If you've ever watched a dating reality show, especially the
high profile, marriage-goal-oriented ones--think multiple singles competing for
the love of one seemingly perfect mate, like Joe Millionaire, Farmer Wants a
Wife, and (of course) The Bachelor/The Bachelorette--the phrase has likely
become a familiar, though still ambiguous, part of your vocabulary: "(s)he's
not there for the right reasons." It's the all-encompassing term for any specious behavior on behalf of a contestant
who appears to harbor ulterior motives, however slight, other than falling
head-over-heels, puppies-and-picket-fences, babies-and-bathtowels in love with
the star of the show.
And if the phrase gets spoken aloud about you--if another
contestant accuses you of not "being there for the right reasons," especially
to the person whose love for which you're competing... have your bags packed, buddy,
because it's also the kiss of death for the next elimination ceremony, or at
least soon after.