Disney’s Desperate Housewives (and their not-so-happily-ever-afters)

Cartoonist: Mike Peters, Comic/Cartoon: Mother Goose and Grimm

Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel… these ladies are practically our BFFs. We’ve spent countless hours singing and playing together. They taught us our first lessons about love and romance, and most of us can probably admit we even dreamed of having their fairytale endings, too. This Fab Housewife, was the worst of them all- dancing around in hot pink tulle and a jeweled tiara, singing about ”a whole new world.”

But then, as most little girls do, we grew up, fell in love, and (not to sound like a bitter housewife or anything) tasted reality. Life just isn’t like the storybooks claim, and it seems even our beloved princesses are learning that the hard way.

You Don’t Have to be a Desperate Housewife

This darling cartoon got me thinking a lot about what happens to women in relationships, and pretty much the whole focus of this blog in general. I am a firm believer that the key to happiness and healthy relationships is to not lose sight of who you are, or what you’re about.  So many women that I talk to have become disappointed with the romance aspects of their lives. And it’s no wonder! Look who we have to look up to!  When you grow up believing that it takes a man to rescue you from a life of cooking and cleaning (believe me, it doesn’t work that way!), or that someday your prince will come- just lie down and take a nap until he gets here, there’s no surprise our perspectives are a tad jilted. I wonder if Cinderella still makes pretty dresses for herself after she married the handsome prince. Probably not. Perhaps someone should tell her to get off her throne, rally her mice and bird friends, start a fashion design company, and buy her prince a nicer car, if it bothers her that much. And as for you single ladies- if you’re wishing and hoping and dreaming of  becoming that married housewife, but wondering why you haven’t found “the one”- I’ve got a clue for you: THAT’s why. Men can smell the desperation a mile away. They are much more attracted to woman secure and happy with herself. Afterall, how can you expect a man to be content spending a lifetime with just you, if you aren’t either?

My solution to all of this is a simple: Maybe we should spend less time obessing over the men in our lives (or lack there of), and more time pursuing our passions. If you don’t already have one, find a creative outlet, take up a hobby, go back to work (if that’s what you want), put yourself first for a change. And stop using your busy life or children as an excuse. You can’t be the best mom possible, if you’re not taking care of yourself. In fact, the best moms are those who can set a positive example for their kids.  If you take away anything from this post, may it be this: Never, ever, ever lose sight of all those magical, wonderful things that make you, YOU….and subsequently made your spouse fall head over heels for you, too. Ultimately, you will be the one to create your own happily-ever-after.