Myths About Romance Create A Foggy Picture of Reality

Marriage and romance have been the casualty of a number of myths that can really paint a foggy picture of reality if one is not paying attention. Unfortunately, many people actually believe these so-called statements of wisdom to the point where it can actually hinder the growth of their marriage or romantic relationship.

Believing these myths as fact can cause real damage and it’s unfortunate that so many of them have become common beliefs. Therefore it’s important to understand why certain information should be regarded as a myth, because a strong marriage is based on understanding the reality of each person’s character and not making generalized assumptions that can lead to conflict.

Sensationalist television, magazines and talk radio have played a major role when it comes to fueling the belief there’s a raging battle between the sexes happening. While there are certainly physical and psychological differences between the sexes, the term ‘battle’ is an incredible exaggeration that has fuelled much confusion. If you think the couples hacking away at each other on the Jerry Springer Show is typical of normal relationships, then you’ve certainly fallen for one of the most ridiculous myths.

By allowing yourself to assume there is any kind of battle between the sexes, you risk grouping all men and women into certain categories that leads to stereotyping. Recognizing that your partner is a unique individual with many positive and special attributes, you can eliminate the idea there will automatically be conflicts between you because of this so-called “battle of the sexes”. If you think conflict between you is a given or normal, you will likely create a self-fulfilling prophecy that results in a lack of communication, misunderstandings and may even discourage the growth of your relationship.

Nice guys finish last is another one of those silly myths that have been around for quite awhile. Whoever came up with this one must have been feeling very low and full of self-pity because nice guys rarely finish last. Sometimes they may have a longer and harder road but, on the other hand, how often do you see bullies and jerks finishing first? Let’s face it, the nice guys will finish first in the long run, but they’re probably too nice or gracious to go around bragging about their successes.

It’s also important to note that the word ‘nice’ doesn’t mean ‘weak’ or ‘effeminate’. Nice means socially or conventionally proper; refined or virtuous and not at all negative in any way. Nice is not another word for push over or spineless. Nice is actually as close to a ‘perfect’ man as you can get and doesn’t it make sense they will usually end up first.

All you need is romance and it will save your relationship is a eminently optimistic idea, but not very accurate when it comes to reality. If romance was the only thing needed to save a marriage, it would be gushing in an uncontrollable rampant saving marriages throughout the world. Unfortunately, it takes more than just simple romance.

If you truly feel love for your spouse and you’re expressing it by being romantic, then this could quite possibly save your marriage. However, if you are trying to use romance to buy some time or to placate your spouse, then you are probably only buying time or placating your spouse. A marriage is a complex proposition and to assume that one element alone is the only way to success is about as logical as driving down a busy highway wearing a blindfold.

So, the key to dispelling all the myths about romance and marriage is to refuse to assume anything about a person but to observe and appreciate them for exactly who they are. They may have some similar characteristics as a character on a TV show or movie or novel, but they are entirely unique and discovering this uniqueness is probably the most fun part of a successful marriage or romantic relationship.

————————————————————————————————————–

Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.

Visit his websites at: Conquer Anxiety and Depression.com and HowToClassics.com

————————————————————————————————————–