LIFESTYLE MAKEOVER

I spent most of the Chinese New Year break lazing around and generally being a couch potato. It helped that Starhub cable TV had a promotion during the period where we could access all the channels for free. I was kind of stuck on one or two lifestyle channels most of the time. In fact, I did a Style Network marathon for fourteen hours straight. Quite a record for me.

I love lifestyle shows, especially those makeover shows, whether home or personal makeovers. I guess it kind of gels in with all the various changes that I have been undergoing in various aspects of my life for the past two and a half years. Now that I have reached a place where I am, if not completely happy, then at least reasonably content, I am curious to watch others just embarking on their journeys and find out where they end up. There is a sense of emphathy, relevance and even nostalgia. In a way, I am also trying to measure my own process against other people. Did I do as well? Are there things I can learn from these people and the experts advising them?

Unfortunately, if I were to be really honest, a big part of the enjoyment is also derived from the “I am better than you” syndrome, what they call the “Jerry Springer” effect. I understand this is what drives a lot of reality shows. Biggest loser – I am glad I am not THAT fat. How do I look – Wow, I have better dress sense than THAT. Not very nice of me, but well, a pick-me-up is a pick-me-up, I guess I won’t quibble how I get it.

Now, if only I could find a show which involves people in really lousy job situations. That would really make my day.