicly to the whole world. That includes his inner circle, family, on social media, on his WhatsApp status etc. (Cassie's 'Official girl' plays in the background.)
5. We need to share interests - meaning we compromise on activities. We do what I like and we do what you like - 50/50! That's compromise!
6. If we agree to have sex, let it be every time (like rabbits...on heat!)
I'm too grown to be on that just one round after three weeks tip! Ask Adina Howard!
7. I choose me first! If I'm not happy with you, I will end things...pronto!
These characters are nineteen and in sophomore college, however their experiences are somewhat universal. Situationships still happen even unto retirement age. As in Zoey's ending monologue, we need to work towards putting our own happiness first. That especially applies to what we really want in romantic relationships.
I am now on a different path for myself, making better choices and refusing to settle.
I want it all...I deserve better!
Until the next episode...we don't have it all figured out...we are kind of grownish!
P.S. Always write your own love story!
Ciao!
Lady E
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