Romantic comedies are every girls go-to when we want to envision the most triumphant stories of love, heart-break, and it “all working out” at the end. These fantastical stories are very uplifting for any girl mulling over the realities of their own current relationship status or dreaming up their very own “perfect” love story. But it’s easy to get caught up in the perfect ending without noticing how they got there. There are lessons to be learned from all of these movies, so I’ve taken the time to examine some of the greatest romantic comedies we all know and love. Take notes, ladies!
Lesson 1: There are no Rules
He’s Just not That into You is a great example of “rules in love.” The movie is actually an antithesis of the title, given that the main character ends up with a guy that was “just not into her.” This character goes through several upsets and draws advice from various sources in the process of learning the rules in love, to only find out there are none. The rules are defined by the individuals involved and there is no right or wrong answer. You have to follow what you think because it is different for every person. The ironic part of this movie is the person that was telling her she was doing everything wrong is the guy who fell in love with all of her natural, quirky, and “wrong” methods.
Lesson 2: It takes T-I-M-E
There is no better example of showing how time works in relationship other than the movie Love and Basketball. The two fell in love at a young age, but could not admit it until the end of high school (now THAT is time). They endured struggles in their college years because they were growing and trying to fulfill other aspirations. They needed time apart to experience things they had longed for in their lives and broke-up. Years passed (I mean yearssss) and they both strived towards their personal goals, but obviously identified a missing component – each other. This is the take home message – if someone needs space, let them have it. Time will tell if it is meant for you all to have a relationship. You want a complete relationship, not one filled with maybes.
Lesson 3: Open your Heart
Ok, so you had a break-up, but do not let yourself be damaged goods. My friends would say, “You don’t know if your prince charming is standing right next to you.” This quote is exemplified in Friends with Benefits, when the characters met for a career opportunity and ended up falling in love after both suffering from break-ups. Keep your heart open; you could be in a better place you would never know unless you try.
Lesson 4: Just Say It
Do NOT hold back. You have already learned there are no rules, so say what you need to say before it is too late. Patrick Dempsey almost misses his chance in Made of Honor, when he does not tell his long-time friend that he is in love with her, until she gets to the alter (well technically half-way down the aisle) with another man. You should learn you have nothing to los,e but the guilty conscious you carry with you if you “forever hold your peace.”
So there you have it. The messages these movies really want you to grasp. It’s okay to laugh and gush over all the cute moments, but remember to take a look at the journey the couple went through to get to their “happily ever after.”
Sources:
123
Wikipedia
MovieGoods
Maid of Honor Movie via TypePad
Rotten Tomatoes