Having a relationship these days it’s like trying to keep up with the latest fashions – one minute it’s all about traditional roles and the next were talking about polyamory and open relationships. But hey, at least we’re keeping things interesting, right?
Back in the day, love was just a four-letter word and people were all about that baby-making and financial stability. But then someone invented romantic love and suddenly everyone was like, “Hold up, maybe I should actually like the person I’m marrying?”
Why not? And since I no longer have to rebel against my parents’ decision to marry a human Shrek for financial security, I suddenly have more time to reflect on some modern concept that would leave my ancestors scratching their heads. Ready? Was the whole Romeo and Juliet situation really a grand love story or just a cautionary tale about how love can go wrong and ruin everything? I mean, they were literally teenagers who met at a party, fell head over heels in love, and decided to get married the next day without telling anyone. Did they really think they were going to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after? It’s almost like they were asking for trouble.
Still have no answer for this dilemma , but I had come across a fascinating concept that had not crossed my mind previously. “happily ever after” sound familiar?
Yeees, of course it does, we all know Disney Princes.
Let me give you a few more: Love is in the air, I’m lovin’ it , Love Conquers All, You Complete Me, and my favourite one these days, Love knows no boundaries -disclaimer: Tiffany Co.’s slogan is coincidental and not related to my intense desire for a diamond ring from my significant other.
These phrases tap into the universal desire for love and connection, and are often used to sell products or promote movies that revolve around romantic relationships.
Marketers often use romantic love and the idea of finding one’s soulmate to create a sense of emotional attachment to their products. The constant bombardment of romantic imagery and messages in marketing can create a sense of dissatisfaction or inadequacy in consumers, which creates a desire to purchase products or services that promise to fulfil these romantic ideals, leading of course to compulsive buying behaviours.
As we contemplate the potential for romantic love to be a byproduct of clever marketing tactics that take advantage of the intricacies of human emotions, it becomes clear that it is up to us as, individuals, to question the messages we receive from marketing and popular culture, and to make intentional choices that reflect our own values and desires. By prioritising genuine emotional connections over idealised romantic notions, we can build relationships that are grounded in reality, and have a better chance of lasting over time.
