Your Favourite Princess
Posted by Gail | Filed under This & That
I’d love to hear about which episode of Princess was your favourite and why. You can leave your comments here or go to the Facebook page and leave it under my question there. Here is a list of all the Princesses; rank the Princesses you enjoyed watching from 1-13 (1 being your favourite)… it’ll give us some good insight as we move to the next season… yes! Another season of Princess! Yeah.
Ashley: sets the kitchen on fire while planning her marriage to Kyle
Laura: the youngest Princess, still living at home
Courntey: the sporty Princess, hated being alone
Kezia: the make-up artist Princess who couldn’t stop shopping
Katie: The smoking, botoxing, Princess with the very ugly dog
Lee: The most regal of my Princesses
Krista: A beautiful Princess hiding under a ton of makeup
Julie: The 40-year-old Princess
Nicole: The single mom Princess who just needed to see the light
Jennifer: The giggling Princess who made her mother take out her garbage
Nicola: The Princes who told me to go f*** myself.
Neelam: The South Asian Princess, who was smart, gorgeous and very confused
December 11, 2010 at 9:38 am
The successes are always enjoyable to watch. Feels good to see someone get their life changed around. Nevertheless, without ranking all of them, the single best episode was Nicola. That one had us aghast at first then rolling in the aisles as you handled it so matter of factly
.
December 11, 2010 at 11:11 am
Hi Gail,
I find this a difficult question to answer. I liked 4 of the episodes for different reasons
Courtney because the definition of Princess was a bit different and she was such a parasite to her friends
Krista because it was neat to see her without the horrid makeup
Nicole – probably comes in as my favorite because she is a good person who just needed to get back on track. I was so happy when she figured it out.
Nicola – I watched with total dismay – It was like watching a train wreck. I felt so sorry for her because she can’t possibly have even one honest relationship in her life if that is how she manipulates people to get what she wants. I was beyond horrified. I don’t really want to watch too many of those because I like to see that most people have some hope. Yet – I watched it. I didn’t change the channel.
There you have it. Love your shows. They have changed my life.
Joanne
December 11, 2010 at 11:16 am
Definitely Nicola as #1. Her story is just the most horrific one. I can see her actually ending up on the street, particularly when she is no longer able to attract a sugar daddy to support her. Gail, I absolutely love how you tell it like it is and didn’t let her talk her way out of the situation.
#2 Katie: botox at her age?! This was ridiculous. I like episodes where you try to snap these ladies out of their delusions.
#3 Julie: It’s really sad that she was in such a mess at her age but also important to see that you can make changes at any age.
The others were all very interesting in their own ways but I can’t rank them further. Gail, I loved each and every episode. The only thing I would like to see is follow up episodes. I really wonder what happens to these women afterwards. Even just hearing your predictions for their futures would be interesting.
December 11, 2010 at 11:38 am
I wouldn’t say she was my favourite Princess, but the most entertaining episode was definitely Nicola. Gail – please do a follow up with her. I would love to see if she learned anything from you.
December 11, 2010 at 11:44 am
It is an interesting show because it is amazing how their family and friends bail them out with money but can’t simply help these princesses with their symptoms (lack of self esteem, confidence, life experience, and education).
I find these traits common with all the episodes I have watched.
December 11, 2010 at 12:09 pm
Gail, I love all your shows! I have to tell you that you totally saved me! I started watching you on Til Debt do Us part when I was just starting out in University. I am so thankful that I found you early in life! Before I started watching your shows I could see that I was going down a bad financial road. When I started watching your shows and living by your advice, I completely did a 180. I have no debt, I have an RSP, and I live by my budget, so firstly, THANK YOU! You truly are amazing, and your bring so much to the lives of not only those you work with on your shows, but your viewers.
As for Princess, I love it, I think it is a great show that has the ability to motivate young women, who sadly get sucked into the world of poorly managed finances.
My favourites would be:
1) Nicola- I know it is awful to see someone crash and burn like this, but it can really give people watching (and her if she watched the episode after) a wake up call
2) Julie- I really thought she was a lovely person, and her story has the ability to motivate people who think it is too late to turn their life around
3)Kezia- the self-entitlement was astounding, sometimes you just need to show that there are people like this who feel like they can take what they want and not work for it at all.
Overall I liked all of them! I can’t wait for the next season! Keep up the amazing work Gail!
B
December 11, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Yay for another season of Princess! I haven’t seen all the episodes, although they are patiently waiting in my DVR!
Neelam was hands down my favorite. I think her tale was highly relate able, like you said she was smart but confused. Living in squalor while partying it up is something waaaay to many college gals are getting sucked into. Who ever told these girls it was OK to dim your own light?
Nicola was my least favorite, she seemed incredibly conniving and selfish.
I also found the Katie episode tough to swallow. What Mom doesn’t look at a 24 year old still living at home and think she’s ready for some tough love. Although her step brother had some hilarious comments, you could bring him along in the next season Gail!
Glad to hear you are getting another season, I think you are really targeting the audience that needs you most.
December 11, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I liked Lee’s episode. She seemed like a sweet person underneath all of her overspending.
December 11, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Hi Gail! I agree with your previous posters who said that they really liked four of the Princesses for different reasons.
So…Tied for first place:
Courntey: I liked that her “Princessness” came from traveling and going out, a place that I can relate to much more than simply “stuff and looks.” She really go it over the 6-weeks.
Krista: She really was so much more beautiful (and young) without the mask, and it seemed like her relationships were getting on track.
Nicola: I loved this, despite (or because of) the fact that she was entirely without redeeming characteristics! My mother and father actually called me to de-brief after this episode. We were all in shock that this no-longer-young woman was so invested in a life path that would come to a crashing halt when the man-train stopped coming to the station. Her self-delusion was astounding.
Neelam: Reminded me of lots of friends. We all grew up fairly priviledged, and eventually we have all had to make the conscious decision to pare down and live within our means and move towards our goals. She clearly loved her family, but had got a little distracted by the partying. She really got it, and her family was so grounded and grateful.
December 11, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I really liked Laura, Katie and Lee. Was Julie the one with no retirement savings and now had to sock away $900/mo? I liked her also.
I’m really a fan of the successes. I think it’s really hard to get out of those shopaholic habits that our conditioned by our culture, but so many of thenprincesses were succcessful at righting their ways. It was fun to cheer them on!
December 11, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Erm in terms of how much I liked each one or how horrified I was?
How about a bit of both? I enjoyed watching these ones the most for the TV factor
THE THREE WORST
1. Nicola: The Princes who told me to go f*** myself.
She was the worst for me. THE WORST of the bunch. Rude, entitled, self-serving and the way she showed up an hour and a half late to her own recording is just.. UGH. I have a smidgen of pity for her, but not much. I just pity her life.
2. Kezia: the make-up artist Princess who couldn’t stop shopping
Basically stealing from your grandma is unspeakable.
3. Jennifer: The giggling Princess who made her mother take out her garbage
Ended up not even learning a thing in my opinion. Making her mom take out the garbage, not seeing that she owed her brother that money she borrowed over the years.. it’s shocking.
