Confessions: Mamma's Boys

A new show premiers on NBC tonight. "Momma's Boys" is a new dating series that centers on three possessive yet loving mothers who must help their complacent sons choose the perfect woman - and ultimately poses the question: "Who is really the most important woman in every man's life?"

Over the course of six weeks, viewers will watch intense, emotional showdowns and rivalries, as well as raw, personal moments between mother and son. All of this will unfold as 32 single women - some classy and some brassy - vie for the attention of the three eligible bachelors and their mothers who live with them throughout the series. "Momma's Boys" will uncover the conflicts between a mother's wishes and a son's desires and reveal the truth about who plays a more crucial role in a young man's life - his mother or his significant other.

(So say the previews for this show.)

There are some reality shows that I like to watch. This won't be one of them. I question whether this show even qualifies as a reality show. And I further question the sincerity of the emotions and the depth of relationships fostered in the artificial environment created by the show's creator and producers.

However, I do believe I have two unique perspectives on the subject of this show. If you read my anniversary post, you'll know that Bud and I met on a blind date - set up by his mother. So, I can attest to the valuable insight a mother may have into whom might or might not be a good match for her son. Did Bud's mom set us up with the hopes that we'd be married barely more than a year later? No. She just knew both of us well enough to know that our personalities and interests would be a good match for a friendship. It just turned out to be the deepest kind of friendship.

She also did not go on our first date with us. She did not plan our dates. She did not spy on our dates. (That I know of!) She did not instigate showdowns. She did not view me as a rival, but rather as a friend and now daughter. She did not eliminate any other potential girlfriends. Not that eliminating the competition wouldn't have been appreciated had there been anyone else vying for Bud's attention! Just saying...

My other perspective comes from now being the mother of a son who is probably on the cusp of dating. I've already told Burrito that I hope he chooses a girl who does not have a mother. You know, so that she'll turn to me for advice in making little decisions like what colors to choose for the wedding, where to hold the reception, what to name my first grandbaby, and who to spend the holidays with every year. I kid. Mostly.

Seriously, we have already begun talking with Burrito about choosing his future spouse. Other than asking Christ to be his savior, it will be the most important decision he will make and his choice will affect all aspects of his life. We've emphasized that it's never too early to begin praying for this young woman. We've talked to him about the benefits of having Godly counsel in making decisions like choosing a spouse. Godly counsel. That would be me. (Oh, come on... I kid again. Mostly.)

I won't be watching this show. Let me know if you do and what you think of it.

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Ephesians 5:31-33 NLT)