So cliche

[LightningClap0002]

I just saw a commercial for one of those "heartwarming" hallmark movies and started wondering how realistic/ christian some of these cliche plots are. Is it harmful to dwell on these ideas? Are they selfish fantasy? Only worldly relationships? Anyone have any thoughts on some of the following?

the reclaimed love - A relationship that fizzled is rekindled years later. (ie Sweet Home Alabama)

the about-face - A hateful(or at least strongly dislike) relationship gets replaced by a strong bond of love after being "stuck" with the person for an extended period of time. (ie Beauty And The Beast)

the white knight - A charming, handsome, well off [usually]man falls for a poor, troubled girl and "saves" her. (ie Pretty Woman)

the forbidden love - Two people who society says shouldn't be together, fall in love. (ie Romeo And Juliet)

 

[Jullianna]

While I do believe in true love, I think that rather than longing for the right person, a lot of people, particularly women, long for the fairytale. How many people (and by "people" I mean women in particular haha) will say yes to the first guy who asks (and probably just as many guys marry the first woman who says yes), convince themselves that they are madly in love, go gaga over rings, wedding plans, the whole nesting thing...and when things settle down and the actual MARRIAGE begins, discover that it's not like playing house? The credits don't roll. It's reality. And if you said yes to the wrong guy/lady...rut roh..

On the other hand, haven't we seen couples who:
- have had to undergo some sort of difficulty/personal growth, but do actually get back together and have a relationship that was better than in the beginning?
- The man/woman who comes from a life of abuse/neglect/poverty who decides that the cycle will stop with them? That they want more? So they step out in faith, overcome and go on to a better life?
- The couple that "society" frowns upon have a stronger marriage than most? I'm thinking of two of my best friends: a black man married to a white lady. Her family shunned her for years. Even people in their church looked down on them. But they respect/love/support one another in ways I don't see in many other couples. God has blessed their lives, as well as the lives of those of us who know them.

I'm not sure about the "about face" thing though. I'm not yet convinced that you can learn to love someone. I know that some people say this is possible, but I wonder whether those who say this have ever truly been in love. I agree that we can become fond of people over time, but to truly love them in ways that I know firsthand are possible...just not buying it so far. Jacob truly loved Rachel. He proved that in the way that he worked for her and in the way he felt differently toward the children he had with her than the children Leah bore him. He respected Leah certainly (shown by the location he chose for his burial) and he fulfilled his obligations toward her, but I don't see that he ever grew to love her as he loved Rachel.

Love isn't just romance, rings, weddings and giddy feelings, though those things are pretty cool. Love is building a life with someone through hard work, patience, prayer, respect and a whole lot of other things. There are mountains and there are valleys, just as there are in our relationship with Christ. It's not a fairytale. It's better.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

The whole love motif in the media is overdone and banal, and often times just plain corny. But I think it sells because many people are either easily amused, or they are taken by the "idea" of a picture perfect happily ever after (possibly because of their own lack thereof).

But this is coming from someone with walls, so don't mind me.