From the moment we are placed in the cradle our heads are filled with tales and ventures which exist only in 'far away places'. This introduction in life, should be sufficient to tell us the preceding tale is pure fantasy; but we are young, naive, full of imagination, and led to believe that if we are fortunate enough, one day, we too will be in a relationship and live ''happily ever after".
The concept of a bedtime story is good for plenty of reasons it promote family time the youngsters are quiet it helps in the understanding of language and is generally a much better alternative option to the plethora of screen-entertainment that's on offer for the new generation.
However the recurrent foundational basis of such fairytales can cause an entire range of unrealistic expectations in later life when it comes to relationships and the real world. These stories lead us to believe that there's one 'soul mate ' with which a fairy tale ending is possible. They suggest that true happiness is only achievable if you have companionship. All too often women are depicted in film as depressed and lonely till they discover their 'prince'.
The storylines intrinsically suggest that 'finding love ' is the struggle, and that when you have - the rest will slot into place. Meanwhile, in the actual world, circumstances such as work, health, finances, debt, youngsters, chores, family and death, just to cite a couple of issues, repeatedly impact the picture perfect life that we grew up idolising.
Fairytales regularly make the phenomenon of 'love at first sight ' seem common, when in actual fact it's the exception to the rule. Such an event emphasize's the physical aspects of a relationship, and validates unrealistic expectations as it at the same time weakens friendship and mutual respect as the foundations of a real, loving relationship.
A great relationship allows us to embrace better versions of ourselves and motivates ordinary folk to reach astonishing outcomes. The irony may be that the tale of Cinderella, one of the famous stories about a deep and long lasting love, has given an unattainable dream, leaving us needing more rather than seeing what's great around us
*Cinderella is a well known Walt Disney Production.
The concept of a bedtime story is good for plenty of reasons it promote family time the youngsters are quiet it helps in the understanding of language and is generally a much better alternative option to the plethora of screen-entertainment that's on offer for the new generation.
However the recurrent foundational basis of such fairytales can cause an entire range of unrealistic expectations in later life when it comes to relationships and the real world. These stories lead us to believe that there's one 'soul mate ' with which a fairy tale ending is possible. They suggest that true happiness is only achievable if you have companionship. All too often women are depicted in film as depressed and lonely till they discover their 'prince'.
The storylines intrinsically suggest that 'finding love ' is the struggle, and that when you have - the rest will slot into place. Meanwhile, in the actual world, circumstances such as work, health, finances, debt, youngsters, chores, family and death, just to cite a couple of issues, repeatedly impact the picture perfect life that we grew up idolising.
Fairytales regularly make the phenomenon of 'love at first sight ' seem common, when in actual fact it's the exception to the rule. Such an event emphasize's the physical aspects of a relationship, and validates unrealistic expectations as it at the same time weakens friendship and mutual respect as the foundations of a real, loving relationship.
A great relationship allows us to embrace better versions of ourselves and motivates ordinary folk to reach astonishing outcomes. The irony may be that the tale of Cinderella, one of the famous stories about a deep and long lasting love, has given an unattainable dream, leaving us needing more rather than seeing what's great around us
*Cinderella is a well known Walt Disney Production.
About the Author:
Chris Dawson is a highly qualified marriage counselling expert, helping couples resolve relationship issues. His extensive experience, of over 25 years knowledge, is highly sort after all around the world in his position as Clinical Director for Humaneed, a leading Marriage and Relationship Counselling Service located in Australia.
