SA men, couch critics and fairytale endings: why we love dating shows

If they’re filled with cringeworthy moments, judgy contestants and sometimes scary food, what is it about dating shows that pulls everyone in? Is it the personalities? Tame or wild, cynics or optimists, the people we watch on dating shows are often just like us, or like everyone we’ve met. The craziness dating can bring out is easy to laugh about.

Maybe we love them because we’re nosy. Watching two strangers get to know each other at a dinner table is fascinating stuff. We’re the peanut gallery, like the friends who weigh in while you text your crush. Without the group chat’s comments on every screenshot, did it even happen? Maybe it’s the twists and turns on the way to the finish line. Dating shows play out like games, with rules that help things along in an interesting way. Participants are thrown together, for better or worse, and it works because even if the rules aren’t real, the people are. So much of what’s out in the world about love is fiction, but dating shows are filled with real people taking real risks, with a camera rolling and a nation watching.

At the end of the day, I think that laughing, crying, or cringing, we love what’s real, and we love love! Just think of how we rallied in support of the #KFCProposal — we followed along for days. We were entertained, yes, but we were also emotionally invested in their happiness. We love the chase, the stumbles and the victory, because we’ve been there. We love the epic fails because they remind us that everyone is figuring this out as they go along, and that more importantly, a few bad dates are not the end of the world. And if things don't work out, we’re all ready to lend you our hope that they might, if you try again. After a good laugh, that is. This article was paid for by BBC Lifestyle.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Australia denies refugee status to SA families amid surge in applicationsA number of South Africans who tried to enter Australia by applying for refugee status have been disappointed after their visas were not approved. Because they racists Tshotsho!!!! Even Netherlands doesn't want them.
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »

Mustek optimistic as fibre internet rolls out in SAThe technology group says faster internet is boosting demand for devices that can take advantage of this
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

SA Under-23s could be left stranded pre-Olympics friendliesSouth Africa have yet to find a replacement team for the Olympic Games-bound under-23s to play against next month with time now beginning to run out if they are to secure the right standard of opponent.
Source: SowetanLIVE - 🏆 13. / 63 Read more »

Understandable to evacuate SA citizens because of coronavirus fears, says Chinese embassyThe Chinese embassy in Pretoria said on Friday that South Africa's decision to evacuate citizens from the Asian country's novel coronavirus hotspot was 'understandable'. More than 132 expats are expected back in the country this weekend.
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »

Black Coffee drops bars on the industry: We don’t have promoters in SA, only club ownersHe said this was different to those outside the country, where promoters are more prevalent and push a genre more.
Source: SowetanLIVE - 🏆 13. / 63 Read more »

'The Bachelor SA' drama: Nolo gives her side of the storyLife in the bachelor mansion is becoming increasingly tense this week and at the centre of it all was Bridget and Nolo.
Source: Channel24 - 🏆 48. / 51 Read more »