A Look at Bravo's Date My Ex: Jo & Slade

Bravo television has a new show premiering on Monday, July 21^st at 10 PM EST. Date My Ex: Jo & Slade will feature Housewives of Orange County stars Jo De La Rosa and Slade Smiley. Jo will go on a series of dates arranged by two of her friends and Slade will be around to question and possibly compete with Jo's dates. Based on the previews, it appears Slade may even share a house with the contestants. The previews also promise no lack of drama with the new Bravo reality show!

Jo and Slade had an on-again off-again relationship before Jo moved out of Slade's Orange County house to peruse her music career in Los Angeles. Housewives of Orange County fans may remember the fights about Jo's need for independence while Slade wanted her to remain a housewife.

On June 30, Bravo reminded us of the two's tension viewers often witnessed on Housewives of Orange County with a one hour special, Jo & Slade: the Breakup. Bravo's montage to Jo and Slade's relationship showed the good and bad times. Jo moved into Slade's house at the age of 24 and, at Slade's request, stopped working in order to take care of the house and his two children. After six months, Jo began to fight her boredom by going to bars and out with friends. About six months later, Jo decided to pursue jobs as a real estate agent and singer. She eventually moved to Los Angles with her best friend JJ to pursue a singing a career. Joe and Slade broke up soon after that.

Watching Jo & Slade: the Breakup, made me think of housewife Jo De La Rosa in a new way, as a role model. Jo, whose family emigrated from Peru, was raised in what sounded like a typical middle class family. She was not raised to value possessions or money. When she met Slade she was working three jobs and when the opportunity presented itself to move in to a nice house with a rich older man, quit work and be taken care, Jo, like most young girls would, took it. Jo lived the life that young girls may dream of and was set to be taken care of for the rest of her life. After six months, Jo realized she was missing something- her ambition. She had goals that went unfilled and her drive to work and succeed was put on hold for Slade's career. Some woman's goals may be inline with being a housewife but I believe, when put it Jo's situation, most woman would regret the decision to lose their independence.

When Jo realized her dreams were going unfulfilled she was in a tough spot. She was living with Slade and he was completely taking care of her financially. She had to gain her independence back. Jo moved out of the luxurious house in Orange County for a smaller but more affordable apartment with her best friend.

Bravo portrayed Jo as currently happy as she works to further her singing her career. She and Slade are still friends and as the preview hints, may get back together at some point. Jo made the right decision for her and showed a lot of young girls that being taken care of is not always the answer.