Romance novels are fun to read, but just like romantic comedies, they aren't always accurate. After all, it's called fiction for a reason. That's why you shouldn't feel bad about being single, instead of in a relationship that's filled with constant excitement and romance. After all, the latter is just not realistic. If you don't believe it, here are a few things that most romance novels get wrong about relationships:
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1. Everyone Experiences Young Love
Most novels follow young men and women who fall in love for the first time. Of course, you shouldn't let those novels convince you that you should be involved in an epic romance before you hit your 20s. If you're a teenager who's never been kissed, it's normal. There's nothing wrong with waiting until you're older to start your love story.
2. Love at First Sight Happens to Us All
Some people believe in love at first sight. However, it doesn't happen as often as romance novels would have you believe. Most of the time, it takes a while for you to develop feelings for another person. You don't need to know he's the one for you the first time you meet.
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3. Mysterious Men Are the Best Boyfriends
In novels, mysterious men are sexy men. In real life, you don't want to date a guy who refuses to tell you about his family or his hobbies. If he cared about you, he'd open up to you. He wouldn't keep up that mysterious act for long.
4. Losing Your Virginity Always Goes Well
In romance novels, the scene where a woman loses her virginity is sexy and sweet. In real life, it can be painful and awkward. Of course, no one wants to read about two people clumsily climbing into bed together and regretting it all the next day.
5. Star Crossed Lovers Always End up Together
Most romance novels follow a couple that isn't "supposed" to be together. Maybe their families don't get along. Maybe one person is a teacher and the other is a student. Whatever the case may be, they don't allow society to tear them apart. Of course, in real life, teachers who date students are placed in jail. Sometimes, society conquers love.
6. Major Misunderstandings Occur
There's always a scene where the woman thinks the man is in love with someone else, or that he cheated on her, or that he doesn't have feelings for her. Of course, this is always a huge misunderstanding that could've been avoided if the two of them just sat down and had a conversation. In real life, when you're angry with a guy, you'll approach him about the problem and get it all worked out, but in novels, people usually assume the worst and then drop out of each other's lives.
7. The Parents Are Barely Involved
Most teenagers in novels barely reference their parents. However, if you still live with your family, they're going to be a big part of your relationship, whether you like it or not. After all, you can't invite your boyfriend over to your house without your guardians saying hello to him and asking him about his life. Even if you're already living on your own, your parents will probably stick their nose into your love life. It's just because they care.
Not all romance novels use these cliches, but a lot of them do. What other things do you think most romance novels get wrong about relationships?
Comments
Pat: Yup. Romance novels should be labeled Romance Fantasy!
Brittany: Hilarious! Love it!!
Ayra: Haha lol these so true
Alyx: Number one is very important. Most writers write about what didn't happen to them. Most romance novels are written by people who never married or committed to one person, and a lot of YA novels are about the youth they saw someone else have (with different details) or that they wished they had. It's a lot more comforting when you read a novel and wish for a romance/sexual encounter so novel perfect like that, but so does the author.
Yasmin: #6 is so true lmao
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