Within the world of 4-ways, I'm usually Suzanne Sugarbaker

(Editor's note: There is some reasoning behind this blog post ... you'll figure it out towards the end)

Yes, that's me.
In the world of four-ways, you could usually rely on me to be Suzanne Sugarbaker.
Or at least I used to be.
Now get your minds out of the gutter, friends! I don't mean "that" type of four-way. I'm simply referring to the characters on TV shows, a time-honored tradition in the world of television when you have four close friends share the spotlight as the main characters.
That character from "Designing Women" was set in her own ways, holds others to a certain standard, and won't back down from holding onto what's hers - whether it's an award or honor from years ago or something she's proud of that happened last week.
I've never really figured out why this is such a popular formula in writing and producing television, but the concept has lived for decades.
I have a group of friends, who some know that we are referred to as the Golden Girls. I've always been called and compared to Blanche Devereaux, for a couple of reasons. And if you know the character, you need not ask to what I am referring. I used to be that way, but I've slowed down in the past couple of years. Possibly becoming more selective ... who knows, I don't even know myself.
So while trying to figure out why I don't really foster the characteristics of Blanche any longer, I began to go down the list of other four-ways on popular TV shows and why I'm most like a particular character.
And trust - all of us closely resemble the characteristics of one of the TV characters on all of the below-mentioned shows. Why don't you try to figure out which characters on the shows that could have been molded after you. You'd be surprised what you come up with.
And if you'd like, I can tell most all my good friends which TV character in the four-way that they most resemble ... if you'd like.
I've already mentioned that on "Designing Women" and "Golden Girls", for different reasons I fall into the category of Suzanne and Blanche, respectively. Here are a few others:
1) "Girlfriends" - Toni Childs. That character had to pull herself up from meager beginnings and, now financially secure, cherishes what money can buy a person, primarily herself. But she has a big heart and will do whatever she can to help a true friend out of a situation. She will only settle down with a man who can equal her financial stability (or have the drive and passion to make the bucks).
2) "Noah's Arc" - Chance Counter. He's extremely intelligent, and he will always analyze a situation to death. He is very cautious, especially since he is determined to find that one true love to share his life. He's the one in his group who friends will look to for solid, clear thinking. He's somewhat prudish, to his own detriment.
3) "Will and Grace" - Will Truman. He was engaged to a woman before he decided to stop hiding in the closet and be himself, despite the cost to family and friends. He's successful in his career, but he, too, analyzes issues in his life a little too thoroughly. He just wants to be with one man for the rest of his life, but most times can't hold onto that true love because they don't measure up to his high standards.
4) "New Girl" - Schmidt. He grew up not always proud of his appearance, and now that he's grown up and possesses some appealing qualities - inside and out - sometimes works overtime to find a partner who will accept him for his flaws and positive qualities. He makes a lot of mistakes in his pursuit, but he wants everything in his life to be perfect and in-order. He hold friends in such high esteem, but sometimes goes too far in pleasing others.
5) "Hot in Cleveland" - Melanie. She's sappy sweet and sweet-natured. She can be a goody-two-shoes, but when the time is right, she sheds all that and can become a true lioness. She's by no means brainless; in fact, she possesses a quiet intelligence and quirky nature that people just can't help but like.

Okay, this is probably the most light-hearted blog post I've ever done. There's a reason behind that, other than pageviews and simple enjoyment. This past week has been an extremely difficult one for the nation, in light of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. I told myself, as a member of the media, that I wouldn't comment too much on the devastating events.
I've cried over the news. I've been infuriated from the first news of this, to present day, because I feel helpless to do anything to make any sort of difference so this never happens again. It's innocence lost, not only the innocent victims of the tragic events, but when something like that happens, everyone loses a little of themselves as a result.
So as America still mourns, I just wanted to put a blog out there to possibly take minds off of the tragedy, at least for a few minutes.
So maybe, after reading this blog, you will take a minute out of thinking to just consider, "Which TV character in that four-way reminds me of me?"