We need to talk about the name on everyone’s lips.
Jono. Goddamn. Pitman.
He’s the guy whose first response to seeing his experimental wife was “Wow, not what I ordered”.
He’s the guy who explained that he really would have preferred a petite brunette than a curvy blonde.
He’s the guy who told a 32-year-old woman that kids or not, you should find time to work out everyday and there is never an excuse to put on weight.
He’s the guy who lost his temper on a canoe, at an Ikea lounge, and in a restaurant (despite the presence of lots of cheese) all in the space of a week.
Yes – Jono Pitman is the guy every girl dreams.
That's how I dream a man will look at me one day...Image via Channel 9.
Who hasn't said the words; "Oh, if only I could find a man who swears every time someone cuts him off at an intersection, before turning purple and then not speaking for the next two hours. If only..."
Oh wait. No one has ever said those words. Because losing your temper behind the wheel is something you try to avoid for at least the first six months. Because - in case Pitman missed the memo - anger isn't really that sexy.
But despite wanting to throw my shoe/fork/dinner plate at the TV every time he popped up, I'm going to make a confession.
Canoeing is meant to be relaxing. Image via Channel 9.
I'm glad that Jono Pitman was on television.
In fact, I'll take it one step further and say that we need Jono Pitmans on television.
He is a walking bright red flag, waving in the wind.
For some of us, Jono was not a reality TV anomaly. He was uncomfortably familiar.
The moment where Jono and Clare broke up. Post continues below...
I've dated many-a-Jono.
One explained to me that I was an 8 out of 10 (who the hell rates a girl out of 10...?) and the girl he was leaving me for was a solid 10.
One tried to kiss a really good friend of mine two weeks into our relationship. I know this because I was standing there, in the kitchen, with a group of people.
One used to call me while drunk, and just yell profanities that didn't make sense.
One used to go out and seek other girls' numbers, and when I, er, broached the issue, he got very angry and said he couldn't handle me always being so critical.
Sure, Jono didn't technically do any of these things, but this is no longer about Jono-the-person.
It is about Jono-the-metaphor.
Jono = red flags. Image via Channel 9.
Jono represents the red flags we ignore, and we've seen our friends ignore, that are so glaringly obvious to everyone outside that relationship.
The anger. The flippant remarks about staying in shape. The superficiality. The immaturity. The disrespect. The obsession with Frozen (albeit to a lesser extent, but I think it warrants a mention). The dog growling at him and then vomiting - COULD THE SIGNS HAVE BEEN ANY CLEARER?
What Jono's presence on Married at First Sight did, was shine a light on something too many of us experience in private. Something that deep down we think we might have brought on ourselves. As an onlooker, we watched a familiar relationship unfold, where one party ends up feeling pretty bloody awful about themselves.
On behalf of all the girls, who have ignored the red flags in the past, and been left feeling brokenhearted, embarrassed and stupid, I'd like to extend a sincere thank you for Jono.
Thank you for appearing on our televisions and reminding so many of us exactly what it is we don't want.
Top Comments
I honestly think you're glad there was a Jono that you could blame for all of your insecurities and failed experiences. You admitted Jono never did any of what your exes did, but somehow you dedicate an article to demonise him because it makes you feel you were right despite the fact it was you who went into all these failed relationships one after the other. You, on the other hand, are another Clare, who would throw daggers and make a guy a symbol of hate, a voodoo doll to get your angst out. The poor guy is not perfect, how many of us have road rage? Don't tell me you're an angel behind the wheel. How many of us withdraw from confrontation? These are not sins. The sin is though to try and change people so they fit in your little box of fairytale prince on a horse. This is what Clare did, this is what you're doing.
Leave the guy alone. He's moved on and wished her all the best. On the other hand, Clare is still stuck in the past, just like you and your arseholes of boyfriends, who you chose.
great article, well said, and I agree we need to talk more about these relationships and red flags. As women we fall too quick and make excuses for bad behaviour. It has to stop