Runner-up: That other one that had two-toned hair, kind of ghetto and didn’t show up on time for anything, even to pick up her grandma to bring to her cribbage game.
THE ONES I LIKED
1. Ashley: sets the kitchen on fire while planning her marriage to Kyle
She really tried to do her best. I liked her a lot, and she was the most relatable for me.
2. Laura: the youngest Princess, still living at home
I love that she started out on the right foot even before college. She’s so lucky. And she tried pretty hard.
3. Nicole: The single mom Princess who just needed to see the light
Her single mom story and seeing that her girl really wanted her at home took my heart. That, and trying to get rid of her clothes and getting frustrated is something I could relate to.
December 11, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Hands down Nicola….. I record these shows because I’m not always able to watch them, but I did watch that episode start to finish…… what 35 year old thinks she’s entitled to have everyone else pay her way so she has a shot at a singing career…… and doesn’t even show up to a job when she gets one? I can’t believe that in the 6 weeks she never even took her lazy butt out to get a job to support herself! Her ex bf needed a good slap too!
As for the rest, Kezia had some definite issues and needed a reality check, and a lot of the rest of the girls really took your advice to heart…
December 11, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Personally I liked the ones who actually learned something!! Nicola made me want to rip my hair out… I could NOT STAND HER! It was like watching a train-wreck… You know what’s gonna happen but you can’t seem to look away! lol!!
So I’ll go with any of the girls who actually decided to use their brains for more than putting on make-up and deciding who to con next!
December 11, 2010 at 5:10 pm
The best:
The nicest feel-good princess’s. Guessing that these girls just needed to see the light, and perhaps had paid too much attention to the “you can have it all- now” marketing.
Neelam, Krista and Laura. All were so likable.
The worst:
Kezia, Jennifer. The had feeling entitled down to a fine art. I felt bad for their family’s that love these girls, but will never be reciprocated any of the help or “favours”. (although in Kezia’s case, I got the feeling the mother was just as entitled)
Nicola,
In a class all on her own. I didn’t feel as “bad” watching her episode. (watching kezia use her great aunt sickened me.) I was more comfortable watching her fiery train-wreak, since there was no family involved. Each time you think it can’t get worse. To bad she can’t see the writing on the wall…. you can only attract men with $ for so long, before there are too many younger girls to take your place.
December 11, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I’ve watched the show, but don’t like it as much as TDDUP because I find the women to be tedious and embarrassing and for the most part I don’t have any empathy for them. Which I tend to have for most of the couples on TDDUP – they’re generally nice people, just doing dumb things. Most of these young women were simply not nice people. Mooching off your grandmother, having a sugar daddy and taking him for over $60k…just not nice people.
December 11, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Definitely Jennifer. She treated her mother and brother like servants (without paying them). Making her mother pick up her garbage and her brother move her belongings after she was evicted (and out of town for the weekend!) were astounding actions. I do have to wonder how that family dynamic was established in the first place. It seemed like she intended to just go back to her old ways once the show was finished filming, and why not? It is a pretty good life if you have no conscience.
December 11, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Best to worst:
1. Lee: she had a great attitude and really just needed a clue. It was nice that she had the means to actually change her life, and by Gail giving her the tools, she did.
2. Neelam: I loved Gail’s creativity in this episode- the pole-dancing class that Neelam signed up for as an alternative to her expensive clubbing. I thought that was really an awesome way to get someone engaged in the process and to turn their attitude around.
3. Katie: For the same reason as the Neelam episode- Gail’s idea of starting a beauty co-op was so clever, something that Katie could really have fun with. And gave her the potential to become a great role model to her friends!
4. Krista: A lot like the Lee episode- Krista was a sweet gal who was just clueless, but she took to the challenge which gave her the opportunity to show how much she cared about her husband.
5. Nicole: Her less-is-more was no more than 30 of each item!! It was awesome to see her take responsibility and become a better mom because of it.
6. Courteney: Once again a smart cookie with the financial means to make her life whatever she wanted it to be. She was smart enough to realize it, and to take Gail’s skills to heart, to transform her situation.
7. Kezia & Ashley: both mooching off of an elderly relative, and it was nice to see both of them open their eyes and see how hurtful it was. Definitely took the lessons to heart.
…
10. Nicola: Hated it. I felt really uncomfortable watching it, her attitude was terrible and she never ever got it. Depressing, frustrating. It freaks me out to think what happened to her since the show- scary.
The best shows for me were the ones that Gail came up with really creative ideas for saving money (Neelam, Katie & Courtney- who had to just stay home and face herself), and the ones that walked them through the goal-setting. I learned the most from those episodes. Also, almost every episode showed a gal who really embraced Gail’s lessons- eventually- they showed that underneath their tiaras, they did have consideration for others, brains, and a willingness to change.
Nicola was the worst because of her attitude. I could never watch 10 episodes of people like her. There were no practical lessons learned, no change in attitude, just denial denial denial.
December 11, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I definitely enjoyed Neelam the most. You could see the light bulb go off when you showed her the videos at the start. She really seemed to get her head out if her *ss (pardon my French) during the show. It was nice to see her forging a new path.
I have to agree with others who are challenged to feel empathy for the Princesses. I just want to shake them and their families. I rarely had this feeling watching Til Debt (perhaps Simone and Frank would be the exception). Hopefully the casting folks can find more atypical Princesses-the ones who spend more than my mortgage payment on beauty each month are kinda hard to take week after week.
December 11, 2010 at 6:56 pm
My two favourite princesses i.e. the two I thought were just lovely and needed direction were Lee and Julie. And it is so easy to get sucked into that “City Girl” lifestyle. Downtown in a big city is a dangerous place for me too, and not because of muggers.
I remember on my visit to Manhatten, plunking my butt down in a makeup chair at Bloomies, and being non-plussed at handing my card over to pay for three hundred dollars worth of makeup (4 items, but hey, they came in a Bloomingdale’s bag!!)
Some of them were so young, it was hard for me to even evaluate because I KNOW I was a princess until at least 25. I remember my Dad paying off several credit cards before I was twenty, and mistakenly giving me a supplementary card for his card. No guidence, just fixing the messes.
Seems to me that 25 is the age a lot of people “start ” growing up. Maybe has something to do with that being the age that most people are into the first or second year of their “real” job. Not sure. You know, having to be on time, accountable for deadlines, can’t use your “outside” voice all the time.
The one I had the most difficulty watching was Nicola. I know this sounds really mean to say, but I think some people (not many) have what I call the failure gene. By that I mean that somehow they are unable to “get it” ever.
In my forty years on this planet I have seen several, an talented chef uncle with movie star looks who always made the wrong choices even when hitting rock bottom and despite numerous attempts of people trying to help him, an ex-boyfriend who was incrediably gifted but at 42 is still doing a minimum wage job, having had multiple scholarships to various programs and degrees.
