Bedford accepts the All Day Angel Award.

Area girlfriend commended after not bitching for entire day

"Bedford's acceptance of the All Day Angel Award marks the first national accreditation for a female's role in the strengthening of an inter-gender relationship," said award presenter Marianne Williamson, author of the popular relationship guide, Enchanted Love: The Mystical Power of Intimate Relationships. "[The existence of this award] says, 'Girls, even if your man doesn't notice you keeping your mouth shut when every little thing around you isn't perfect, there is an organization willing to recognize and honor you.'"

Bedford's award-winning behavior, which Reynolds described during a prepared speech as being "a shock, a Godsend and a turning pointing in [the couple's] relationship," is also drawing high praise from counselor/author John Gray who, although having never received a University doctorate, is seen by many as today's leader in relationship counseling.

"Women deserve rewards for taking it easy on emotionally fragile men who can't handle hearing negative comments 24-7," said Gray, author of Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. "Bedford's extended effort to avoid bitching at Reynolds about this or that perfectly embodies the spirit of the All Day Angel Award."

During a short, post-ceremony press conference, Bedford declined to answer any questions, explaining loudly to boyfriend Reynolds that she "[had] a headache and just want(ed) to go home."

"Now," Bedford added almost immediately.

Reynolds, however, appeared willing to stay until all of the young newswomen's questions were answered.

"I didn't realize how close Jeanie was [to achieving the 24-hour mark] until bedtime," Reynolds reported. "And when she fell asleep without launching into a long, boring discussion about our relationship, I knew that as long as I didn't wake her, she was home free.

"Had I accidentally woke her, I'm sure I'd have gotten an earful, and her streak would have been broken," Reynolds continued. "So yeah, I think my letting her sleep played a large role in her ability to go 24 hours without nagging or bitching at me about things I may or may not have had any control over."

Bedford's reaction to that comment - a slight but noticeable shift in brow position - has left many convinced that Bedford will not be again eligible to receive the All Day Angel Award for quite some time.

July 2001