 Why
do we love the execution of romance? We get all teary-eyed
when someone announces that they are engaged or getting married.
The wedding itself is a tear-jerker, and we hope and pray
that the couple live happily ever after? Do we think of marriage
and love as fairy tales, and the old saying “the honeymoon
is over,” is literally when the problems begin, and
the constant bickering and fighting is the key? Where is the
romance and love now?
Why do we love romance novels? When I think of romance novels,
I think of Harlequin.
I remember when I was fourteen years old, and I had just started
high school. I had lunch at 5th period, and I would sit at
the lunch table with about five other students. They would
chat about boys, and school, and whatever, and I would listen
with half an ear. My other ear was occupied with reading.
I was reading my first harlequin romance. The romance was
about two couples, meeting with an instant attraction, across
the room, and then the conflict begins. Around the end of
the novel, the conflict is settled and the couple breaks up,
but after a few twists and turns, the couple ends up living
happily ever after. Harlequin
novels had no sex in them at the time, and this was around
1976, and if they mentioned making love, the couple was happily
married.
Today I still read Harlequin,
but I read the Kimani
series, which is geared to African-American characters. I
love these books because to get into the real world, Harlequin
has advanced, and now the books are describing love scenes
in detail, and there are a few curse words along the way.
This is the new world for romance in all shapes and forms.
A romance novel is, according to Wikipedia, “is a literary
genre developed in Western culture, mainly in English-speaking
countries.” These novels focus on the relationship and
romantic love of two people with a satisfied ending. I read
romance because I love the relationship between a man and
woman, the conflict, and then the actually courtship leading
up to the ultimate pleasure, marriage, and living happily
ever after. I love two people finding that episode of love,
and bending backwards to keep that love current against all
issues and chaos. I believe if two people really love each
other, then an elephant or gorilla could not come between
them. If there is true love, there is no obstacle that can’t
be solved or handled.
I am asked all the time, “Why do you waste your time
reading romance novels? It’s not the real world, and
you need to come down to reality.” I frown at them,
and say, “I believe there is a soul-mate out there for
everyone, even you, and when you find that one true soul-mate,
then you will see why I read romance novels.” Even if
I am not in love, or my soul-mate has not shown his face,
I still believe…
 Sometimes
romance helps us believe in that one true love, and it escapes
us from the realities of the world. Unemployment, health issues,
diseases, evil, no justice, homeless, animal cruelty, murder,
hatred, jealousy, and lack of kindness, makes me want to enter
a world of romance in a land of fairy tales for an hour or
two. Why not? I need the break, thank you very much.
As I get older, romance will always be a part of my existence.
I want it, crave it, love it and treasure it. When I finally
find my true mate, my soul-mate, then my romantic tendencies
will all be worth it. Do you believe in romance? I absolutely
truly do. Again, why not? Remember, fairy tales do come true
if you only believe!
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