I love reality television shows and always have. I think a lot people are ashamed to admit it. I’m not. However, I like reality television probably for a different reason than most.

I minored in psychology in college. I love psychology. I probably should have majored in it and went on to get my master and even my doctorate. I think my love of the human psyche is the reason I love reality television.

My love for reality television isn’t the cat fighting or drama. I love reality television because I feel like it is a practical lesson in human psychology. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that a lot of television shows are not in fact “reality.” I understand that people’s actions change when there is a camera or two in the room with you.

I used to love Candid Camera growing up as a child. I was thrilled when I discovered it has been revamped and new episodes were starting. I’ve always wanted to be secretly taped to see how I would react. The show What Would You Do? is another one of my favorites. I always wonder would I step up? Would I do the right thing?

A couple of years ago I was very pregnant and decided to go shopping on a Tuesday. I entered a child’s clothing store and looked around for about five minutes when I realized I hadn’t been greeted. I continued to look at all the beautiful clothes and took a few off the rack to purchase. After being in the store for what seemed like 15 minutes, I kinda looked around and said, “Hello?” I went further into the store and then I realized the lights weren’t even on.

Now, in my defense, when I first entered the store I immediately started looking at the rack right by the door and the two big store front windows. After I noticed the lights weren’t on, I yelled out, “Um, Hello there is a cx in the store.” My mind started racing. Was I finally on What Would You Do? Then I started thinking what if the manager is in the back and has fallen ill. Then I started thinking, what if the manager is tied up in the back and I just walked in on a robbery. Then I said out loud, “I need to get the heck out of here.”

I literally threw the clothes I had up in the air and ran out of the store. I immediately called 911 and as soon as I got done telling the operator there was something strange going on at the store, I looked at the front door and as big as day there was a big Closed sign. Right below that were the store hours. They were closed on Monday and Tuesdays. I felt so dumb. I still to this day swear the closed sign was not there when I walked in, even though I know, I just didn’t see the sign. Once again, in my defense, even if I missed the sign, why was the door unlocked?

It is amazing how quickly the police arrived. Most likely because I had just told the 911 operator that there was a possible burglary going on or someone was in distress. After the three cop cars got there, I explained I might have been wrong, since the store was clearly closed. They still took it very seriously.

Long story short, the manager just didn’t lock the door and I was unaware enough to go in and spend 20 minutes shopping.

I wish it would have been a hidden camera reality show. I would have loved to seen my face when I realized there was no there. I am sure viewers would have gotten a chuckle to see a very pregnant lady throw clothes frantically and run out.

I hope one day to make it on hidden camera reality show because if I react anywhere close to this, I am sure it will get high ratings.

© 2014, MaLu Bradford Beyonce, All Rights Reserved.

You may reach MaLu Bradford Beyonce at malubeyonce@gmail.com