Age Of Love: Ranking The Top 5
Just No Forward Reconazation!
By Donna Emery
July 18, 2007
This week on Age of Love, Mark Philippousas spent some quality time with each of the remaining women. None of them seemed to think that he spent enough individual time with them.
It was Mary who spoke the words above. When she tried to cut in on the conversation between Mark and Megan, and he did not immediately drop his focus on Megan and turn to her, she pouted that there was "no forward reconazation" of her, by Mark.
I wanted to answer her - and to answer all the other ladies who said similar things about Mark's lack of individual attention - by saying, "what did you expect?" These ladies agreed to be on a dating show. This isn't the first dating show in history, so I think it's reasonable to assume that they might have learned from previous dating shows that the person who's choosing will be simultaneously dating several other women. The fact that Mark isn't singling them out for his attention for the entire period of each episode should not be as surprising to them as it seems to be.
As the weeks have gone by, he has shown more and more of his personality and sense of humor. It seems that we can thank Maria for that, since she was the one who challenged him to open up. I think he's shown an effort to get to know each of them, and he's shown some real sensitivity to the ladies' individual preferences - such as inviting Megan to the beach, and making sure that she had a great time there.
Under the circumstances, I think these ladies are getting the best of Mark that they can expect at this level of "romance." If they truly care for him - and not just for the sake of winning a contest, they need to do their best to take advantage of the opportunities that they have to get to know and spend time with Mark. He doesn't seem to be out to hurt anyone, and though he clearly likes some of the ladies he doesn't seem to be favoring anyone on a consistent basis.
This week, Mary continued to have her crying spells. This week she also was the first of the younger women to develop a friendship - of sorts - with one of the older women. Maria acted as her encourager and supporter - yet it was Maria, that - in the end, made a decision that may have sealed Mary's departure. If Maria had made good on her promise to go home, perhaps he wouldn't have sent Mary home.
Don't get me wrong - I think Mary needed to go home. The stress of dating a man who is also publicly pursuing other women was clearly too much for her. I think that her insecurity may have prevented her from showing Mark her best side. The way that she acted during her exit showed that she does have a lot to offer the right man. I just don't think that the circumstances were right for her to do this.
As for Maria's indecision, it is hard to say how sincere she is, about wanting to go home if a smile and a few charming words can persuade her to stay despite her best instincts. I can see what Maria means about Mark not being the guy for her. I can also see that she means it when she says she didn't come to the show to find a guy who'd be charmed by a 21-year old. So why did she stay? I can't really say. I just know that, under the circumstances, it might be better for Maria to step aside and to allow the others to continue the pursuit of Markiness.
I really saw a shakeup in the scoreboard this week. Mark seemed to really focus on the ladies that he wants to get to know better, and I can only interpret that as intensified interest:
Jen
Current Ranking: 1 - Previous Ranking: 3
Jennifer, 48 is an executive assistant to the Los Angeles Lakers who wants a man who values family as she does.
I moved her way up this week because I have a feeling about this lady. He's been charmed by her from the start, and he picked her for the only one-on-one date. She was up to the challenge. Despite their age difference, these two seem very suited to each other and he is always comfortable with her. Partly because of their connection, and partly because of the editing of the episodes, I think that we may see the oldest lady win the contest.
Megan
Current Ranking: 2 - Previous Ranking: 6
Megan, 21 is a student from Illinois who wants to get married.
They really got to know each other this week, and I definitely see that he is attracted to her. They are very similar in personality, and though she is a bit younger than he is, she is not immature at all. He smiles when he's with her and I think she'll get even closer to him in the weeks to come. I also think it would be fitting for the youngest girl to be one of the final ladies vying for his heart.
Jayanna
Current Ranking: 3 - Previous Ranking: 2
Jayanna, 39 is a loan officer from California.
She is bold and brassy; yet charming and classy. Jayanna is very casual about her attraction for Mark, but she's made it clear that she is there to win. The younger girls may think she's fake, but I think she is very clear and honest about who and what she is. Mark has liked her from the beginning, and he continues to be charmed by her.
Amanda
Current Ranking: 4 - Previous Ranking: 1
Amanda, 25 is an assistant to a financial planner from Tennessee who's looking for "the perfect man".
He still likes her, and she is still charming him but I see that her insecurities might get in the way of a developing relationship. She is older than Megan, but seems less mature. I think she needs to relax and trust her instincts, and remember that she signed up to be on a group dating show.
Maria
Current Ranking: 5 - Previous Ranking: 4
Maria, 42 is a photographer from California who says she falls in love easily.
I like Maria, and I can see why Mark likes her. She is easy to be around, and she is very charming. But it's been clear to her for several weeks now that even though Mark is handsome and charming, he's not really what she is looking for in a guy. She's threatened to go home twice now, but both times got convinced to stay. She needs to back off and let someone who cares about him remain to continue the game.
Mary
Sent Home
Mary, 24 is a dialysis technician from California who says she's levelheaded and thoughtful.
How ironic that when she was finally cut loose by Mark, she handled it with maturity and class. She seemed sincere in her quest for Mark's affections, but I certainly hope that she cries less often in "real life."
Tessa
Sent Home
Tessa,23 is an executive assistant from Arizona who calls herself headstrong.
She had her chance, and she didn't use it to her best advantage. She's got only herself to blame for the outcome. However, her looks and personality will probably see to it that she's not alone for long.
Kelli
Sent Home
Kelli, 40 is a legal secretary from California who loves outdoor activities.
A very charming lady who took matters - and Mark - into her own hands. It didn't work out for her, but I wish her the best. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
If Mark continues eliminating one girl per episode from now on, it will drag it out to the point that we all might have a "Mary moment." I could see almost any of the women ending up with him, though it's really unclear how many more times Maria will threaten to go home before he calls her bluff. Tune in next week and see whether he gives her that all-important "forward reconazation."
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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