SOUND OFF, Ew Romance

Shilpa Soundararajan
Op-Ed Editor

They ran toward each other, miraculously avoiding the multitude of obstacles in their way. Upon finally reaching each other, they held each other’s hands and gazed admiringly into each other’s eyes. The sunset in the distance illuminated the setting. She was happy. He was happy. They both leaned in…
We all know what happens next.
They have fallen in love. They both get a fantastic kiss. They all live happily ever after.

Ugh.

I have endured hundreds upon hundreds of sappy, cliché Hollywood and Bollywood films throughout my life. But I simply disprove of the way love is presented in these movies. I do not like that mushy gushy romantic stuff. Nor do I think that we each have “soul mates” out there waiting to be found. In my opinion, all of that is simply a load of hodgepodge. I am sorry if I have a firmer grasp on reality than those who willingly choose to delude themselves with these films. It is time for people to realize that love, in most cases, is an elaborate illusion and that there is an extremely small chance that they will ever find it over the course of their lifetime. There should probably be tests and research on anyone who thinks they are destined to live happily ever after with their Mr. or Mrs. Right. Why? Because they seem to constantly get it wrong. Take at a look at divorce rates. Take a look at all the separations and heartbreak.
So on that second date, when he showed me the DVD cover of Love Actually, I was a bit skeptical. But I allowed myself to be persuaded and agreed to watch it.
Imagine my surprise when I started liking it. I started buying into the cutesy love story between a heartbroken writer and his Portuguese housekeeper. In fact, started buying into all of the far-fetched plot points. Maybe it had something to do with the dimmed lighting and comfy couch or the fact that it was the holiday season. But that is when I realized that sometimes it was okay. Sometimes it is okay to loosen your grip on reality. Sometimes it is okay to dream a little bit. Sometimes it is okay to accept fairytales.
During this winter break, along with taking a step back from your workload, take step back from the cynicism as well. We know that life is tough and love is nearly impossible. But there is a time to be practical, and there is a time to ignore reality for a bit. Let yourself be swept away by the absurd. And just enjoy.