I love romantic fiction. It’s easy, entertaining, and an enticing escape from reality. It’s no secret that romantic fiction is the most popular and profitable genre in literature, generating over $1 billion annually. With its feel-good plots and heartwarming resolutions, these stories offer an alluring retreat from everyday life, filling readers’ lives with joy, excitement, and a sense of safety. Yet, beneath the glossy surface of these tales lies a darker side that can subtly shape readers’ expectations and satisfaction with their own relationships.
“Meet-cutes, star-crossed lovers, passion, or a forbidden union. No matter which you prefer, if you are reading today’s romance novels, you are likely encountering at least one of these scenarios,” says Jennifer Harden, Wickson Library’s Adult Services Librarian. “Throw in some humbling, sometimes humiliating, circumstances, and you have yourself a romantic comedy, or rom-com for short.”
The allure of romantic fiction lies in its promise of a “happily ever after.” These novels present an idealized version of love, complete with perfect partners, grand gestures, and undeniable chemistry. This depiction creates a comforting sense of resolution, reassuring readers that love, despite its challenges, ultimately prevails. This idealism is a primary reason why the genre remains so captivating. And while modern romantic fiction is slowly portraying more realistic characters with complex relationships, it remains largely, well, romanticized.
While these stories provide an enjoyable escape, they can also foster unrealistic expectations. The scientific explanation behind our addiction to these tales is rooted in the dopamine surge they induce. According to The Romance Studio, “The anticipation of romantic moments, the unfolding of a captivating plot, and the fulfillment of emotional connections all contribute to a surge of dopamine in our brains. This chemical reward reinforces our desire to continue reading and experiencing the pleasurable effects of the story.”
Despite their fantastical elements, the emotional experiences in romantic fiction—falling in love, overcoming obstacles, and seeking connection—are relatable. Yet, this relatability can blur the line between fantasy and reality, leading some readers to hold their real-life relationships to the same impossibly high standards portrayed in these novels.
“I feel that romantic fiction can sometimes lead readers to have unrealistic expectations of how relationships actually operate,” says Beth Emmons, Wickson Library’s Early Learning Specialist. “They can also lead readers to constantly compare their relationships to the ones they are reading about, where characters don’t have the flaws that real humans have.”
Kristen Gere, avid reader and Wickson Librarian, echoes this sentiment: “I feel like romantic fiction can work both in favor of and against current relationships. Sometimes it’s good to get a little reminder of what it feels like to be in love, reawakening feelings that may have dimmed in daily life. But it can also set up unrealistic expectations.”
This dichotomy—between the pleasure of the fantasy and the reality of relationships—can create a dissonance for readers. The enchanting worlds crafted by authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Mhairi McFarlane, Abby Jimenez, Rebecca Yarros, Annabel Monaghan, Emily Henry, and Colleen Hoover are designed to sweep readers off their feet. Yet, when the fairy tale ends, the contrast with everyday life can sometimes feel stark and disheartening.
In the end, romantic fiction serves as a delightful escape, providing a temporary break from the struggles of real life. However, it’s essential for readers, especially young readers, to remember that these stories, with their idealized portrayals of love and romance, are just that—stories. They offer joy and inspiration but should not overshadow the imperfect yet deeply rewarding nature of real-life relationships. Balancing the magic of fiction with the realities of everyday love is key to enjoying both realms to their fullest. So go ahead, enjoy those sweet and sometimes spicy rom coms, but take them with a grain of salt. Happy reading!
Comments