I am not trying to be mean, but some people (only a few) will never get it. It seems to me that they aren’t the ones that are unintelligent, etc and always seem to have some talent that could be nurtured into something bigger but for some reason can’t get it together, or think of others as anything other than what they can get from them.
December 11, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I really wish I could watch this show in the States! I just tried from the station’s website, and it says, “not available at this time.”
Are there plans to air it in the States?
December 12, 2010 at 7:28 am
Ishtar, the last I heard it was coming to the U.S. Patience will be rewarded.
December 12, 2010 at 9:18 am
I have to agree with MP3 whole-heartedly.
I enjoyed TDDUP for the information that I could actually use in my own life. TDDUP placed the emphasis on poor choices.
Princess, to me, seems more to be for ’show’ only. It places the emphasis on poor attitudes.
IMO…
December 12, 2010 at 10:32 am
Love the show. I would say Krista shocked me the most. I really questioned whether she loved her husband or if he was someone she loved once, but now he is convenient. I felt for her, she was obviously dealing with some deep insecurities and pain.
December 12, 2010 at 10:35 am
Had to add( can’t remember her name) but the girl who pushed her high end, trendy, ugly as sin dog around in the stroller. DOGS HAVE LEGS FOR A REASON!!!!!!!! She took being a rich airhead to the limit. I feel for her parents.
December 12, 2010 at 11:28 am
Gail, I love TDDUP, but I have to admit that I stopped watching “Princess” after about four episodes. Simply put, I found the show too frustrating to watch. Not the way you interacted with the individuals–that’s always fun, and sometimes touching. No, it was the kind of selfish entitlement that the participants showed, taking advantage of those around them. I found it depressing to be reminded week after week of the selfish creatures we’ve created. And I say “we” because it takes a village to raise a child! Also, I found the one-hour format too long; I wanted things to be over at the 30-minute mark. Thank you for having the strength and commitment to work with these gals; I just don’t have the strength to watch.
Michael W
December 12, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I haven’t seen all the Princess programs, but enough to say that I sit watching in complete amazement. The TDDUP series is more to my liking. The couples are usually people that have much to learn about finance (due to their mistakes) and generally take heed of your teachings and come out the other side. Well, except for the Princess school teacher……
I’ve never had a Princess in my life, nor met one, so I just don’t get their sense of entitlement and ruthlessness towards others. I watch and wonder if they are play acting for the cameras, that they really aren’t so selfish?
Regardless, your approach is always bang on Gail, you make sense, and one can only hope those you are helping will listen and they will prosper.
December 12, 2010 at 2:20 pm
1) Neelam (most favourite, teared up when she had dinner with her parents)
Tanya
2) Ashley
3) Courntey
4) Julie
5) Lee
6) Krista
7) Laura
9) Katie
10) Nicole
11) Kezia
12) Jennifer
13) Nicola
December 12, 2010 at 3:21 pm
I really enjoyed Naleem’s episode because I loved seeing how her relationship with her parents was beginning to be repaired. It was very touching. The episode with Nicola–wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Gail give a participant nothing, but it was richly deserved.
December 12, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I agree that the show is very frustrating to watch at times, although I have seen every episode. I watch them on the weekend as part of my downtime, on my laptop from slice.ca. I’m sad to see that the website does not air newer episodes of TDDUP. In any case, I agree with what others have said. Those girls who had redeeming characteristics were easier to watch (Julie, Lee) than the ones who were bad seeds unable to change or completely crazy (Nicola). How dare she feel you had ‘disrespected’ her by giving her a less than stellar phone?! Who raised this woman? No empathy for anyone….and that in my opinion is a VERY scary attribute to see in a person.
You are doing great work and the show is great and reveals a very prevalent situation in big city life. I hope you are able to keep doing both shows Gail. They are both very needed. You are making a real impact on people’s lives; not only those who are in the shows, but also their families and all those that watch.
December 12, 2010 at 5:51 pm
My favorite episodes were with Krista (two-tone hair), Julie (40-year old) & Nicola (train-wreck in motion).
I loved the episode with Julie where you (Gail) told her point-blank that she was no longer a spring chicken. One of the things that always strikes me with each of the Princess episodes (except for Courtney) is how the princesses think that they can use their looks to find sugar-daddies/boyfriends/fiances/husbands to take care of them. The princesses act like their beauty-currency will never run out!
It was like a slap in the face when you said “you’re not a spring chicken!”. I had the sense that at that point, Julie really and truly heard you and that she had an “Aha!” moment because she finally understood that she was wasting her money rather than saving for her future.
The shows with Krista and Nicola fascinated me because of the attitudes of the men in their lives. I wasn’t convinced that Krista loved her husband. I had the sense that she enjoyed his money and the fact that he was responsible for the house, paying the bills, doing the chores and keeping the fridge stocked while she spent all her money on clothes, shoes, makeup and entertainment. I got the sense that Krista would have married any man who did for her what her husband did – he wasn’t special to her. I think that she married him because he would pay for the basics of her life the way I’m assuming that her parents had when she was growing up.
As for Nicola, she was pure entertainment – her episode was a financial horror show! I would have like to have heard more from her boyfriend (or sugar-daddy) on the topic of what it was she did or offered that had enticed him to spend so much money on her in such a short period of time. He seemed like a decent fellow with a generous spirit. I just wanted to know why he hadn’t been attracted to a similarly generous spirit instead of a leech like Nicola.
I love your show, Gail, and I’m glad to know there’s another season in the works. If you could incorporate a segment about why family, friends and significant others put up with being financially abused, I would thrilled. My question is always to the friends: Why do you give her money? Is she that great? Do you feel that you have to buy friendship/love? If so, why?
Thanks again for the Princesses, Gail!
December 12, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Gail – I have to say that when considered as a season, the standout episode to me was Cortney because she was the only one that didn’t fit the stereotype of princess (clothing, makeup, tanning, fake nails, etc). She demonstrated that you can still be a princess even if you’re spending your money on seemingly more worthwhile things (like traveling, athletics/sports, education, etc). I love your shows but I did begin to feel that, with the exception of Cortney, almost every episode of Princess featured women doing essentially the exact same things wrong (even if their personal circumstances varied). A little more variety in future seasons would be lovely and engaging.
December 12, 2010 at 6:00 pm
@Theresa – I agree that the stroller was a bit ridiculous, but also good to bear in mind that some small dogs do not actually have the ability to keep up with their humans (depending on what the humans are doing, of course.)
December 12, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I’m with MP3, I didn’t like the princesses nearly as much as TDDUP. There were princess-y type women in TDDUP but it just seemed a little more real to me. Was princesses longer that tddup? Maybe it was just too long to watch one [spoiled] woman.
December 12, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I have to agree with those who didn’t like Princess. As other said, with TDDUP had many kinds of families with different characteristics but with princess it was generally one kind of person and I found it incredibly hard to relate.
One of the things I found with a few of the Princesses is that they just didn’t either have the brains or the upbringing to actually learn anything. Their families were enablers too. Having a decent work ethic is a great gift and if you don’t have that, there really is nothing anyone can do for you especially if you aren’t willing to learn.
