Last week, the news of the untimely death of ‘80s movie star, Amanda Peterson, hit the headlines. She was found dead in her Greeley, Colorado apartment on July 5 from an unknown cause. Peterson was most famously known for her role as Cindy Mancini in the 1987 film Can’t Buy Me Love with co-star Patrick Dempsey, or as we commonly call him, McDreamy. Peterson left behind a legacy with her role as Mancini. She was an ‘80s icon who will be remembered for many years to come.
Although this event is tragic, it gives us a reason to break out all the ‘80s movies and begin binge watching (as if we really needed a reason to do so anyways). Peterson and Dempsey’s epic lawn mower ending in the movie is just one of the many romantic scenes from ‘80s movies that we wish actually happened in our own lives. There’s also the sweet, insanely romantic table kiss over the birthday cake scene in Sixteen Candles, the thrusting of the fist so proudly done by John Bender in The Breakfast Club and of course the forever known “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” dance performed by Johnny and Baby in Dirty Dancing. There is something about these movies that leave girls wishing they were born in a different decade. But why can’t we bring the 1980’s to the 2000’s?
It seems the ’80s kind of love is simply too unrealistic for people to grasp. What exactly is it that makes these movies and these moments to blissfully amazing? Three things: thought, timing and music.
1. Thought - the ability to pay attention to what means the most to a lady
In nearly every ‘80s movie, the guy swoops in and does something to charm the girl. How do they charm them? They, at some point, listened. Nothing is better than when a girl is dropping hints to her guy and he actually picks up on them! Actually, the only thing better would be the girl not even intentionally dropping hints but the guy still picks up and acts on them. Refer to Sixteen Candles.
2. Timing - doing the right thing at the right time.
It could be when she least expects it or when you screwed up for the millionth time and need a way to say sorry. Whatever it may be, timing has always played a huge part in the romantic scenes. Refer to Dirty Dancing.
3. Music -there's always that awesome '80s song that plays during every romantic moment. It sets up the entire scene.
Now, not everyone likes ‘80s music, but the point is you should involve music some how. Favorite songs or songs that have a special meaning to your girl are always good choices. Refer to Say Anything.
So guys, listen up! You want the girl of your dreams? Go grab your riding lawn mower and iPod speakers, bake a cake, ride over to her house, play “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” outside of her window. When she comes out, set down the cake, put her on the back of the mower and ride off into the sunset thrusting your fist in the air out of pure achievement. Oh, and don’t forget to kiss her.
In memory of Amanda Peterson, 1971-2015
