A Look at the Romantic: Disney Syndrome

Most people, whether they admit it or not, suffer from some form or another of what I like to call “Disney Syndrome.” Even if we never tell you, men start to think that way too, especially if we’re really happy. We too, start thinking forever with heads in the clouds, and all that good stuff. Now , what is this “Disney syndrome” you ask? That’s a really great question. Allow me to enlighten you. Disney syndrome is a condition that arises as a result of cultural indoctrination with regards to romantic love as espoused by Disney movies.

First of all, as some of my readers will know, I take delight in correcting common modern misconceptions about the usage of some very typical words and phrases. This is most evident in my thoughts on Platonic love. The word romantic is my next target. First of all the dictionary defines romantic using the following definitions:
of, pertaining to, or of the nature of romance:
1. Characteristic or suggestive of the world of romance: a romantic adventure.
2. Fanciful; impractical; unrealistic: romantic ideas.
3. Imbued with or dominated by idealism, a desire for adventure, chivalry, etc.
4. Characterized by a preoccupation with love or by the idealizing of love or one’s beloved.
5. Displaying or expressing love or strong affection.

As you can see, only two of these five definitions have anything to do directly with love at all. Even as a literary term, the word romantic refers to a style of literature that focuses on fantasy, idealism, and heroic deeds. This is a very impractical way of approaching the idea of love. It’s a lot like building a house on sand, eventually the tide will come and wash away everything you’ve worked for. Seriously sets out to build a relationship on that type of foundation? I don’t know anyone who in their right mind want that. I know that some of you my posts may seem pessimistic, but I’m only trying to get you to see that there are other ways to do things than the way we’ve been doing them. The way I like to think of love is this: “love is what happens you stop being in love. Only then can you begin to appreciate a person for who they are, rather than who you want them to be.” So please, take your medicine and stop dreaming of being a Disney prince or princess. If you can’t see someone as your best friend, what business do you have being in love with them?