What a disgusting experience I had last night at the movie theater! I've been stuck in the house all week with strep throat, so going to the movies was a big outing for me, and I was really pumped. We ordered our tickets online, and when we got there the seats beside us were still empty. I could barely contain my excitement because I have been feeling awful all week, and now I was out in the world again, somewhat recovered. Finally, right after the movie started, this couple in their forties or fifties sits down beside us. She takes the seat next to me, so she is on my left, and my teenager is on my right. Since you have to reserve your seats online at this theater, moving was out of the question.

We were there to see Allied with Brad Pitt, and the plot is rather romantic because these two adventurous spies become lovers and get married. As soon as the Nazi spy gives birth to a little girl, this incredibly sappy and sentimental woman beside me starts clutching her overly protective, 1950's-style husband's arm, and leaning into him she starts crying happy tears. It was awful. I was in this surreal situation, almost like the phony acting, overplayed characters had moved off the screen and into the seats beside me. First of all, the movie just isn't that great. The whole plot is quite predictable and not really all that exciting, and I have little or no sympathy for traitors and spies anyway. Since both main characters are spies and traitors, the movie really lacks a cool hero. I can't understand why anybody would identify with spies and traitors, but the weepy woman sitting beside me last night certainly does. 

This got me to thinking about the superficial lives some people live. Maybe this woman just needs to read more, or get out of Houston. Maybe her life is too easy and simple. And, obviously, she is spoilt and overprotected. I couldn't believe how her poor husband was acting. I lost count of how many times he had to get out of his seat and walk in front of us to go grab her some tissues, or get the waiter. He obviously felt like his identity was somehow tied into her overreaction to a somewhat dull movie because he was so sappy solicitous. I honestly thought he was going to start lifting her beer glass up for her and start giving her little sips. The whole display was disgusting.

This couple was well-dressed, and in good physical health. She didn't come into the movie acting emotionally distraught. When she sat down, she seemed unhappy with her seat, like she didn't want to sit beside me, but I just ignored her--well, until it became impossible to ignore her.

They ordered a lot of food, and we had already been served pizza and popcorn. She made me so nervous, I could hardly stay out of the popcorn, and I even found myself nibbling on pizza crust just to relieve my anxiety. I felt sicker, in more numerous ways, when I got home just because of what I endured at the theater.

Honestly, I guess I am rather offended by artificial and overdone displays of affection, and I really believe that was the situation last night. I was sitting beside a woman that had probably never done a single thing on her own. It's possible that she had never lived alone for any significant amount of time. She probably never travelled alone, studied alone, or thought her own thoughts. Her "family" was probably her entire life. I know some will disagree, but I think total dependence is a wasted life. If you are that moved by a mediocre, Hollywood movie, then your emotions are out of balance. You are at risk of looking like a fool, and learning that strangers are embarrassed for you.

I know lots of couples that have lived together forever and had kids, grandkids, and enjoyed their lives. But I have only known a few women in my lifetime that have been completely dependent on a man for every decision, every dollar, and every activity. 

I am grateful that the men in my life encouraged me to get out and do things on my own. Maybe the techniques they used were tough, and maybe some of them didn't realize they were actually helping me, but I am proud that I am not the kind of woman that crumbles during a silly movie. Especially not this movie...it just isn't very meaningful, and it lacks depth and sincerity. Much like the characters in the seats beside me...they were totally inconvenienced by each other's dependence. It was sickening! 

I need another week off!