Love Story Reflection

My parents’ love story has set a positive example for me of what a real-life relationship looks like. My parents have never sugarcoated what marriage is like. They have been honest with me and my sister, often telling us that marriage is a lot of work, but if you give it the time and effort it deserves, it is really wonderful and rewarding. Learning more about the specifics of their relationship has helped me to better understand my parents. I am more aware of the values they believe are important in a marriage and in a family.

My parents’ love story is very different from the dramatic romantic relationships portrayed in movies and on TV. There was no epic first meeting or grand proposal. They had a simple, realistic courtship, but it suited my parents. A lot of the married couples I’ve seen in romantic comedies portray this image of marital bliss where fighting and conflict are noticeably absent. This is a completely inaccurate portrait of marriage. Conflict is an inevitable and normal part of marriage that, when handled correctly, is healthy. Married couples are not going to be completely happy and on the same page about everything for the rest of their lives. Romantic comedies tend to portray getting married as the solution to all problems and unhappiness in life. This unrealistic idea that getting married will “complete” you can set young people up for disappointment in marriage. One romantic comedy that I think portrays a more realistic couple is I Don’t Know How She Does It. In the movie, Sarah Jessica Parker portrays a working mom with young kids. She and her husband both have jobs and very hectic lives. The movie portrayed the two having fights and disagreements, having stressful days, making difficult decisions, and experiencing many other normal parts of life and marriage. This depiction of marriage is much more in line with the story and lessons my parents have told me.

Kip Moore’s song “Hey Pretty Girl” is a good representation of what it means to share a life with someone. I chose this song because it shows real love that is both strong and lasting. The song references both the good and the bad in life and sends the message that having someone to share forever with is both a challenge and a blessing. It doesn’t say that life will be perfect when you find your soul mate, it will just be better. Moore sings, “Life’s a long and winding ride, better have the right one by your side.” Moore also sings about building a life together, saying “Let’s build some dreams and a house on a piece of land. We’ll plant some roots.” Finally, at the end, Moore does not romanticize his relationship or make it out to be something it isn’t. In the last line, he thanks God, singing, “When I see the light and it’s my time to go, I’m gonna thank the Lord for a real good life, a pretty little girl and a beautiful wife.”