In the Netflix series Dash and Lily, the character Sofia makes a profound observation about the enduring charm of fairytales. She points out that these stories, often seen as reserved for girls, were actually crafted by men who envisioned themselves as the prince charming rescuing damsels in distress. It’s a bitter reminder that the idea of perfect love, ingrained in our minds by movies, shows, and books, might be setting unrealistic standards for real-life relationships.

As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, I resonate with the enchanting tales of love depicted in my favourite movies like About Time, the heartfelt stories shared on the Modern Love podcast, and the captivating narratives found in books like Alice Oseman’s Loveless. Christmas, my favourite time of the year, further emphasises the recurring theme of love. However, despite my deep appreciation for the idea of love, reality often falls short of the idyllic portrayals we often encounter in the media. Conversations with potential partners tend to fizzle out over time, leaving me to wonder whether the one is on vacation or stuck in traffic.

Fairytales have set the bar so high that even Superman would struggle to reach it. Love is messier than a food fight and weirder than a cat playing the piano. It’s like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions; you’re just hoping it doesn’t end in a disaster. We’re all guilty of chasing that perfect soulmate, the forever love. But let’s face it, happily-ever-afters are like unicorn sightings—rare and probably a result of too much glitter inhalation. In real life, love may not unfold in a charming bookstore during the Christmas season, and it might not happen at first sight. Life’s a maze of maybes and uncertainties, especially when it comes to love.

Psychologists at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh revealed that fans of Hollywood romance movies like The Wedding Planner face communication challenges in real relationships. Dr. Holmes, the study lead, noted that people often believe their relationships must mirror movie perfection, neglecting the importance of investing time and effort.

I won’t give up on cherishing the picturesque portrayals of love, but I’ve come to realise that the pursuit of love isn’t about fairytales and unattainable standards; it’s about finding someone to navigate life’s messiness. True love is imperfect, and that imperfection? Well, that’s the real magic.