Romance Novels and Soap Operas: Are They an Enhancement or Detriment to Building Good Relationships?

I have watched soap operas since I was a little girl. My mother watched them everyday, and I watched them right along with her since I was around 5 or 6 years old. Whenever there were love scenes she made me close my eyes or leave the room. We watched our soap operas together each evening after school, because she recorded them, until I left for college. So, can you blame me for still watching them? It's almost a tradition. I began reading romance novels in middle school, and completely fell in love with them. Historical romance novels were my favorite, because I got to learn a bit of history along with being caught up in the intrigue and romance of the novel. Many people feel that watching soaps and reading romance novels create unrealistic expectations in relationships. But, here is one great reason why reading romance novels and watching soaps can be a good thing for relationships.

Expect Respect

I enjoyed reading romance novels, because I enjoyed reading about how the man might change his playboy ways for the woman that he loved. He no longer wanted to chase women or do things that were bad. He was still a tough guy, but he changed his ways to settle down with the heroine of the novel.

Psychologists and the general public always talk about the fact that women cannot change a man. But, I do know of quite a few instances where a man was inspired to change because of falling in love with a particular woman. That woman carried herself in a certain way and commanded respect. The man loved that and was inspired to change. It can happen. If you're with a young man who does not treat you with the respect that you deserve, leave him. It's not unrealistic to expect to be treated well. And, if a man really loves you, he will stop chasing after other women, after becoming serious with you. If not, then he's not the man for you.

Besides providing great entertainment, soap operas and romance novels can give you a good blueprint for how a man should treat the woman that he loves. It's not expecting too much to want a guy to treat you with the utmost respect. And, you can find many examples of that in romance novels and in soap operas.