Romance

Reflecting more on the topic Why do we say “romanticize” to refer to seeing the potential and good in things, even when it isn’t really there?  

The romantic period in literature was actually my favorite period of poetry and got me first interested in literature.  In that period, emotion and things deeper than obvious was the driving force.  Why?  Because the periods before was empty of it and needed it to balance.  

We often see more than exists or less than exists in others and situations.  Our society in recognizing this tells us to avoid that and stick to the facts so as to protect ourselves.  It is true that it can protect us from harm, but it can also prevent us from having anything magical or romantic in our lives, as well.

I’m not saying that there are not toxic situations or that sometimes people won’t just want to be friends.  I face that a lot.  Caution is needed but so is hope.  

Sometimes, it is good to believe and see the intangible, even as it’s important to recognize when that is not based on real potential.  I have come to understand that the only way moving forward to happiness can happen is to begin every potential with optimism and be able to shift gears or change lanes to other potential as the realities of each option become clear.  It’s messy, but that is the only way to get to romantic magic.