Hello my name is Chelsea Krost, and I am a fan of Bravo Television

Hello my name is Chelsea Krost, and I am a fan of Bravo Television and the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. WHEW!! Now that I got that off my chest…WOW, last night’s episode was truly intense! As a person who works in the radio and television broadcasting industry, I have respect for all program genres, and know that there is an audience for everything on the airwaves. Although I find some reality programs entertaining, I feel that the majority of them have lead to the demise of TV and the brain cells of all of those watching. Last night my feelings took a turn. As I sat and watched Taylor Armstrong admit to her severe insecurities, struggle for friends, conversations with a plastic surgeon about receiving cheek fillers to enhance her already distorted appearance, and get caught off guard by an intervention for her safety from her abusive husband, (all in one episode,) I could not help but become emotionally involved in her plight. During the last 30 minutes of the episode I felt anxiety, tension, and sadness for the fellow Housewives and especially for Taylor. It was brutal to watch the actual REALITY of a woman’s terrible and twisted downfall both physically and mentally right before our eyes, for our entertainment. Yeah, I said it entertainment… because isn’t that why we watch these silly shows? Maybe we need to reconsider what we find entertaining today. This episode was an example of what a battered woman looks like, feels like, and needs. Taylor needed an intervention, she needed to be confronted on the abuse she took from her husband, and she needed to be surrounded by strong women to tell her to her face that she is in danger, and it just so happened to be in front of the cameras for the entire world to see. When women of any age, young adults and teenagers too, are in an abusive relationship, most of the time the victim is the last to realize how bad their situation is. They often feel hopeless with the idea of ever breaking free from their abusers. Unfortunately, I know two girls who are both under 21 years old, who have been in an abusive relationship. In some cases being the friend of the abused person can be very difficult. To speak openly to someone during such a vulnerable time is equivalent to walking on eggshells because you don’t want to push the person away but you also want to make it clear that the circumstances they are faced with are not healthy, and you want to help. I can’t believe I am saying this but The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode on the night of November 14th, 2011 consisted of many life lessons that could save you, or a friend, or a family member from ever being in a relationship that can endanger your life. Taylor Armstrong has gone on the record talking about her and her husband’s struggles, the abuse, and the effect all of this has had on her only child. Taylor Armstrong is the example of someone who may look like she has it all; the house, the cars, the clothes, the diamonds, the kid, the rich husband. But, what Taylor “in reality” has is six years of abuse to overcome, the guilt of her ex-husbands suicide, the care of her child, and a scary balancing act to juggle while in the spotlight! So, you never really know where a valuable life lesson may appear; it may just occur while indulging in a guilty pleasure of watching an episode of The Real Housewives. My heart goes out to Taylor Armstrong and her family. I hope she knows that through her public struggle she may be saving another woman from the pain she so publicly displayed for us all! Keep strong Taylor!