I honestly think Nicola is mentally ill. No one is that manipulative and narcissistic without some underlying problem. I hope she gets the help she needs.
December 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I loved all of the episodes. It’s great to see people “get it” and turn their lives around. A princess like Nicola is hard to watch, but it wouldn’t be realistic to think every story has a happy ending. I understand that people might prefer TDDUP because the attitudes are different, but the “princess” is what this generation has created. Very annoying to those of us who were raised differently, but a demographic that needs Gail’s help.
December 12, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I really enjoy this show! My mom, best friend and I all live in different cities but we text message or call one another the minute we see a new episode loaded on the slice website. We also text or talk about the episodes.
I would have to say the one I found most ‘relateable’ as a character was Cortney. I think this is because many of us would try to justify the kinds of expenses she had (travel or fitness related etc.). I found this show made me take another look at my own attitudes and habits.
I also liked the show with Nicole, the single mom. It had a great, heart-warming ending.
I really disliked Nicola. I just cannot fathom the frame of mind she lives in. There were just so many things in this episode that made me want to throw something at the screen.
I really enjoyed the rest of the shows for various reasons – both for pure entertainment (who knew you could get botox so young!) and for some lessons learned (watching the process of justifying expenses and using it to reflect on how I can sometimes use the same kind of process – though hopefully for less insane purchases)
December 12, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Love the Show
1. Ashley 2. Courtney 3. Jennifer 4. Kezia 5. Krista 6. Nicole . . .
13 Nicola 12. Katie 11 Neelam 10 Julie
When will we see a Prince?
December 12, 2010 at 11:22 pm
I like that there’s such a diversity of princesses (Courntey, the sporty princess, made me think for sure) and I would hate to see the show stick to just one type.
I miss TDDUP, but I like the budgeting and skillsets you are trying to teach these women. You’re making me be proactive about my finances again instead of letting them cruise.
December 12, 2010 at 11:33 pm
You know Gail, I really love both series, but if you were ever going to do another one, I would love to see one on “healing”. I think a lot of your couples and princesses fall into that sort of middle class realm where they are doing the wrong behaviors to self-gratify with material things and if they just smartened up, they could get on their feet.
What about a series of helping people through financial crisis after a disasterous life event, i.e. cancer and the associated bills – getting back on track, a new canadian from sierra leone, someone with a serious loss not of their doing (thinking of Newfoundland flood victim type thing), a senior whose who can no longer afford the property tax in a neighbourhood where they have lived for 40 years etc.
You portray that “no nonsense, give it to you straight” personality, but you are also very knowledgable and resourceful, and someone who I think, could really help people by thinking outside the box. I know you often do your “this and that” posts, but a lot of the letters you get are from people that just leave you (and us sometimes) scratching our heads.
I would love to see a series on you duking it out to find resolutions for people with crisis not of their own making who could genuinely use some help to get back on their feet.
December 13, 2010 at 12:51 am
I noticed a lot of people are say they like TDDUP better. I am 24 years old and even though I have seen EVERY episode of TDDUP (and love it!) I could never relate to the advice as much as I can in the Princess show. Because of you my finances are in order so the most useful thing for me to see is at the beginning when you explain how much someone needs to make to have the lifestyle they want. I never thought about money like that before! Also when you take them to a career coach or when you list out the steps and resources to achieving a goal. That has helped me finally pursue a new career I have been dreaming about for years but never really knew how to get going!! THANKS!! I LOVE PRINCESS!!!!! as for my favorite I love them all. Even the frustrating ones are good cause I get to talk about them with my sisters and my mom, which is a whole new experience in itself!
December 13, 2010 at 3:49 am
I would love to watch Princess, when will it come out in Australia?
December 13, 2010 at 7:51 am
Thank goodness you’re making another season. I don’t have the brain power to rank all 13 but my two favorite were Neelam and Ashley. They were really princessy but deep down didn’t want to be that way.
December 13, 2010 at 9:54 am
I also LOVE the princess show. Being 25 I can also relate to the participants more than I could on TDDUP. I think that some people miss the similarities between the 2 shows though. It doesn’t matter if you are over spending on makeup parties and clothes or video games, cars and furniture. You have the same sense of entitlement and reliance on material things. As well, many on TDDUP were still mooching off their parents and others too even though they made plenty of money (and are usually much older!)
I loved watching the train wreck of Nicola (although I couldn’t watch that every week) and Courtney, Lee and Nicole
December 13, 2010 at 10:43 am
Did anyone else think Nicola’s boyfriend was a huge loser? I mean it’s one thing if the princess is a smoking hottie but Nicola was far from that and not a nice person on top. LA-HU-ZA-HER is all I kept thinking watching him. Plus I think he was hiding some details in there somewhere. But yeah, she was a trainwreck of epic proportions.
December 13, 2010 at 11:34 am
Princess was definitely entertaining and probably Krista and Lee seemed like the nicest women who had the intelligence to take something away from the show. I feel like the challenges weren’t really that ‘challenging’ on Princess – and this is something I noticed about the most recent seasons of TDDUP too. Just my opinion.
December 13, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Like many people I found Nicola very difficult to watch. I was really relieved that Gail didn’t give her anything. Some of the other Princesses I was wishing didn’t receive as much. I enjoyed watching the ones that seemed to actually “get” it. Courtney was an interesting twist from the “regular” princesses. I was able to relate with her more, since I kayak, and need a mountain bike, these things are expensive.
December 13, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Nicola was my favourite because she was the most entertaining. And unbelievable. And lazy. And a Princess.
December 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I haven’t seen all the episodes yet, but I am REALLY enjoying them!
As a mom, I am very afraid of indulging my boys and potentially fostering an “entitlement” attitude! They may not be girls (so technicaly not princesses) but I’ve met some boys that take the cake for selfish, user behaviour so I know it’s not a gender specific phenomenom.
I’d love it if you had a few tips on how to PREVENT princess behaviour on top of your already excellent rehabilitation techniques.
December 13, 2010 at 1:42 pm
I liked any of the princesses who made an honest effort to pull themselves together. It is nice to see people willing and able to change with a bit of help from Gail. But I could not stand that Nicola woman! OMG. Grow up already–my husband has an ex like that. Clingy and whiny, and willing to let everyone else pay for things, while refusing to take accountability for the fact that she overspends. How can you claim to be “broke” when you have a Blackberry, post constantly on Facebook Mobile, smoke cigs and pot, drink, eat out often, and buy a new coat instead of groceries? Grrr. Nicola reminded me of this chick, so I guess that’s why she made me mad, LOL. But seriously, GROW UP. But alas, not even the mighty Gail could convince her. Sad.
December 13, 2010 at 1:57 pm
one more comment–it seems a tad unfair to blame the Princesses entirely for their behaviour, when I notice that in more than one case, the family/friends were the reason for the behaviour. It is hard to blame someone for doing what they can get away with–the families and friends also bear some responsibility. I wouldn’t put up with that behaviour, so why do they????
