(TLC)

Reality television is often seen as a guilty pleasure. Guilty because we all hate to admit that yes, we did spend an hour of our Wednesday night watching “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”, and pleasure because yes, we really did enjoy it. As unlikely as it seems there are lessons to be learned from reality television that we can take with us into our lives, they indeed exist. So next time your watching reality television, erase that guilt and remember you are teaching yourself valuable life lessons.

Ladies, if there is one thing to be learned from the many bridal shows on air such as TLC’s “Four Weddings” and “Say Yes to the Dress” it is to not, under any circumstances, turn into Bridezilla. Though weddings are likely far off for most of us, the images of a meltdown in the bridal store or a pre-ceremony freak-out have left a lasting impression. As horrifying as these many bridal blow-ups may be, they have certainly taught us to make sure we remain sane when our weddings finally come around.

This next life lesson goes out to both ladies and gents, so let me say it loud and clear, stay in school! No one has taught us this better than Honey Boo Boo and her crazy clan. Whether it is their enthusiastic participation in the Redneck Games or the fact that subtitles are shown whenever Mama June speaks, one cannot help but run and hit the books when we see this family. MTV has also done its fair share to remind us to stay in school with reality hits like “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom”. The struggles of these teen moms and dads remind us all that we are lucky to be in school, as much as we all wish we weren’t some days!

This final lesson is for everyone, of all ages, guy or girl. Despite what shows like “The Hills” and “The Jersey Shore” portray, you actually do need to get a job eventually. Unfortunately, we cannot all go out to lunch for a living while residing in a beachfront home in Malibu. Also, much to our dismay, we cannot make a living partying from noon till night, and believe it or not, working in a pizza shop would not pay the rent for a home in Italy. These shows have taught us that 15 minutes of fame really is just that, and that as glamorous their lives may seem now, being a reality star will not carry you through life (safe to say Heidi Montag is proof of that!). So next time we think about quitting school to join the cast of “The Real World” remember that reality television lasts a few seasons at best, when a real job and education will last a lifetime. 

Reach Staff Reporter Haylee Saathoff here.