I am a romantic movie junkie

I can’t seem to control my obsession with romantic movies. I have to classify it as an addiction. The definition of addiction is any behavior that interferes with daily activities and prevents you from creating value in your life. That is my case with romance.

It started in 2005 the first time I watched Pride and Prejudice. I watched that movie over and over and over and over much to the dismay of my husband. I was obsessed with it. Then, after a long period of time, the feelings faded and I got my life back to normal. Then I did it again with 27 Dresses. Again, over and over for weeks until this too lessened and it was sent to the DVD cabinet. A long span came before I was struck again by The Ugly Truth. This one did not last as long due to bad acting. Now, this has happened again with Catch and Release. Probably my worst case since P&P. I missed C&R when it was in the movies but picked it up in the bargain bin at Walmart.  I saw that movie for the first time on Sunday night. It is Tuesday morning and I have been through it at least 6 times and I don’t see an end in sight.

It is like getting a drug fix. The anticipation of seeing how he falls in love with her. Watching how their relationship develops. Actually feeling his love for her. I have given a great deal of thought as to what about these movies attracts me so strongly and I have figured it out. It is watching the leading man fall madly in love with the girl. That is the part I obsess over. Watching him feel such intense feelings and be vulnerable to this girl. I want that. I love that rush. Seeing him love her, I want that. The interesting thing is, I have that. My husband is all of these men wrapped in one. My husband IS my leading man.

Watching new love is so invigorating. We all want to feel that. How do you feel that on a regular basis? Through movies and books but that is watching someone else’s experience. What about our own experience? How can we feel those feelings first hand? We all get that rush from a new love, but routine kills that over time. We crave that rush that no longer exists in our current relationship. Or can it be there? Men don’t realize that women don’t want the other guy, they want their guy feeling this way about them.

This also begs that women should never settle. I settled in my first marriage for new love that was fleeting, not new love that was with a man that would last. I have had to age, and gain experience to recognize the difference. No wonder divorce is so prevalent. At some point we no longer accept settling for less than what we want.

I have to admit I have not been a part of the whole Twilight phenomenon. I have read about it and seen stories on the “Twi-moms”. Women say it is a safe way to experience the rush of new love. I totally get that. This whole phenom validates my crazy behavior, assuring me I am not alone.

Does this obsession come with age? I have shown things that move me to my 13 year old stepdaughter that get a less than “wow” reaction. Yet she got so excited watching Starstruck on the Disney Channel, at the pivotal moment where the boy chooses the girl over the movie deal. I saw the same thrill in her that I experience with more mature movies. So the desire is there, even at 13. She just needs to be watching age appropriate material and relatable characters. She can’t relate to a 30-something and from my point of view, I thought Starstruck was cute but it didn’t have the same punch for me because these characters could be my kids.

At some point in my spiritual evolution, I may uncover a way to get this rush through meditation, yoga, standing on my head or eating just enough chocolate covered pomegranates to put me in a sugar coma. Until then, I will continue my obsession with cinema.

Anyone care to join me for Sex and The City 2 this weekend?

Love, Lu

One Response to I am a romantic movie junkie
  1. Susi
    May 25, 2010 | 12:35 pm

    OMG Stacey…this is so strange. I literally just came to this realization myself last week. I have been reading the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, and am head over heels in love with the leading man, Jamie. I am finding that every time Jamie does something sweet, romantic, or sexy, Ryan reaps the benefits threefold. He very much encourages my obsession. 😉

    I would love to go see Sex in City 2 with you. We have regatta this weekend, but I’m not sure if I’m going yet or not. I’ll stay in radio contact on that…

    P.S. You made me want to go home and watch Catch and Release again. I love that movie.

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