December 13, 2010 at 2:24 pm
@ Flynnycat – I hear what you’re saying but ultimately, accountability begins and ends with the person. The family/friends don’t help but plenty of people grow up with similar backgrounds and don’t become princesses or mama’s boys (which I’m designating the male equivalent of a princess).
Or as Shakespeare wrote, “the fault lies not with the stars but with ourselves.”
December 13, 2010 at 3:13 pm
My favs were Neelam, Lee, and Julie, because they were all so sweet. In Lee’s case, it really seemed like people had always told her she was the pretty one (not the smart one) and that she had internalized it. I thought you did a great job of pointing out to her family too that they had to believe in her. Her sister was a bit annoying… got the sense she was a judgy one! I learned stuff in those episodes, which was fun (I liked the focus on retirement for Julie). It’s nice to see the young women setting goals for their careers, but maybe that’s because I’m in that phase of my life too and could always use some advice there. Although she personally annoyed me, I like that you had a single mom on the show – I work with a lot of young women who had children young and I think it’s hard for them to manage having fun in your twenties with being a parent. This could be a good model for them.
Tanya’s stealing (cuz that’s what it was) from her grandma broke my heart, and like many people, I found Nicola disheartening to watch because everything in her life seemed delusional. Those were a little disheartening, but it definitely added variation to the series. Ditto Courtney, who really annoyed me but I appreciated that she wasn’t a visable princess.
Things that appeal to me or that i’d like to see: male princesses, young/single parents, young women in early careers, atypical princesses, a focus on the goal process, more explanation of how these princesses go about building their savings (as most of them had $0 beforehand), the part of the show where they give back to the people they used.
December 13, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I hope, from reading the reactions above, that you won’t go out of your way to get more “Nicola” Princesses. Because people reacted to it strongly does not mean that your show should go down that negative path. I know that I enjoy the show when I see the lightbulb turn on for the Princess and they are actually grateful at the end for the whole process. If it were more Nicola’s, I think I would get frustrated and stop watching.
My two cents.
December 13, 2010 at 5:35 pm
PS this show has totally changed the way I deal with my daughter and money. No more bailouts.
December 13, 2010 at 8:23 pm
My favorites: Julie and Lee, both of whom were likable, intelligent women who had simply bought into the idea that money is for spending and nothing else. Neither was abusive or manipulative to their families or friends, and both learned the lessons and grew as people. Liked them both, very much.
Train-wreck fascination: Kezia (driving Auntie’s car! living for free in BF’s apartment!) Jennifer (Lives on friend’s couch for months! Brother moves her while she’s out of town! Mom comes over to take out her garbage!) and Tanya (skunk-stripe hair, wheedles BF to pay bar bill! spending her Grandma’s money!). All three are masters of the whine and the wheedle and the self-important flounce.
Nicola, whole different animal: there’s something odd going on there, more than just Princess self-absorption.
By the way: there have been lots of male princesses on Till Debt — any guy who thinks that his mountain bike/hockey league/dirt bike is more important than his kids’ future is a princess, as is any guy who figures that his wife can pay for his wide-screen while he loafs about on the couch. It’s just that men spend it on toys, while women spend it on appearance. It’s easier to justify the $4,000 widescreen TV than the $4,000 Gucci bag, but both are equally about appearance and impressing others.
December 13, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I liked the princess with the blue streak in her hair. I agree with other posts, that if the princesses had all been like Nicola<i would not have watched. The hour format is also a bit long.
December 14, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Congratulations Gail. I love the 1 hour format. I think an hour of TDDUP would be aweaome too. I like all of the princess episodes but I like how you unmasked Krista. I am always amazed by what they spend money on like $1500 extentions or $1200 a year in eyelashes. I always try to look good but due to our budget this year I have only spent $7 on a cardigan for my winter wardrobe at VV and had to cut back on other frivolous spending to get our debt paid off. It’s easy to start feeling entitled to things like acrylic nails and foils.
Also, have you ever thought of making a how-to video that goes with a binder like the princesses have? I used all the info in your last book and on the webite and show but some people need it all laid out for them. I have adhd and am very visual so something like that would work for “our kind”. I watched TDDUP for years saying those people were so stupid to do that to themselves meanwhile I had no idea we were doing the same damn thing. So that’s why I’m mad at myself hat it took until Jan. 1st 2010 for us to pull up our bootstraps and deal with our then $46,000 in debt (not incl. money put into mortsges over the years). I’ll give you our year end total in a few weeks but it looks like we will be on track to be debt free by Dec.31st 2012!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Gail.
December 14, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Hi,
I have yet to watch them all. It is more difficult to identify with the sense of entitlement that is shown so much in Princess. It was easier with TDDUP, but I don’t know why (some of those also had a sense of entitlement).
I wish the show would spend more time on “goal setting”. What is shown gives you a hint but I have a feeling that you give the Princesses more information that that. That part would be more informative if the details of the concrete examples were explained. Goal setting can be a mystery and learning to find the support system for a goal requires a bit more brainstorming because it will vary in most cases.
December 14, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Honestly, I can barely watch “Princess” because I find the participants so unlikeable.
The really selfish obnoxious ones – Jennifer, Nicola, for example – deserve all the problems that they have. I just feel sorry for their families.
December 14, 2010 at 4:37 pm
My Favorite Princess was Lee — she learned a lot in her time and while she struggled (as anyone accustomed to her lifestyle would) she had the best attitude throughout and I see her sticking with the plan long term.
2 – Laura — she learned her lesson at a young age and was receptive to Gayle. Plus she had the smarts to call her credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate! She had initiative
3. Ashley –
4. Neelam — although she made mistakes, her remorse for her actions and the dinner she had with her parents proved she was more than a princess
5 Katie – she had the ugliest dog and I think she’ll probably slide back a bit but if her mom stays on track with kicking her out of the house she’ll eventually get it right.
6. Courtney – not a fan, she seemed flippant about the whole process and I don’t think she ever really understood what a drain she was on others.
7. Julie — Julie got her debt rescued by savings her father put away for her…but I think she still feels entitled to a lot and I don’t think anything she learned on the show will actually stick
8. Nicole — Nicole treated her mother and daughter terribly. I don’t think her attitude will change with Gail gone. She feels entitled to things she might have missed out on as a young mother and I don’t think that’s ever going to go away.
9. Kezia — convincing her boyfriend to move in with her showed that she wasn’t ready to stand on her own and stop sponging off of others.
10. Krista — what she did to her husband over the years was horrible and I don’t think she’ll ever learn. She did it once, twice, three times and she’ll do it again.
11. Nicole — her making her mother take out the garbage made me sick.
12. Nicola was frustrating to watch on so many levels. This was the only episode of the show I truly had a hard time watching. The way she treated people was deplorable and even though at the end of the show she got nothing, she still got the money that was fronted to her throughout the show so one way or another she found someone to sponge off of.
December 14, 2010 at 7:56 pm
SO glad that there is another season. I obsessively stalked the show on slice.ca. I got a lot of value from it and great tips. Thanks, Gail.
