When we think about reality TV nowadays, most days we think about a watered down, scripted, documentary series, mixed with a cast of "celebrities" and a plot line surrounded around weightless drama, and petty fights. Most of these fights can appear to exploit female friendships weekly on national television, predominately black female friendships, leaving many of them broken and damaged for the sake of good television ratings. The good news is, those rare teachable moments in reality TV, where we can actually relate and learn something from the castmates, shine through much brighter wherever there is an overabundance of dysfunction. And on this season of Love And Hip Hop: Atlanta, the storyline behind cast member Jessica Dime has been laced with pleasant surprises.
Last week, on their trip to Jamaica, she showed us why she's earned her place from a socialite co-star, to a solid friend. We all know how totally obvious it can be when you see shady women playing both sides of the coin, trying hard to be friends with everybody, in an attempt to reap the accompanied benefits. But, with every rule, there's always an exception. Jessica Dime seems to have turned over a new leaf and decided to let her behavior speak for itself, as she tries to put the drama behind her and move forward with sincerity and good intentions. She does this, in her own southern, "sophisti-ratchet" swag, while never losing her street senses and recently proving herself to be one of the realest ones on the team.
At a daytime party in Jamaica, the squad gathered around for one last turn up before they left the island. They began to reflect on their time together, and their growth as individuals, as well as couples—whether together or separated. As the conversation awkwardly, and inevitably, approached the marital issues brewing between Rasheeda and Kirk, everyone's consensus and advice was the same. Well…mostly everyone.
As friends, they hoped that the two of them could eventually work past the drama and save their marriage, but also will be there to support if Rasheeda just can't forgive the infidelities and decides to move forward accordingly. As the tables were turning towards a more positive perspective, Yung Joc's "assistant," Treasure (who wore a black dress to an all white party, might I add), felt the urge to help clear the air with a more unconventional point of view. She, out of nowhere, began to speak about "victimized side chicks," and how their story often goes untold. She continues on to discuss how she too was once dating a married man, how she heard through the grapevine about Kirk's affairs and that he was keeping his side chick, Jasmin, very well-off and taken care of throughout the duration of their alleged relations. Everyone was taken aback by her comments and Rasheeda proceeded to leave. As Tammy was making an effort for Rasheeda to stay, before you know it, Jessica Dime went in for the game winning score, lunging towards Treasure, knocking off her "$2.00 wig and airport flip flops." The fight didn't last long before security came, and honestly it didn't have to. As Rasheeda put it, "Y'all know I don't condone violence, but that bitch had it coming."
Now before you start judging, I know it might sound like just your typical reality tv nonsense, but sometimes, that's just how quick things happen. Life comes at you fast, sis, and we all need a friend that comes through in the clutch and has our back. Dime has shown us that at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how long you've known someone, because when you respect your circle, then you won't tolerate anyone bringing their disrespect in from the outside. Loyalty has no time stamp, and if it's real, there's no expiration date either. Jessica Dime quickly and naturally reacted as if she takes her friendships and relationships personally, and I mean, can we blame her?
Even though we don't condone putting your hands on people, we all need someone on our team who's going to help fight those battles when we're ready to tap out. The one that curses out the ex-boyfriends who broke our heart when we're too tired. The one who takes up for you when you're not around. The one who knows when to jump in, and when to step back. The overprotective friend. The sometimes crazy friend. The Lover. The fighter. And the one who's loyalty doesn't come with attachments. Get you one.
They say, what you put out into the universe comes back to you tenfold, and if you've been keeping up with the show, then you know Jessica Dime has been in a relationship for some time now, and she's been really excited about how well things were going. As the universe has it, her boyfriend solidified it when he surprised her in Jamaica and proposed. I'm really excited for her, and I can't wait to see how her storyline plays out.
Cheers to the real ones! So, on to the real question: What about YOUR friends? Will they stand their ground?
