When the Real World aired on MTV in 1992 I was 14 years old. Wedged in between repeats of Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” video was this totally different and funny show that showcased the lives of young adult writers and poets and dancers and bohemians and rocks stars–real people–living in New York City. And my teenaged, country-bumpkin ass loved every minute. And my love for the Real World held strong until, oh, the crappy Las Vegas one, I guess.

I got into Road Rules, too, for a while. But only watched about three seasons of that. I liked these shows mostly because I thought they were pretty funny. Real people are way funnier than television and movies most of the time. But Road Rules stopped being funny after they began the voting off of folks and picking people based on their ability to bitch relentlessly and be big whores.

But I stuck it out with the Real World. I would watch marathon after marathon of that shit and came to know some of the “dialogue” by heart. When Steven slapped Irene in Seattle I was all like, “Oh, NO HE DI’INT!” And when Tammy cried rape I felt sorry for poor David. I had a big crush on Judd, that cartoonist from the San Francisco cast, and can you believe he went and married that doctor lady from that same show? I could go on and on, but chances are you’ve seen them all, too. Don’t even try to lie.

Because liking the Real World is a big dorky no-no. Nobody admits to liking it up front, but about six beers later everyone is talking about how London was the most boring season and how Montana is a totally fucked up name. Well, I for one was never ashamed of my love for the Real World. (Up until slutty Las Vegas, that is. They was just a bunch of hos. And, now I have no cable.)

Which is why I am sort of awestruck that Dan from the Real World: Miami cast reads my weblog. (Hi, Dan!) I love Dan! Or, at least in that way I loathe or love all the cast of the Real World. It blows my mind to think of a time when my sister and I would lie on the couch in the living room, swearing that when we were old enough we would totally apply. Now we lie on the couch, watching, kicking ourselves that we are now too old to do so. She is so gonna kick my ass, but one time, after a particularly rousing or moving Real World episode Amy looked at me and said, “Sometimes, after I watch that show, I feel like I’m on the Real World.” I shamefully nodded my agreement.

And now, one of the people I watched week after week watches me back.
Neat.