My rankings:
1. Ashley – I think the lessons really got through to her. She seemed to enjoy it all and was upbeat about it.
2. Laura – shocked me completely as to how much she caught on. I was very impressed by her.
3. Lee – she probably was the most severe in her spending and seemed to do really well with what you laid out for her.
4. Neelam – I think the consequences of her spending really hit home. It was clear that she had a lot of remorse and the speech to her parents was heartfelt.
5. Julie – she had a great sense of humour I thought!
I find the rest to all be ranked the same except for my least favourites:
- Jennifer….didn’t seem to get it at all. The fact that she wanted a “6 cylinder” car because it sounded better than 4 cylinder was infuriating especially since that seemed to happen mid-episode when she should know that she should look into what she can afford. My heart broke for her family and the fact that, unlike other “princesses” on the show, that didn’t drive her to change at first was disheartening.
-Nicola…not much to say, really. I think her behaviour speaks for itself. Just an awful end to the season seeing as so many others would benefit from the process.
December 14, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I loved the first season of Princess and am happy to hear that season 2 will be made.
I saw most of the Princess episodes but admit I somehow missed the infamous “Nicola” episode. I can’t wait to catch the re-run after reading all the comments that have been posted about her.
It’s great that you had such a wide range of ages on the show. Before the show, I thought of princess as referring to a young, self-absorbed girl but now I realize a princess can be a a little older too!
My favourite princess was Julie.
My least favourites were Ashley & Krista. I think both use their partners as banks. Krista’s husband deserves much better than all that he has been through because of her and Ashley’s fiance should run for the hills before it’s too late. I’m not convinced either of these girls will have changed.
Looking forward to season 2!
December 14, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I am afraid that I am not enjoying princess…at all. I much prefer TDDUP-much more relatable (I have seen each episode multiple times). I have read all of your books and have coached friends with your advice. I cannot stomach the spoiled, entitled, abusive (to family) nature of these girls..my daughter in law is a real princess, had her watch the episode and she did NOTsee herself…too young, too numb, too self absorbed! It is too nauseating to watch…sorry.
Please bring back TDDUP… I fear that you are losing a huge demographic…I know it is a lot to ask but could you do both?
Btw, do you think it is NUTS that step son bought a 1000 engagement ring while we are paying him child support? I know how I feel…. Just wondering if I am being too harsh…
December 14, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I can’t answer this question because I’ve never seen an episode since it doesn’t air in the US. Please do whatever you can to change this. Your other show comes on CNBC on Saturday nights here in Texas. Thanks Gail!
December 15, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Lee was definitely my favourite – she was naive but well-intentioned and I think she really grasped the opportunities the process offered and embraced it. Good for you, Lee.
December 15, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I can’t remember her name but it aired last night Dec. 14th….she was the princess who you called a parasite who was taking money from her own Grandma and spending it on hair extensions, etc, etc. I was totally shocked how much debt she had at age 24 and taking money from her Grandma was so wrong. She didn’t seem to catch on to the reality of her situation to well but that was definitely the most shocking episode of a princess gone too far in my eyes. Thank goodness you are out there to help these women see their futures and spend conciously. Wow. Love the show, I want to see more!
December 16, 2010 at 9:19 am
I just can’t watch it Gail. I know there is a need for it, I know there are too many spoiled people (not just girls) with entitlement complexes chasing a celebrity lifestyle on modest salaries and going in debt to do it, but I can’t watch. I was raised so differently, I was taught to save for a rainy day and for the things you want, debt is bad for the most part, etc. I just want to yell “who the heck do you think you are?” at the screen. I really hope it is useful for the younger girls who may have some of these issues, I hope it teaches them how to manage their money, live within their means and set goals for the things they want in life, but for me TDDUP was more useful because it focused on the communication and relationship issues that we can all encounter, even if you were always good with money and now have a partner who isn’t….or whatever the situation. Cheers to you for tackling the Princesses, I know it’s needed but I can’t sit and watch.
December 17, 2010 at 1:33 pm
The worst of the worst is definitely Nicola. At 35 years old, how on earth is she still thinking like a 16 year old? She is utterly clueless to her situation. Clearly she is unaware of the fact that she has an incredibly nasally singing voice. She needs to wake up and realize that she’s not going to make it in the music industry. How embarrassing to be her age and live the way she does! I mean, if I was trying to show the world how “high society” I was by cabbing it everywhere, shopping and eating at fancy restaurants, I would have AT LEAST borrowed some furniture for the show. What a pathetic little person… yeesh. I wonder what happened during her upbringing that made her so childish. And to tell you to go f*** yourself? Honestly? And the fact that you gave her a “crappy” phone! Her challenge should have been to survive on the street for the night. This girl needs to WAKE UP!
December 17, 2010 at 3:27 pm
I don’t understand all of the people on this blog who say they don’t like watching Princess because of the attitude of entitlement. For almost all episodes, the Princesses start out with the attitude but by the end of the show they seem to show some real change, after they have had their eyes opened. Though it has a very different tone than TDDUP, I still enjoy it. I see some of my younger self in these girls and shadows of that stupid young woman remain.
I know there are some people that follow this blog that have never been in debt and can’t comprehend the attitude of the Princesses, but c’mon people, a little tolerance for the weakness of others?
December 17, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I don’t know why the sense of entitlement shown in Princess seems different. It MIGHT be because in TDDUP, each person was typically a bit at fault whereas in Princess the faults of the Princess are highlighted and the enablers are mentioned so the blame is shared less.
I found that I learned more on TDDUP (<30min) than I do in Princess (twice the time). I don't know if the editing has a different purpose. It seems more sensational to me (because less educational value for the audience). I saw the complexity of dealing with choices better highlighted in TDDUP.
Like I wrote before, there was plenty of sense of entitlement on the parts of participants in TDDUP!
December 18, 2010 at 3:50 am
Gail, of the episodes I’ve watched so far, I really enjoy the one with Lee. I enjoyed watching how much she “got” how to get out to debt. It looked easy, but she wasn’t 18 or 25, fresh out of school; I imagine she was really accustomed to the high life. To gain perspective (e.g., through volunteering at the food bank) and be so willing to cut down on the lux life till she could afford it was a bigger accomplishment than it looked. I loved that she didn’t whine much either!
December 19, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Hi Gail,
Although I loved all the episodes equally, sadly it’s the one with Nicola that stands out the most probably because it makes you wonder what’s the real story behind this person’s seeming character flaws. I was thinking that an interesting story would be to profile any family members of former Princesses who themselves may need a financial reality check. Many of these folks who enabled their kids may have put themselves in a bad financial situation or may have already had bad habits themselves that they passed onto their princesses. Nice way to work in how to teach kids (no matter how old) financial literacy. Nicole’s mother and sister come to mind, especially since her sister’s credit rating was proably affected. Can’t wait for season 2.
