If we had a Bridgerton 'Season' today…

The word “intentional” is often used in dating and relationships these days. “Date with intentions”, the women say, in a world where men have succeeded in normalising the idea of “seeing how it works out”. The hit Netflix series, Bridgerton reminds us of a time when men were required to properly court a woman and state his intentions upfront.

Depending on how one views it, ‘The season’ can be a nerve racking or exciting time for young adults in upper class Britain. It refers to the period of spring and summer where high society Brits would converge in London and host various events to marry off their sons and daughters. The peak of ‘the season’ being Queen Charlotte’s Ball where she names ‘the diamond’ of ‘the season’. The diamond is that young woman who becomes the sought after and likely to nab the season’s most eligible bachelor of high standing. It is a particularly critical time for the young woman, who heaven forbid she gets to her mid-twenties and is still unmarried.

Much has changed since the 18th century, but the ‘pick me’ culture remains across all classes. Women are still jostling to be picked under less structured or favourable conditions where men don’t particularly have to state their intentions upfront. Why? Because they are no longer required to do so. They don’t have to face a woman’s parents and answer the difficult question of whether their interest is likely to lead anywhere past the sheets. For the most part, women no longer have that parental protection, but have gone out into the world to take on men all by themselves ‘out of season’ and in many cases, hung out to dry.

If we had a Bridgerton season today, we could be more intentional about finding a lifelong partner. Perhaps, we might create our individual season. Get dressed up, head out, be available without committing until a man clearly states his intentions and acts accordingly. After all, it is spring, and we are heading to summer. The timing for a 'season' is just right.

Ladies, whatever you do, don’t be Edwina, the Queen's diamond in Bridgerton Season 2, who had me cringing at how oblivious she was to the fact that her suitor was in love with her sister. Keep your eyes wide open and ensure he isn’t looking the other way. And do some of the ‘picking’ yourself. Get you the chemistry of Anthony and Kate and have fun!

If you have not yet seen season 2, what are you waiting for? Anyway, I won't spoil it for you. And a cautionary word before I go, do the binge watching in the day time, because once you get started, you won't want to stop. I will not accept responsibility for your loss of sleep. :)

I am Suzette Campbell

Note: Originally published on April 9, 2022