“The Doc Is In” is a monthly column submitted by the ETSU Counseling Center.
Is there any value to reality TV? The Doc thinks participation in The Amazing Race should be required as part of premarital therapy. Many believe the real test of a relationship is how the couple treats each other when under stress.
The Amazing Race’s emphasis on cut-throat competition, unexpected roadblocks, and patience-trying exercises is a wonderful test of how couples will fare in the long haul.
As The Amazing Race 8 gears up to debut on Tuesday, Sept. 27, let’s look back at last season’s participants, and see if we can learn from their relationships.
Of the six romantic relationships among last season’s racers, whose does your relationship most closely imitate?
Ray and Deana – What a relief when this critical pair was voted off! Instead of supporting each other through the challenges, they constantly sniped at one another.
Though neither participant was a ray of sunshine, Ray was extremely domineering. Can you blame Deana for being so miserable? There are plenty of couples who endure this constant negativity, but is that the kind of relationship you want?
Ray and Deana, along with Ron and Kelly, say they’ve entered the race to determine if they have what it takes to stay together for the long haul. Let us hope they’ve concluded from the race that they aren’t a good combination. Then again, Deana may be the only woman on earth willing to put up with Ray.
Best moment: When Ray and Deana completed the Fast Forward by walking across a narrow, swinging bridge stretching across a cooling tower, the couple kept their critical tongues surprisingly in check.
Worst moment: While grinding corn in their final task, Ray complained to Deana that “It’s depressing doing this with you.”
Lynn and Alex – This couple is consistently loving and supportive of each other. Even when Alex ended up trying to drive an SUV through several feet of water for an obstacle course-without knowing how to drive a manual transmission – Lynn supported him and encouraged him the whole way.
Unlike Ray and Deana, Lynn and Alex seem to realize they’re on the same team.
Best moment: When the couple got swept into an Indian wedding celebration.
Worst moment: Anytime the duo let their loathing of Rob and Amber get the better of them.
Meredith and Gretchen – Yes Gretchen whines incessantly, but this couple still manages to support each other. Like most couples they have their moments, but their longevity and actions are evidence of their commitment and love for one another.
Best moment: When Gretchen insisted they keep going even after her face-scraping fall in the cave.
Worst moment: When Gretchen rode the wooden elephant and Meredith was forced to push it by himself.
Ron and Kelly – Like Ray and Deanna, it’s difficult to find much to like about this couple. Ron is condescending and sexist and the two constantly put each other down.
Worst moment: When Kelly accused Ron of becoming a POW to get out of the military.
Best moment: When Ron said that he wasn’t ready to settle down yet because there is so much of the world to see. Hopefully they will agree not to stay together.
Rob and Amber – Love them or hate them, in spite of their “us against the world” attitude, this couple is there for each other.
Best moment: Rob’s comments at the end of the race: “We finished second, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I got Amber, so I’m in first place in my book.”
Worst moment: Flying by brothers Brian and Greg without a second thought when the men’s jeep was overturned and their cameraman was clearly injured.
Uchenna and Joyce – This couple supports each other through thick and thin.
They not only won the million dollars, they have also been awarded the Doc’s “Best Relationship Award” for their unwavering ability to build each other up, instead of tearing each other down.
Best moment: When Joyce allowed the Hindu priest to shave her long braids so their team could surge ahead. Uchenna urged Joyce not to do it if she didn’t want to even though it might have caused them to be eliminated from the race.
He stuck by Joyce’s side throughout the hair cut and told her with great emotion how beautiful she was with a shaved head.
Second Best Moment: When this couple who has struggled to conceive visited the Orlando Children’s Home and were greeted by cheering children.
The ETSU Counseling Center works with couples who want to improve their communication, learn how to resolve conflicts, are working through other relationship issues, or are beginning a long-term commitment to one another and would like to make sure they get started with the tools they need to succeed.
The Counseling Center offers free, confidential counseling for students.Call us at 439-4841, or visit our office during walk-in hours Monday thru Thursday from 10-noon or 2-4 p.m.
Do you have a question for The Doc Is In? Visit www.etsu.edu/students/counsel/thedocisin.htm to post an anonymous question, which will be addressed either on the web site or in the East Tennessean.
Question topics include family issues, depression, assault/violence, relationships, drug and alcohol, sexual orientation, stress/anxiety, eating disorders, and helping someone.

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