Since when did relationship goals become about a picture of two people smiling for a picture? Your goal should be to have a relationship with a man who has the courage to impress you, to flatter you, and to sweep you off your feet.
Chivalry is not dead, but everytime we hail some mundane, inaffectionate feat as #relationshipgoals, we are killing chivalry. It's true meaning does not lie in physical affections, but in the courage of displaying true intimacy.
Your goal in a relationship should be to care about another person more than you care about your reputation or your pride. Girls may claim to be low maintenance, and many of us are, but that does not mean we desire to be treated so tangibly. Below, are a few stills from movies that I find truly worthy of the hashtag.
Cindy Mancini, the most popular girl in school, chooses to forgive Ronald Miller, former geek and present outcast, and rides with him off into the sunset on a lawnmower. She leaves behind Bobby, college football player, and flings herself off the ladder of social heirarchy for the chance at something that could be really amazing. #relationshipgoals
John Bender, dubbed a criminal and lowlife by school administration, used to mock those around him to make himself feel better about his own insecurities. He learns that his pride is the only barrier he must defeat. He breaks down this wall by opening up to the school princess, and, in the end, gets the girl he thought was too good for him. #relationshipgoals
After being dumped by his first love, Lloyd, a heartbroken underacheiver, tries to prove how devoted he is to an intelligent girl moving to Europe. He stands outside her window to show her that he loves her, no matter what. #relationshipgoals
Relationships aren't about PDA, or cute posed photos, or even about always making each other laugh. Relationships are hard work; they require sacrifice—not just towards the end, but the beginning, too. Chivalry is not dead, nor is it a fictional act created by heroes in movies, it is just dormant inside the hearts of so many. I think we girls can agree that, in an era where apathy is applauded, a grand gesture—an act of courage, of faith—is a noble feat, indeed.
