took the no. 1 spot at box offices this past week and further proved that relationships are a hot topic. Happy endings like those in romantic comedies give some viewers hope, because, you guessed it…we all want to feel like those girls in the movies!
Aside from the perfectly-timed scenes and accelerated storylines, most relationship flicks are pretty realistic and dreamy. But, everything doesn’t work for everybody. Whether or not you choose to follow the rules (to a T) like the characters of TLAM, lesson can be learned from our favorite films!
Check out our list of heart-stealing movie couples…
Who: Joy Bryant & Derek Luke
What: Antwon Fisher (2002)
Why: Sometimes it seems like the hardest thing to do in relationships is put your heart on the line, especially when you’ve been hurt before. However, that’s just a part of the game. You take the chance of your heart being either torn, broken or filled, and sometimes you face all three! It’s actually quite a gamble, but you learn a lesson and grow with each move.
Lesson: “I’m still strong.”
Who: Nia Long & Larenz Tate
What: Love Jones (1997)
Why: We’re all a little stubborn at some point, aren’t we? Cut it out! When you want something, or in this case someone, go for it. We saw in Love Jones that time waits for no man. Happy ending here, but not everybody gets so lucky.
Lesson: Go out on a limb, stay smart, see where lust takes you.
Who: Simon Baker & Sanna Lathan
What: Something New (2006)
Why: There’s nothing wrong with having a “type,” but you can’t always go by the book. No man is perfect. Now, that doesn’t mean settle, but it just means that our imagination often causes us to lose sight of what’s standing right in front of us. Sanaa Lathan’s character in Something New embraced this idea when she took a leap of faith and started dating a guy outside of her race.
Lesson: It’s okay to step away from your comfort zone–that’s usually where greatness lies.
Who: Tyrese Gibson & Taraji P. Henson
What: Baby Boy (2001)
Why: Douglas Horton is often quoted saying: “If you love something, let it go free. If it doesn’t come back, you never had it. If it comes back, love it forever.” This statement remained true for Jody” and “Yvette. Despite numerous setbacks and disappointments, the two were able to reconcile at the end.
Lesson: Sometimes you need distance in a relationship to see if it’s real–memories will either cause your hearts to grow fonder, or farther apart.
Who: Omar Epps & Sanaa Lathan
What: Love and Basketball (2002)
Why: Love has a funny way of revealing itself, but it’s not surprising that people often get with their closest friends; they know you best! Although it is possible for men and women to remain friends, a few besties of that nature often find themselves defending their platonic relationships. Nonetheless, the friend route is a great path to take in the journey to love. Your spouse ultimately (we would hope) becomes your best friend, anyway. The only problem is putting your real friendship on the line.
Lesson: Always ask yourself: can your platonic friendship sustain the ups and downs, and progression or ending of an intimate relationship?
