8 Unrealistic Romantic Movie Clichés

Okay,  I know the title of this post makes me sound like the biggest ogre on the planet. However, I really do enjoy the occasional romantic movie.

That being said, there are some common clichés in most romantic films which I hate. Why? Well, mainly because I think many people on some level try to attain the picture perfect relationships often presented to them by Hollywood. Of course the reality is "happily ever after"  comes at the cost of a lot of hard work with no guarantees.

The following are eight of some of the most prevalent clichés about love I think romantic movies tend to perpetuate:

1. When the lead of the movie is a genuinely happy, well-adjusted person, but they are over 25 and (gasp!) single, something  is assumed to be "missing" in their lives.
2. If two people seem to dislike each other, it's just a sign of repressed attraction. Then, somehow, they are  forced to spend time together through some convenient plot device. Suddenly, they discover they are really soul mates who are madly in love with one another.
3. The entire cast of the film look like cover models for GQ or Vogue magazine. You know, like in real life.
4. The dream men in these movies instinctively always know what women need and want to hear without having to be told.
5. First time sex is never awkward, but always mind-blowing and phenomenally awesome!
6. Even though the couple may come from vastly different social, economic and philosophical backgrounds, it's never a factor because "love conquers all!"
7. The object of the romantic lead's desire may be a complete jerk, but his/her love transforms said jerk into a candidate for sainthood by the time the end credits roll.
8. Often strong, intelligent, confident women are told, or they themselves bemoan the  fact what they really need is a man to come and rescue them from their dreary life.

Please make no mistake, I realize romantic films are made to entertain. Most are designed to provide a happy ending within approximately 120 minutes. So feel free to enjoy them as much as you want, but remember to resist feeling any pressure to attain some unrealistic ideal in your own life.

Finally,  what are your thoughts regarding how love is portrayed in the media? Do you think these portrayals can be harmful to relationships? Please share your opinions with us by commenting below!

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