Letters to the Editor

Reality doesn't measure up to supermarket romance novels I read these cheap, formulaic books, and I can't stop wishing my life would be like that. By Cary Tennis [2006-05-19]

• not rock solid

  I don't think the advice given was rock solid.

  First of all, this is a rare and valid example of parents' perfect marriage actually ruining it for the offspring. Offspring are supposed to improve on the first model, right? There's the root of your problem.

  I would say enjoy those novels; they provide an outlet the way movies do. you could even laugh at the way it makes it seem realistic (that's what i do with movies: "yeah, right. you're leaving your fiance for someone you just saw walk through the train station for the first time, and the fiance says 'oh well, better luck next time'. Yeah, right...")

  enjoy them for what they are, and realise them for that. you haven't said what those relationships have been like. you have to be comfortable with the person and honest about your level of comfort. if they want to stick it out, you'll probably end up with a good one (but not a bodice-ripper-- remember, that's for the hottub reading). I bet you'll find you share some positive relationship traits that even your parents don't have; maybe not better, but different.

  Good luck.

  PS How old are you? Are you under 30? I bet so...

  -- lkpo
  Permalink Flag Thursday, May 18, 2006 11:42 PM
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