Do Fairy Tales and Romantic Movies Skew Marriage Expectations

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I've always had this theory that growing up with fairy tales and romantic movies skews the realistic perception of a perfect marriage.

I mean, the prince proposes to the princess, they live happily ever after....and you never hear about the disagreements and late night dicussions

they had in order to "live happily ever after".

I think most grown ups have been exposed enough to stories, movies and real life that show a different view of marriage...unless they've lived a sheltered life. Just like the belief in Santa - the fantasy doesn't last into adulthood....or if it does, that person has issues.

[Imua 0]

Marriage is more like the movie War of the Roses. Flying crockery and curses and swinging away at each other with meat cleavers.

*snarf*

'You always made the best pate'

'you don't know what's in the pate.....woof woof...'

Best. Scene. Evar.

[rebeccajo 14]

I've always had this theory that growing up with fairy tales and romantic movies skews the realistic perception of a perfect marriage.

I mean, the prince proposes to the princess, they live happily ever after....and you never hear about the disagreements and late night dicussions

they had in order to "live happily ever after".

Um.

No.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Some people really buy into that nonsense, so yeah, I think this is a major cause of discontentment in some relationships, married or unmarried. Probably either the number one or number two cause of cheating.

[LorriQ 0]

Whaddya mean Cinderella's not true! But those cute singing mice - I sooo wanted to meet them as did my cat!

[Ling Ling 22]

I've always had this theory that growing up with fairy tales and romantic movies skews the realistic perception of a perfect marriage.

I mean, the prince proposes to the princess, they live happily ever after....and you never hear about the disagreements and late night dicussions

they had in order to "live happily ever after".

This may not answer your question, but along the the lines of "happily ever after in fairy tales," you should read the comic book series "Fables." It's an entirely new and different look at fairly tales (and the characters in them), some of which is quite shocking to those who've only seen the Disney versions.

Sounds cool....I'll try to check it out. Thanks.

[Sinergy 3]

Marriage is what we make of it....i love my husband, we have a beautiful wonderful marriage....but its hardly a fairy tale as we do argue and disagree

[Ling Ling 22]

When someone says, I have a fairy tale marriage...it makes me think that when the prince forgets to put down the toilet seat, he'll no longer be considered the perfect prince. I think, as some have said, you can be as happy as a fairy tale, but that you have to work at it.

It takes a LOT of work....not 50/50 but 100% from each side. Happily ever after is sometimes filled with arguments, late night discussions,

sleeping on the couch, crying, venting on VJ, etc. Happily ever after is hard work and compromise by both spouses. Happily ever after is not a destination, but a journey.

Happily ever after is not the absence of difficulty, but the ability to overcome difficulty.

[betrayed 0]

When someone says, I have a fairy tale marriage...it makes me think that when the prince forgets to put down the toilet seat, he'll no longer be considered the perfect prince. I think, as some have said, you can be as happy as a fairy tale, but that you have to work at it.

It takes a LOT of work....not 50/50 but 100% from each side. Happily ever after is sometimes filled with arguments, late night discussions,

sleeping on the couch, crying, venting on VJ, etc. Happily ever after is hard work and compromise by both spouses. Happily ever after is not a destination, but a journey.

Happily ever after is not the absence of difficulty, but the ability to overcome difficulty.

Hi Ling Ling,

Yep, a lot of work... Thanks so much for all of your posts in my thread. You've been very helpful.

[mnieto 2]

well, sometimes I'd just love to strangle him....but most of the times I just simply love him

(I'm sure he'd say the same about me,though... )

[ellmvl 1]

Nope, I don't live in fairy tale because my mom/dad doesn't read me those stories when I was little. LOL But I kinda live like those in romantic novel books I have been addicted when I was in high school til' college. But good thing about it...it has more realistic drama and lessons in life that could be useful in dealing the real world. Well as far as the romantic movies...most of them are based on a real life experience. And I could say, if someone will be interested to buy our love story...I can guarantee you, it will be a blockbuster movie! Too much drama, comedy, miracles, suspense and even war LOL

Edited December 18, 2009 by ellmvl

[AlHayatZween 2]

It's all fun & games until the missus gets a hold of a 9-iron.

[scandal 951]

It's all fun & games until the missus gets a hold of a 9-iron.

Bi-otch!

[slim 1,514]

I've always told my buddies when they met a really hot chick and are now head over heels in love - "picture her first thing in the morning taking a big ol' dump.... while on her period. If you still love her then, go for it!"

[thongd4me 69]

These two clips say it all: