by Judy Tatelbaum, M.S.W
USA

A current trend flooding American mainstream media (and one that is shaping perceptions of weddings as grotesque exhibitions of egomaniacal women out-of-control) is the coverage on TV, websites and in print, portraying brides-to-be as "Bridezillas". Similarly, popular shows like the Bachelor and Bachelorette pit scores of hopeful men and women against each other in a competition to win the affections of those who have resorted to finding "true love" on reality TV. These abstractions of marriage are often run in tandem with never-ending coverage of the supposedly inevitable collapse of "ideal" celebrity marriages. The latter, especially, are usually accompanied by statements implying that a woman's success will almost certainly rock if not destroy her marriage, if she has managed to have one.

The following WIP article counterbalances the Bridezilla viewpoint and reality TV confections, and offers a wiser perspective on not just weddings, but the natural courses of the marriages that follow them. These reflections come from an inspiring professional therapist in practice for over 30 years, who deals with the deeper issues of being human with incredible compassion. Not surprisingly, the two books on overcoming grief and emotional suffering that she has authored, have both become best sellers.
– Ed.