Age Of Love: Ranking The Top 8
Stay or Go Home? It's In His Kiss
By Donna Emery
July 4, 2007
This week on Age of Love, Mark Philippousas got to know his 10 favorites better, and narrowed the field down to 8. He kissed two of the ladies, with very different results.
I still see Mark as a very polite and sincere young man. He is quick to tell each of the ladies that they look beautiful. By and large, they do; after all, they were probably selected for that very reason. He is also attentive, responsive and honest. What he isn't, at least so far, is deep.
One of the ladies finally called him on it. Well, good for her.
This week, when the teams were asked to plan dates for the other group, they had a problem coming up with just the right scenario to challenge the other team. I have to be a bit suspicious of their choices, which were a bit too true to the show's theme. Both dates had a theme which would exploit the age conflict, and which would reinforce the stereotypes that these ladies have been chosen for.
I enjoyed seeing the younger girls challenged by the children's party, and had to congratulate the producers for finding what must have been the world's rowdiest children. I also enjoyed seeing the older ladies at the pool, though we didn't really see them interact much with the senior citizens, which seems a bit unfair considering how much time the younger gals had to spend with the kids.
Mark gave his first real kisses to Amanda and Adelaide, and the scoreboard will reveal how those kisses influenced his choices. In addition to kisses, he continues to be impressed by girls who show a spark of spirit and personality. As shy and diffident as Mark seems to be; he doesn't seem to be attracted to the quiet girls. He seems most impressed by the ones who are joyful, loud, friendly, outgoing and warm.
So… maybe opposites DO attract.
I am still pretty sure that, in the end, Mark will choose one of the older girls, and I am also pretty sure that the romance will probably last as long as most of the matches last on "The Bachelor". But, for now, here's how I think they measure up in the race for Mark's heart:
Amanda
Current Ranking: 1 - Previous Ranking: 6
Amanda, 25 is an assistant to a financial planner from Tennessee who's looking for "the perfect man".
She's still having issues with jealousy, but she impressed him enough for him to choose her for the lunch date. He also really enjoyed the kiss, and I think he'll stick around so that he can kiss her some more.
Jayanna
Current Ranking: 2 - Previous Ranking: 2
Jayanna, 39 is a loan officer from California.
She consistently impresses him by being herself. I love this lady's spirit, and apparently so does Mark! I think she may be one of the last ladies standing.
Kelli
Current Ranking: 3 - Previous Ranking: 5
Kelli, 40 is a legal secretary from California who loves outdoor activities.
She won his company for dessert, but she wasn't the one he kissed. He thinks she's sexy, and he seemed to relax and enjoy himself with her. So far, so good.
Megan
Current Ranking: 4 - Previous Ranking: 4
Megan, 21 is a student from Illinois who wants to get married.
He doesn't seem to find her youth a problem, and he definitely thinks she's cute.
He really seems charmed by her.
Tessa
Current Ranking: 5 - Previous Ranking: 7
Tessa,23 is an executive assistant from Arizona who calls herself headstrong.
I'm putting her this high because of her boldness. She's the type of woman that Mark seems to like. We already know he likes her body. I think she's got a good chance.
Jen
Current Ranking: 6 - Previous Ranking: 10
Jennifer, 48 is an executive assistant to the Los Angeles Lakers who wants a man who values family as she does.
I am very impressed by the continued warmth between them. I really thought that her age would challenge him more. She says she has feelings for him, too. I think she may last a while longer.
Maria
Current Ranking: 7 - Previous Ranking: 3
Maria, 42 is a photographer from California who says she falls in love easily.
What can I say? Either she was sincere about almost leaving, or she really does want him to come out of his own shell. She's got him pursuing her; good strategy, if it is one! Hey, it worked for Tessa on the "Bachelor"!
Mary
Current Ranking: 8 - Previous Ranking: 9
Mary, 24 is a dialysis technician from California who says she's levelheaded and thoughtful.
This young lady definitely needs to grow in confidence if she's going to have any chance of winning. He told her that he knew they hadn't spent much time together. If they do, it will either make or break it for Mary.
Adelaide
Sent Home
Adelaide, 26 is a magazine editor from California. She likes to sing and dance.
It was a complete shock to her when she got sent home, and I have to say it was a surprise to me, too. I really thought he liked her, and of course we had no way of knowing that he didn't sense any response from her, in their kiss.
Lynn
Sent Home
Lynn is a 40-year old makeup artist from Tennessee who says she's a "bit of a homemaker".
Last week, Mark asked her to show him who she is. She didn't do it, or he didn't hear her doing it. Either way, she went home this week.
As the choices get narrower, we come closer to the final choice. I can't really pick one now, but if I am right about an older winner, Jayanna is probably a good prospect.
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com.
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