This is a tough
topic; so many possibilities come to mind.
There are the
classics, of course: the fiery and immature passions of young Romeo and Juliet.
The spoiled Scarlett and the smitten, heartbroken Rhett Butler disguised as a
rogue. Beauty and the beast. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.
Duh.
And then there
are the offbeat stories where love triumphs over adversity. These present
opportunities for characters to do something that's quirky, true, but so
amazingly special.
Like in
"As Good as it Gets" when Jack Nicholson tells Helen Hunt he's going
back on his psych medications because, "You make me want to be a better
man." Is there a better compliment anywhere?
Or how about
"Stranger Than Fiction" when Will Farrell gives the baker, Maggie
Gyllenhaal, different packages of flours, instead of flowers? The
look on her face is priceless. He truly understood her, and at that moment she
knew it.
William
Wallace's love and secret marriage. Edward and Mrs. Simpson. Paul Newman and Joanne
Woodward.
The first love
stories I read were by Kathleen Woodiwiss, the intrepid woman who pioneered the
historical romance genre with the 1972 publication of her novel, The Flame
and the Flower. I don't know how many times I read that book; but what I
loved was the complexity of the plot and the length of her stories - I could
revel in the relationships for days.
When I
discovered Diana Gabaldon's Jamie and Claire, I was back in that same mindset:
rich detail, fierce passion, and a story line not so predictable. And more long
books, extending the pleasure, and allowing me to become fully immersed in that
world.
To pick a
favorite love story is impossible. Even my beloved husband and I have had our
rough patches over the last thirty-five years. Raising four children on a
single teacher's salary? I don't believe I need to expound on that. Now that
they are all grown and on their own, we are having a ball together! But we
aren't anything extraordinary.
So what does
make a great love story? I believe it's when two people commit to loving each
other for the rest of their lives, no matter what. In spite of annoying habits.
Or impossible situations. Or temptations that the bed might be sweeter on the
other side of the wall.
Honestly, all
humans are fallible. None of us is perfect, not a single one. We will
disappoint each other, hurt each other, apologize, make up, and forgive each
other. But when EACH of us sets aside our selfish (what can you do for me)
desires, and puts the other person's (what can I do for you) best interests
foremost in our hearts and minds, we can prevail.
And in the end,
when a wrinkled, gray-haired, walker-dependent couple can sit together, holding
hands, and love the spark of youth they still see in each other's eyes, that is
the best love story of all.
4 comments:
Well written, Kris, and I agree!
Well said, Kris.
I watched a discussion between men of power on the topic of infidelity. The ones who were faithful said it was a daily commitment, that there was always an available woman.
Any relationship, to be successful, takes commitment and putting the other person first, looking at the world from their perspective is a very good thing!
Excellent post, Kris! I really enjoyed it!
Commitment is the key. That is the test of true love.
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