'Awkward'.

'Awkward', is what I heard a radio presenter say after playing Cheryl Cole's latest single, 'Parachutes'. He was basically implying that Cheryl must feel embarrassed by the words to her latest song due to the break-up of her marriage to footballer, Ashley Cole.
Now my eight year old daughter loves Cheryl Cole and is really keen to buy her album when she's saved up enough pocket money so I've been thinking about what kind of role model is she and is she someone who I would want my kids listening to.
I've only heard a few songs from the album as they've been on the radio or on TV and it's a fascinating insight into the life and soul of Cheryl. The album was recorded and released following Ashley Cole's previous infidelity and it seems that Cheryl put this out as a public way of saying that she's committed to the marriage, despite her husband's wanderings. In today's society I find that impressive and a wonderful breath of fresh air.
If we are talking to young people about relationships then the song lyrics to some of these songs could be really useful: 'Fight for This Love' looks at commitment through adversity, 'Parachutes' is about support and trust, and '3 Words' is about how powerful the words 'I love you' are.
Unfortunately for Cheryl Cole, she is discovering that in a relationship it takes two people to share in this kind of commitment to make it work and she is now under immense pressure to separate from Ashley. I heard on the news last week how she was being advised that 'staying with him could have an adverse effect on her career'; how can that be a reason for splitting up?! But then I guess that's the world of celebrity. And there have been countless vox pops shown of people in the street encouraging her to ditch him.
I find myself being impressed by Cheryl. Life must be incredibly difficult at the moment and you could see this on her face as she performed at The Brits the other week. But if her songs are any sign of her feelings and commitment, then I think that she could be a great role model for young people today. And, yes, sometimes life is 'awkward'.

Andy