Thank you for not killing us...

This week’s article is, as always for each and every one of my readers enjoyment, but is ultimately dedicated to my fellow comrades in media and their partners and family. 

Just something of interest for you to chew on this week, to most it is not relevant at all, however still interesting to know.  This week’s blog is just a little in depth look at life as, and life with, a journalist.  It could shed some light on a few unanswered questions you may (or may not) be pondering, or it could cause a bunch of new mysteries.  Either way, I found it interesting and informative, not to mention light hearted and fun.  Peeked your interest have I, well read on and satisfy some of your curiosity then.So, you're never dated, got married or befriended a journalist?  You really don't know what you're missing! Read on to find out just how much ‘fun’ you are missing out on. 

As it turns out, I’ve been told often in the past, life with a journalist is not an easy one (I still have my suspicions that this is some wicked conspiracy against jurno’s… but I try to remain open minded).  I argued this statement to the top degree until I recently discovered an article on the very topic I was disputing.  The article entitled “8 Ways youknowyou’redating a Journalist”, by IleneSpringer, was a bit of an eye opener for me as I was forced to see things from another perspective. Ilene started her article off by saying, “We know we're not easy to live with.  And if we're your boyfriend or girlfriend, you deserve the Pulitzer Prize for Dating a Journalist.”

Here are a few of the tell-tale signs.  First off, our memory banks are stretched to the point of 3^rd degree stretch marks and are programmed to live up to the reputation of ‘memory like an elephant’. We may forget your birthday or our anniversary, but never a deadline.  Sorry, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.We may start performing strange rituals so don't be surprised when your journalist date starts eating weird things, playing strange music, or petting your cat (whether the cat is there or not).This is a sign that your journalist-love has sent out a query or request for information and the provider of said facts is taking more time than your partner is willing to or able to wait. It will pass.  Just hope that the response is the desired one and not rejection or useless information.  If it is, please remember to have your local suicide prevention number on hand for that occasional article rejection, misinformation or dead end leads occurrences. Alternatively, chocolate.  This works just as well.  You'll know a deadline is approaching as you witness your journalist exhibiting PMS-type symptoms of rage, irritability and despair.(This occurs in both men and women)

Euphoria. You will become very familiar with this mood.  It’s when a ‘plan comes together’ and an article is accepted and published. (This is the best time to suggest eating out because your boy/girlfriend will be most likely to pick up the tab.) From time to time (ok, more often than not) your journalist will come across as a perfect ‘special needs’ candidate as sometimes you'll see us in a strange location or position, like we are looking for something.  We are.  We’re writing something and looking for the right...word. With some luck, you might be subjected to ‘the silent treatment’, yes you are being ignored as your journalist has had an epiphany and has just managed to grab hold of the edges to an idea for the making of a great story and is petrified to let go as it could vanish into the abyss.  Please hold (and enjoy the calm before the storm), we’ll be with you in a moment.

I certainly hope that shed some light on the mysteries surrounding the world of media junkies and writers by causing a cosmic reaction to your face known as a smile.  We love and appreciate your tolerance of us as we plough through our busy schedules always on the prowl for the perfect scoop. We value your support more than we show.  And last but not least (by no means) thank you for not killing us, particularly on deadline days.  For that true act of kindness and love, we are tremendously grateful. 

Glitter greetings (and all things shiny)

Bohemian B