Adolescence is a time when people are experiencing many physical, mental, and social changes that can make their emotions chaotic. One such change is the development of strong feelings towards the opposite gender. Movies and books often portray idealized versions of these feelings, with dramatic declarations of love, passionate kisses, and epic proposals.
Real life relationships may lack these elements due to various factors like culture, family background, and personal beliefs. This has led adolescents to have unrealistic expectations about romantic relationships, which can lead to disappointment and heartbreak.
Adolescent's Emotional Expectations from Romantic Relationships
Adolescents may have high expectations about how their relationship should be like based on what they see in movies or read in novels. They believe that every love story must have a happy ending where the couple lives happily ever after. If this doesn't happen, they feel that something is wrong with them or their partner. They also expect intense displays of affection, such as flowers, gifts, or grand gestures. These may not always come naturally for some partners, leading to resentment and arguments.
The Impact of Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations can cause significant problems in a relationship. It creates tension between partners who don't match each other's desires. Some people may withdraw emotionally to avoid conflict, while others become clingy and possessive. This can lead to confusion and hurt feelings. The partner may perceive the other person as selfish or inconsiderate because they are unable to meet their needs.
Cinematic and literary tropes create unrealistic expectations in adolescents' minds regarding romantic relationships. It is essential to educate young people about healthy relationships and how to manage their emotions realistically. Parents and teachers can play an important role in helping them understand these concepts.
It would help if they were taught to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and expectations with their partners.
What emotional expectations do adolescents bring into relationships shaped by cinematic or literary romantic tropes?
Adolescents often come into relationships with certain emotional expectations that have been shaped by cinematic or literary romances. These expectations can include intense, passionate feelings of love at first sight, sweeping gestures of affection, and grandiose declarations of devotion. While these types of expressions may seem idealistic, they may not always be realistic or healthy for long-term relationships.