Watch Responsibly

I came across this article via a Facebook friend.  I thought of Amanda's Pull of the Moon comment about romantic comedies and the misunderstanding between Martin and Nan about romance.

So what do you think about this?  What do I think about this?

While I am not a big romantic comedy fan, I must admit that on occasion I have found myself falling for the lies of romantic comedies. And even books of the Christian marriage-help variety.  And have placed unrealistic expectations on my husband as a result.  When he is really a great guy just the way he is.  Bear in mind that he just took me on an utterly romantic Lake Placid getaway.

The pornography comparison ... do you think that's too strong?  I thought she had some good points.  Although, c'mon - there's a helluva lotta porn out there for men without them trying.  The big Victoria's Secret ads in the mall store windows?  The undergrads trotting around campus?  Commercials during football games?  We women can indulge in a little porn of The Notebook variety, right?  I don't deny men a little bit of viewing pleasure if we get our Pride and Prejudice.  Ahhhh, Mr. Darcy.  Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

I think we have to be wary of unrealistic expectations our culture cultivates in us.  I think people should be appreciated for who they are, especially when they are trying their best in relationships with us.  I don't think husbands should get away with being boorish, calloused jerks. But I think there is a standard that is unrealistic.  You can be a little awkward about sharing your feelings, buddy, if you're ok with me not looking like Brooklyn Decker.

I'm going to borrow the Catholic phrase "everything in moderation" and add "except if you're an addict."  I had never thought of there being women addicted to notions of romance.  I suppose we can get addicted to anything, and turn harmless things into dangerous ones. 

I catch a "chick flick" maybe once a year, so taking this out of my life would be barely noticeable.  But I must say, it would be really so sad for the world to lose even the notion of something so wonderful as Mr. Darcy;)