psychoanalysis? that'll be 50 bucks.
Sex and the City - an American cultural phenomenon. The show touches on so many valid relationship issues, you can't help but watch and, inevitably, relate. Watching the show last night, my room mate simulated gagging noises, other bodily dysfunctions, and her general disapproval of his character, when Mr. Big appeared on the screen. ....So I'll admit that I wouldn't be the first in line to get with Mr. Big if given the opportunity, but the idea of a "Mr. Big" is somewhat of a motif in many relationships. To Carrie, Mr. Big is unreachable, emotionally and sometimes physically, which is the main element that keeps her coming back for more. The relationship between the two is predominantly fueled by unthinking passion, which has often led to uncomfortable circumstances and consequences which were not previously considered. Furthermore, Big seems as if he is a kind of drug for Carrie, even though he generally treats her like shit and most of their interactions are in the convenience of time for him. Only when Big realizes that he is ready to "settle down" and have a real relationship with Carrie does their relationship take on earnest life. The excitement of uncertainty and the overwhelmingly passionate nature of their interactions is what keeps Carrie hanging on.
Even as most of us realize the damage he is inflicting on her psyche, we can't help but understand why she can't get over Big, mostly because we've all been there in some form or another. General human nature is that we want what we can't have, and by no means has Big ever completely handed himself over to Carrie emotionally. Women make excuses for men's bad behavior, so we tend to sympathize when we see Carrie, week after week, not able to squirm out of Big's emotional hold on her. Like Carrie, many women prioritize passion and excitement in a relationship. Some prioritize security, family, shared goals, religious backgrounds, or any other number of things. When you find someone who meets a good majority of your silent "criteria," it's harder to let go than it is some other times. What Mr. Big represents is that one relationship that, even though you know it's not right for you at the time, you can't help but want it. Even maybe if you're with someone else, "safer." Maybe Carrie's a glutton for punishment. Or maybe she's an idealist who refuses to settle for anything less than her "best." I think that the fact that Carrie finally got what she wanted in love is hopeful ... that maybe some day the rest of us can have the type of relationship that satisfies all of our own, individual "happily ever afters." ... :)
Even as most of us realize the damage he is inflicting on her psyche, we can't help but understand why she can't get over Big, mostly because we've all been there in some form or another. General human nature is that we want what we can't have, and by no means has Big ever completely handed himself over to Carrie emotionally. Women make excuses for men's bad behavior, so we tend to sympathize when we see Carrie, week after week, not able to squirm out of Big's emotional hold on her. Like Carrie, many women prioritize passion and excitement in a relationship. Some prioritize security, family, shared goals, religious backgrounds, or any other number of things. When you find someone who meets a good majority of your silent "criteria," it's harder to let go than it is some other times. What Mr. Big represents is that one relationship that, even though you know it's not right for you at the time, you can't help but want it. Even maybe if you're with someone else, "safer." Maybe Carrie's a glutton for punishment. Or maybe she's an idealist who refuses to settle for anything less than her "best." I think that the fact that Carrie finally got what she wanted in love is hopeful ... that maybe some day the rest of us can have the type of relationship that satisfies all of our own, individual "happily ever afters." ... :)