January 15, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Hopefully there’ll be updates for each of them soon
February 5, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Speaking as a male, I enjoyed all of your Princess episodes. All westernized women have a princess mentality. Feminist ideology has crept into the school system and the media and young girls are brought up to believe they are entitled to free cash. I’m not generalizing here either seeing as you dropped one show, Till Debt Do Us Part, to put your focus on one gender only, women. If it weren’t the case, you wouldn’t be able to create a series of shows that focus so narrowly on one gender. If anyone can deliver the punchline to these entitled women, it could only be by another woman. A male host would not have been as effective at delivering the message as women don’t respect men as observed in the attitudes these women had towards their spouses and boyfriends. I belong to a few men’s groups and the issues presented in your show only confirm what is being said in our forums. Links to your shows website is provided to all our members to see, however, most are not surprised by what they see. Even the most blatant of Princess’ on your show, Nicola, didn’t surprise many of our members. In closing, keep up the good work. I look forward to the next season. I enjoy laughing at the Pricess’ on your show.
February 5, 2011 at 9:59 pm
Kris:
“All westernized women have a princess mentality.”
I disagree with out.
“… they are entitled to free cash”
I disagree with you.
These generalizations are VERY sexist. I take offense.
Might as well generalize stuff about men too but I know too great a variety of men to do that and believe my own words.
February 9, 2011 at 12:28 am
I think Krista, because it really showed how the debt affected her personal life and romantic relationship with her husband. I REALLY hope they worked things out after the show as well!
February 9, 2011 at 8:24 am
Kris: I too take offence to what you have said. Not all women are this way, the princesses on this show are the extreme. We could go on about men who are Princes, who feel entitled to their toys, and electronics. I have a father who quit working when he had 3 kids the youngest being 6 and didn’t support his family financially, nor helped out around the house as a stay at home parent should. I still have no respect for him, never will, just as some of these girls have lost respect from their family and friends. Most women do not expect a hand out, look how the times have changed and women do work plus take on the household. I still can’t believe that you think that all Western women have a princess mentality… so sad that you feel that way, there are a lot of really good women out there.
February 9, 2011 at 11:52 am
Have only seen 3 or 4 episodes so can’t really rate the lot. However, if I had the opportunity to meet one of the princesses, I would pick Julie.
When her father wanted to come along to meet the investment councilor, (Gail had told him he had to stop being directly involved in his daughter’s finances) Julie respectfully told him that she had to do this by herself. I suppose I really liked the warm family dynamics.
Now, if I was sitting with Julie over a cup of tea I would have to tell her, “Girl, you loose that blond!” Her experiment with blond vs brunette was interesting. But her analysis was all wrong. The tips were essentially the same for both versions of “Julie” so why continue to spend mega on the blond tresses? And besides, the moment she slipped on the brunette wig I gasped at how lovely she looked. It made her look at least 10 years younger.
Follow-ups with the people from both programs would be highly appreciated.
February 11, 2011 at 10:20 am
I’d be interested in follow-ups on all of the Season 1 princesses, to be honest. I’m working my way through the season online since I don’t have cable.
I enjoyed the episodes that were the most transformational — Neelam, Lee, Julie, and Nicole (especially because of the child involved). I really hope they keep it together.
I was interested in the variety of Cortney’s story, but found her emotional distance made her hard to relate to.
I found Katie and Nicola hardest to watch — Katie, because she was so entitled and had so many advantages that she was squandering, and Nicola because it’s clear she has deep personal issues. One wonders where her family are, and how long it took to drive her away. That said, I think her inclusion was important. There are people like that in the world and it would be too formulaic if all the princesses — and the outcomes — were all the same.
I would be interested to see older princesses and/or male princesses. I like the hour-long format. I’ve watched TDDUP and found there were many gaps in the process. I like the slower reveal of the problems and their resolution.
I think the episodes about students should be required viewing for senior high school students and undergraduates. So many people get themselves into trouble because they don’t understand the system. I work at a university and see a lot of train wrecks.
I wonder if you’ve thought of doing a general student-intervention focused show?
February 11, 2011 at 10:21 am
Whoops — I meant how long it took NICOLE to drive her family away, not the other way around.
February 20, 2011 at 8:33 pm
To Kris: I am another woman who takes offense at the generalizations that both you and your men’s groups embrace. I do not have a
princess’ mentality. Neither does my mother, my daughters, nor any other woman I know. My grandmother – in an era where it was anathema to be a single parent, chose to be one and raised a chronically ill child by herself – and why? Because her spouse was a violent alcoholic. My mother worked in an decade where women were supposed to be at home – and why? Because as nice as my father was, he spent more of his income 9and hers) on his hobbies and his friends.
both my daughters went to school – and thanks to Womens Lib, earn what they are worth – which means they earn more than some men around them. thanks to womens lib, I can have my own bank account, and I don’t need the signature of my spouse in order to get a line of credit. Feminism did not tell me that I was entitled to free cash – it gave me the tools to be able to go out and earn my own.
By the way – I respect my husband more than you could even imagine. I respect him not because of his gender but because he’s a wonderful person and a true leader. He is my partner and my friend.
I have to add that you and those other men that you meet with seem to have big chips on your shoulders and it seems that because of whatever some women have done to you, you you have chosen to generalize about all women.
Well guess what, in my youth I was hurt by a couple of men. I also worked in a shelter for abused women. Unlike you however I have chosen not to generalize about the opposite gender. Just because a few men behaved badly does not mean that I chose to tar everything walking around Canada with a penis with the same brush.
As far as the princesses? Nicola disturbs me greatly. I would very much like to know what has happened to her.
April 18, 2011 at 1:54 pm
I enjoyed the Courtney episode the most. I could relate to her as I enjoy many outdoorsy, hobbies and personal development activities – which can all be expensive.
I also liked the other episodes – esp. Lee, Krista, Julie, and Neelam who all seemed to have the capacity to care about others once they “woke up”. Generally, this show makes me feel better about my own personal finanical situation and choices – I feel less anxious and stressed about money now because I know I’m on the right track.
That being said, the show does make me re-evaluate some of my own spending habits. I am always “within budget,” but the show makes me actually evaluate whether another dress/sweater/pair of shoes/whatever will get used – regardless if they are on-sale!
As for Nicola…what…how…who…? The episode was an interesting variation from the standard princess-gets-reformed and promises to be better…I liked that there was at least one person who didn’t get any money – and who truly didn’t deserve any. Sometimes you’re too nice, Gail! Glad you weren’t this time!
P.S. Kris – not sure why you’d choose to post that weird silliness here. Lots of men feel entitled to money, cars/toys, sex, having their food cooked and clothes/housed cleaned, etc… There is plenty of entitlement to go around!
July 1, 2011 at 11:20 am
Hi Gail,
I really liked Lee. She seemed so friendly and was actually willing to make a change.
Will there ever be updates on these women? Also I would love to see updates on TDDUP (which I like watching more) The princesses are harder to watch. They are the way they are because everyone has been enabling them. It’s nice to see that you won’t give into them. Sometimes it seems you are a tad harsh, but that can be exactly what they need.
August 6, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Gail:
I would like to see a series based on those affected by the economy. There’s so many who could use advice and resources right now. Your shows have addressed those who have solutions around the corner but refuse to see them until you show them the light. How about those where the solutions are not so easily available? Like folks 45-62 who have no job, no insurance, boomerang children living at home, and on and on.
