As humans, we tend to want to believe in the fantastical. We want to believe our dreams, no matter how big, can come true. We want to believe our future can shine as bright as we want it to. We also want to believe that we are going to have the perfect love story that is only written in schlocky books. So, what is the perfect love story?
The prototypical image is two moderately attractive people coming from two different worlds to create one world together, very much like Romeo and Juliet. It's true that nobody wants to date someone who is exactly the same as they are. It would get very old, very quick. However, people who claim to want a romance exactly like Romeo and Juliet simply do not understand the point of Romeo and Juliet. The point of Romeo and Juliet is the tragedy of how stupid they were. It was a commentary on how puppy love, not real love, makes youth do stupid things. Not exactly the model example of a love story. I mean, I'd hope nobody wants their fairytale romance ending in double suicide.
So, it's safe to take the most iconic love story out of the equation. How about another popular love story to model your romantic life around, the Nicholas Sparks classic, "The Notebook." This is a better example of a love story than "Romeo and Juliet." It goes over the complications of relationships. Relationships aren't easy, they are hard. Not everything goes according to plan, and you often question if you can be with the one you think you want. Even I know this, and I have never had a meaningful relationship. However, this is even more fantastical. As much as they nail the complications of a relationship, everything is all too perfect to be anything realistic. I doubt anybody keeps a notebook of memories. It's a cute idea, but highly unrealistic and kind of false advertising.
What about "Titanic?" Well, it's kind of in the same boat as "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Notebook" (pun intended). It's too fantastical and it's far too tragic. Sure, there is tragic romance out there. Not everything is wrapped up in a nice little package at the end of the day. However, a guy freezing to death on a door for a girl he met a few days ago isn't realistic, I'm sorry to say. Which leads to the fact that Jack is too perfect. No man is like that, not even close. Doesn't mean there aren't good guys out there, but nobody is that cookie-cutter perfect.
As for "Twilight" and "50 Shades of Grey," if you are into sociopaths, stalking and no chemistry, go ahead, get your rocks off. It's the internet age, and there is a demographic for everyone. But I believe it goes without saying that it's not the greatest example of romance.
So, what's left? Well, I believe your perfect romance story has yet to be written. Believe it or not, a person has the power to create more compelling love stories than those who are paid to write them. Simply by experiencing them and making them happen. I think running into a girl at a McDonald's, who has similar interests as you, who is just as nice as you and someone who thinks well enough of you is a perfect base for a story to grow. It can have all the twist and turns those stories have. There are complications, there are sappy moments and it can annoy your friends. However, it's your perfect love story. Write it as you go.
