What Archie’s Decision tells us about what Men really want in women and life in general!

I read Archie comics as a kid and was quite a collector until I was in high school. For 60 years, readers were drawn to Betty and Veronica’s tug-of-war over Archie... Who was Archie going to take to the Prom… Who would get a better present for Christmas… Whose birthday won’t be forgotten… Alas, the wily teenager from Riverdale finally decided it was time to settle down (comfortably if you may) by asking the hand of drum roll please… heiress Veronica Lodge! First of all, the fact that Archie made a choice was already quite a shocker, and has already cooked speculations of the comic book franchise closing shop. But that’s another blog altogether. Let’s talk about Archie’s choice for a wife. Why Ronnie and why not Betty?

From the get go, Betty has always been the loser in every aspect of the win-Archie’s-heart-game. Sure we pitied Betty. She was the lovable girl-next-door who was hopelessly devoted to Mr. Andrews. Here was a girl who was willing to take some crap in the name of love. Doesn’t she deserve a happy ending? After all, Cinderella married her Prince right?

But that’s just the thing ladies. Unfortunately Archie had to make a decision during the time when the US is in a full economic recession and not when fairy tales do come true. Archie Andrews was just making a very smart investment. I don’t blame him at all. I would like to believe that he liked both girls but if push comes to shove, he definitely had a better future in the arms of Veronica. And I’m not just talking about being financially secure through conjugal assets acquired automatically upon marriage. I know for sure that a pre-nup isn’t around to spoil this sweet cake. Veronica, even in her spoiled brat ways, is not that kind of millionaire daughter who’s paranoid about strangers touching the family jewels. She loves Archie just as much as Betty does, and she’s willing to give it all she’s got to marry the man of her dreams.

What would make Veronica a better spouse for Archie compared to Betty? First, let’s look at Archie’s personality traits a little bit closer. Archiekins is quite a party boy. He’s not exactly very responsible but he knows when to put hard work when he needs to. Archie’s also quite insecure. He’s a dreamer but he doesn’t have any direction. He’s talented but he needs to be pushed. He is an artist by heart and so he needs a life partner who can manage him. He needs a strong neck to turn that big head. Do you think simple, clumsy, insecure Betty can steer his ship into success? I don’t think so. That makes Veronica a viable choice for Archie to achieve his potentials. Archie just doesn’t need a wife. He needs a leader who’s also more than willing to be lead by him. See the paradox?

Look at some of the best power couples out there. The man may be in a higher position but without that strong woman behind him, getting to that spot would have been a much tougher climb. Men are seguristas in nature. I always believe that behind great men are even greater women. Archie Andrews by the legal power of his marriage to Veronica Lodge may see himself on the President’s Chair at Lodge Enterprises but let’s not forget that Veronica is still Chairman of the Board, at work and at home.

So ladies, the moral lesson is... martyrdom is an ancient thing of the past. Women don't need any saving. There are more bachelors in distress than there are damsels!