August 7, 2011 at 8:34 am
Nicola was my favorite. Do a follow up when she lives in a refridgerator box.
August 7, 2011 at 10:21 pm
I was a faithful follower of Til Debt Do Us Part. I felt it had meaning to my life. I have only watched 3 episodes of Princess, but really can’t relate to these women, especially the episode last night with Nicola! Whoa!
I am sorry to say that I just don’t like Princess as much as the previous show. Princess reminds me too much of all the reality tv shows out there, like Bad Girls, and other shows like that. I love Gail for her out-spokenness, though, and how she tells these “Princesses” the facts of life. I know that Gail had a purpose in mind when she did this series, to show these women that they need to stand on their own two feet and be independent women. But, instead of just princesses, I would have preferred if women from different walks of life were represented to “help” them with their financial problems, much like Til Debt do us Part.
Anyway, I will continue watching Princess because I do like Gail and wish her much success in everything she does.
August 13, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Lots of people asking what happened to Nicola. I am curious too, but I have seen stories like this enough to have an educated guess…
Here is my hypothesis: Clearly Nicola had no means to support herself. First, she will use the credit cards to cover the things that must be paid. When those are maxed out, she will run back to her former boyfriend. Oh sure, she was mad at him and he was “done” with her, but I think that he still has the hots for her and she has no other options. She will be using him and he will allow it for a little while until…whatever the until is, it will not be healthy.
Hopefully I am wrong, but can anyone really see her living on the streets or actually taking responsibility and getting a real job?
October 19, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I liked them all, would love to see updates on previous princesses in season 2. Curious what stuck.
January 1, 2012 at 12:05 am
I love all these episodes. I watch them for entertainment, and I love to yell at the TV and marvel at the cluelessness of these ladies. My fave for pure shock: Nicola. I think she is truly ill and may need professional help though. The girls who take advantage of their relatives, especially the older ones, are just as bad. Kezia and her mom, fro instance made me shudder. Some of the ladies are sweet and it’s lovely to see them open their eyes..
Please do a couple of update shows!! I’m also curious to see the long-term impact of the show.
January 22, 2012 at 11:41 pm
Nicola was the most entertaining. I loved how you were so kind to her at the beginning, giving her the benefit of the doubt, and in the end you showed her tough love. I hope she saw herself on television and finally got her act together! Please do a follow up show with her!
That is an episode I will keep forever!!
February 12, 2012 at 12:38 pm
I loved TDDUP but I think there are a lot of entitled young people that could benefit from this show. Also, although many have said Nicola was hard to watch I think her episode was fascinating and important. Armchair psych here: She struck me as having a personality disorder (narcissistic or sociopathic). It is scary to watch but there are people like this out there and it’s important to be aware. She learned nothing because she is incapable of seeing the world as a normal peron would. Professional help is not usually possible for these disorders . Her reactions when she didn’t get what she wanted were revealing and I am pretty sure she is oblivious to how bad she came across on tv. I don’t think she will be homeless since she will always find someone to prey on.
March 10, 2012 at 6:13 pm
I was fascinated by the episode with Nicola, and I’ve seen it three times now. I just assumed that only a woman who was raised as an entitled, trust fund baby (with rich parents) could have reached the age of 40 with that attitude. Her parents weren’t in the episode, although they were mentioned in the “Paying Back” portion of the show. She didn’t seem like she had a college degree or like she’d ever had a real job, but she didn’t seem concerned. She certainly didn’t appear to feel any sense of urgency to get her life together and start being responsible for herself! I’m convinced she had a secret source of income, and she was just playing along for the payoff at the end of the show. Maybe she had always just gone from one rich husband/boyfriend to another, but the choices get fewer as you get older! Maybe Mummy and Daddy won’t leave her the inheritance she’s waiting for! If I’m wrong about the money, then she was just insane and only Providence has kept her alive this long!
May 10, 2012 at 4:21 pm
do the day shift, and he does…
the night!you may think you are very knowledgeable about your subject, but it’s great if you attract someone to join who’s known as an expert in their area. i invited two such people from their contributions on other forums and their…
October 7, 2012 at 11:09 am
Just saw the episode with Nicola and I was so disgusted I felt compelled to post. Wow! What an immature, selfish, brat! I cant believe someone of her age would even think of behaving that way. In my mind that ultimately points to a lack of morals. She needs to grow up.
December 13, 2012 at 11:47 pm
The show is mediocre at best. The plot lines are flimsy and clearly come across exaggerated. How about rewarding someone “poor” with money, with more money! Anyone on the show ever been suspected of falsifying their situation to get the cash?
March 16, 2013 at 10:07 pm
I have enjoyed every single episode. Princess Nicola was the most interesting. It really emphasized how we have to watch out for eachother. Some people do not get it. How to reach them I do not know. It would be great to see Princess Nicola be successful on a take 2. I desperately don’t want her on the street and hope you will have a chance to help her stand on her own two feet. I would love to watch Gail work with a Princess who is 100% sold on Multi Level Marketing all financed on credit but no interest in getting a real job.
March 18, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Omg that Nicola chick is disgusting wow. I never comment on sites but she bothered me so much I had to comment. What a gross pig. That is not just being a “princess” and to be honest her family and friends should be worried especially since she is 35 years old! What a joke. It’s disturbing that she thinks so highly of herself when she is a ugly, chubby older chick with a horrible personality and nothing going for her. If I was Gail I would have literally slapped her. What a waste of skin and air.
April 1, 2013 at 8:42 am
I loved Laura ( sweet girl ) and Julie (my age ). Nicola frightened the bejeepers out of me.
I did identify with Julie in many ways, you might find one of my blogs closetblitz. very relevant to the behaviours in the show.I have my spending stopped now and I do own my house.
Gail you have taught me soooo sooo much,
Thanks a ton,
Francesca
PS PLEASE DO FOLLOW UPS
April 8, 2013 at 10:02 am
I’d love to see a follow up on princess Allison. She seemed like a real lost cause and I wonder if she ever woke up and her boyfriend really was smart enough to run.
April 8, 2013 at 11:13 am
Jen, I loved to hate the vain Allison as well. Her “stripper mentality” comment made me laugh because she is not really beautiful, merely pretty, blond and slim…a dime a dozen in the “actress” world.
I don’t think she really wanted to be an actress, just to be famous.
I hope her seemingly intelligent boyfriend kicked her to the curb.
Nicola made me cringe for her enormous sense of entitlement.
I also wonder about little Diana….I am unsure of where she developed her idea that she “needed” a $40,000 engagement ring.
I also agree with those who felt Krista wasn’t really connected with her husband.
So many parents seemed unaware of how their children ended up being so greedy and self-absorbed, funny. More parents should watch this series as a precautionary tale of overindulging one’s offspring.
And to the misogynist, Kris….there were some episodes of men on the Princess show, men are equally capable of being self-entitled and frivolous.
I would love follow-ups.