Being a little girl born in the 1990s, I had a lot of Disney princess inspiration to look up to: Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Jasmine to name a few. Being young, I truly had no idea what was going on in the movie besides lots of magic, dreams coming true, princesses finding their prince, and living happily ever after. Little did I know that this truly is just a dream fantasy land Disney has created for all young girls to believe in and carry with them into their adulthood.
The reality of it is these movies are ruining modern romance. We all expect this huge gesture or great act of love from our suitors or else they aren’t worth our time.
When did a man opening a door for a woman become a feminist issue?
When did common courtesy fly out the window?
I love it when my date opens the car door for me from time to time or walks on the side of the road where the cars pass. I don’t expect that the man ALWAYS has to pay for our dates, but when he does I find it romantic and thoughtful. Nowadays we just chalk this kind of behavior up as needy, clingy, independence stealing, or awkward. Chivalry needs to start making a comeback and fast.
Disney movies display unrealistic expectations of dating. Love at first sight, falling in love the moment you meet, or living “happily ever after” (that one has to be my favorite) are all myths. Life isn’t perfect, it’s what you make of it. You will not be happy every single second for the absolute rest of your days. You and your significant other will fight, bicker, and argue, especially over who gets to choose the movie on Netflix, but that is okay. Believe it or not, these are very healthy behaviors. I have yet to see a couple that has never once had an argument. Releasing your frustrations and emotions is only normal. After all, we’re all human.
We live in a world where we no longer meet organically at a coffee shop or grocery store. In order to find a partner we look to social media like Tinder, Match.com, or Plenty of Fish. Sometimes, we even find suitors at our local clubs while intoxicated.
Unfortunately, the days of being swept off your feet and carried horseback through the woods by prince charming are over, but we need to appreciate the little romantic gestures more, not just the dozen roses being delivered to your house on the second date, or the fancy jewelry they bought you to show they care. When I say little gestures, I mean hugging you while you cry after a bad day, listening (actually listening) to your problems, kissing you on the forehead, holding your hand, or offering you his sweater because you’re cold and he doesn’t care if he freezes instead. Disney is all about the huge romance with larger than life love professions when in reality it’s the little romantic gestures that make a happy life. Materialistic possessions mean very little to sustain a happy relationship.
Featured image via Jonathan Borba on Pexels
