Let’s face it–Hollywood has killed our expectations for romance. And by “killed” we mean “set the bar so high that nothing anyone ever does for us could possibly compare to what we see on the Big Screen.”
Oh we can say we know that the storylines aren’t real, but the truth of the matter is we secretly want to duplicate at least one scene from our favorite romantic comedy, drama, or tv show. (And if you’re shaking your head in disapproval, we don’t believe you.)
So it stands to reason that when we’re online dating, we might be a little influenced by what we’ve seen played out in theaters or on our tvs. We don’t mean to hear songs in our head or see visions of family gatherings or think of characters we don’t want them (or us!) to be like–we just do. We can’t help it.
There’s probably an entire SingleRoots series here on how we shouldn’t let Hollywood influence our view of self, others, and romance, but can we just not Jesus juke it for now and have a little fun with it? After all, it’s February, and ’tis the season for all things hearts and smooches. And that also means more singles are hanging out in that virtual world of online dating sites and apps and then entering reality on dates.
So if that’s you–and if it’s not, why not?–let’s talk about what we’re actually thinking when we start connecting with some of those online dates. Because all it takes is one trigger word or phrase in their profile/emails/texts and suddenly we’ve got a movie scene or two already playing in our heads.
When his profile says he loves to dance and you’re getting visions of Johnny Castle at Kellerman’s…
But then you find some videos on his Instagram account and what you see is more along the lines of Willard in Footloose…
When you think she’s about to be a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her…
But what you get is a girl standing in front of a boy asking him not to call her again…
When you’re talking to two different guys on two different apps and feeling a bit like Bridget Jones…
But after crappy dates with each of them you end up feeling like, well, still like Bridget Jones…
When he asks you out for Valentine’s Day and you’re giddy thinking it’s your very own Sleepless in Seattle story…
But instead, you’re left wondering How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (or less really)…
When her profile makes you think she’s a little too Melanie Smooter for you…
But then you find out she’s actually too Elle Woods for you…
When you’re hoping that noise outside your window is him channeling Lloyd Dobbler with a boombox lifted high…
But what you find is Ronald Miller on a lawn mower…
When your online dating career feels more like 50 First Dates…
Instead of You’ve Got Mail…
When your conversations with her over text make you swear you’re hearing “My Heart Will Go On” on repeat in your head…
And then after meeting her in real life, you realize the only song you keep hearing in your head is “Danger Zone”…
When he says he has a big, close-knit family and you have dreams of family Christmases like in While You Were Sleeping…
But after a few conversations, you realize he’s essentially a Portokalos…
When his profile picture shows him to be a Mr. Napkinhead with his nieces and nephews…
But after talking to him on the phone, you realize he’s nothing more than a Jasper…
When you’re just hoping you don’t come across as a Lydia Bennet…
But he actually looks at you like Mr. Bingley looks at Jane…
When you think she’s going to see you as Duckie…
But she thinks you’re Jake Ryan…
Happy Valentine’s Day, singlets! Should you decide to get in on the online dating action right now, check out the deals we know of right now in the coupons below. Godspeed, friends! May you find wuv, true wuv. And if not love, then at least decent date or two…
What others would you add to the list? Share how your favorite Hollywood scene has ruined you in the comments below…
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