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message 1: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (last edited Dec 02, 2009 07:36AM) (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Dictionary.com has twelve definitions for romantic:

1. of, pertaining to, or of the nature of romance; 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.
6. ardent; passionate; fervent.
7. (usually initial capital letter) of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a style of literature and art that subordinates form to content, encourages freedom of treatment, emphasizes imagination, emotion, and introspection, and often celebrates nature, the ordinary person, and freedom of the spirit (contrasted with classical ).
8. of or pertaining to a musical style characteristic chiefly of the 19th century and marked by the free expression of imagination and emotion, virtuosic display, experimentation with form, and the adventurous development of orchestral and piano music and opera.
9. imaginary, fictitious, or fabulous.
10. noting, of, or pertaining to the role of a suitor or lover in a play about love: the romantic lead.

–noun 11. a romantic person.
12. a romanticist.
13. romantics, romantic ideas, ways, etc.


Do any of these fit you? Are there other reasons you consider yourself a romantic?



message 2: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
I wear romantic shoes.


message 3: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Why do you consider yourself romantic, Arch? I'd love to hear that from anyone who cares to share.


message 4: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Why do you consider yourself romantic, Arch? I'd love to hear that from anyone who cares to share."

Because, I can't share my love without being romantic. I believe in romancing and being romanced.

The little things are big to me.




message 5: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
That makes sense, Arch.


message 6: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
Are you a romantic Danielle?


message 7: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I am a diehard romantic. I can't help being romantic. I think it's written into my make up. Out of 12 definitions above, six apply to me.

I believe in love conquering all.
I believe love can mend all wounds.
I believe that anything is better when you are in love and love someone.
I believe that we should all strive and work to make the world a better place.
I believe that love should cause you to make sacrifices for others.

Despite how it might sound, I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, because I've learned that isn't wise. But those who know me best and 'get in there,' they have my steadfast love.


message 8: by Davina (last edited Dec 02, 2009 08:44AM) (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments I'd answer that with a resounding yes. I feel things so very deeply, I know for sure I'm a sucker for the romantic.

When my dad died it torn me up, but I was more devastated for my mom. She lost a man she has loved for over 40 years. It's been a few months since his passing but everything at their house is still the same. It's like he just went out for a stroll and Mom's waiting for him to return. And she will not hear of having any of his things removed.

Me and my hubby have been on the verge of divorce a few times, and its their love story that saved us. This all sounds very corny & cheesy but its so true. So hopeless romantic? Definitely yes.


message 9: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
That doesn't sound corny at all. I feel things deeply too. I can read any genre and enjoy it, if there are romantic elements in it (romantic in a broad sense). Movies with some element of the romantic appeal to me much more. That's why I feel for Twilight. It's a very romantic story to me.


message 10: by Davina (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments One of the reasons why I love my husband is because despite all his faults, he still knows how turn me into a melting puddle of giggles with romantic gestures (at the age of 44 -- on the 16th).

I love being wooed.

You'll find books from all genres, fiction and non-fiction, in our library, but romance will always be my first love because I experience a great sense of well-being when I witness manifestations of the romantic like my Mom's devotion to my Dad. And I guess that's exactly why the Twilight Saga has been so successful among so many audiences.








message 11: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I love books, period. But like you, Davina, I always come back to romance because of the power of it to me.


message 12: by Davina (last edited Dec 02, 2009 09:08AM) (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments No one will ever accuse me of being a religious person, but the best definition of love I ever read was the one in 1 Corinthians 13(?). I haven't read the bible since I was 12, so don't hold me to that. It's poignantly romantic, imo.

Indeed, I believe its a poignantly romantic notion -- meaning I don't know if it is fully within any human's capability to love so selflessly. It's idealistic love ... as are many teachings in the bible, I believe. But hey in addition to being a romantic I'm a dead hard cynic. May seem contradictory but I can tell you its quite possible. lol


message 13: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I love 1 Corinthians 13. I almost put that in my post, but I was afraid that would tip my post over into Pollyanna territory, since I was going on and on.

I would love to have this read at my wedding (one day if I ever get married).

I'm fairly pragmatic and realistic (although you all may not believe it), which tempers my idealism and desire for high ideals to be fulfilled in life all the time. I do believe in selfless love. But like you, I think it's hard to be succeed at this. But at least we can try, right?


message 14: by Davina (last edited Dec 02, 2009 09:24AM) (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments It was read at my wedding, many years ago and my husband incorporated parts of it into his vows to me. I never expected it at all, and if you knew my husband you'd know why. He's not an overly emotional person. He has very little tolerance for PDA, with the exception of hand holding or a light peck on the cheek. I cried and cried and cried like a baby that day. I still get teary eyed when I remember it. lol


message 15: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
That's when something means the most. When a person who is not demonstrative, totally does something that shows just how deep his feelings are. That's a very nice story, Davina.


message 16: by Arch , Mod (last edited Dec 02, 2009 10:18AM) (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
I love reading romance, especially where the couple are wearing romantic shoes. I love writing romance and I love writing my characters being romantic.

I love seeing old people still together, being married for so many years. They look so cute in the stores shopping together or even holding hands at the park or somewhere.

I want to grow old with my husband. I want people to say "Look at those lovebirds." when they see us. Because my whole heart will be given to my future husband. I know that marriage is work. It's a combine 48 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year job.

I don't believe in empty love. An empty heart is clear, but a red heart is filled.

God already knows that I don't want to get married, unless I am getting married to "the man for me."

God knows everything I am looking for in that man and if it's his will that man will find me.


message 17: by CaliGirlRae, Mod Squad (new)

CaliGirlRae (rae_l) | 2017 comments Mod
Beautifully put, Arch. :-)


message 18: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
That's a great philosphy, Arch. I agree with you on God knowing what I need in a spouse.


message 19: by Yolonda (new)

Yolonda | 406 comments I don't know if I'm just in love with the concept of love or just have high expectations when it comes to a relationship. I've witnessed relationships that suffered because one partner is highly romantic while the other has no clue and doesn't care to figure it out. Some people can get past it, but others cannot...and it can eventually erode a relationship if one person doesn't feel appreciated or valued.

I guess if one is a romantic at heart, it may be beneficial to find that someone who doesn't mind the small gestures during the year...and not just for holidays.


message 20: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I agree that all of the members are romantic to some extent. But I think the term romantic has different layers of meaning. This thought process was confirmed when I actually looked up the word. I think romanticism is a way of life for some people. They idealize everything, relationships, their view of the world, etc. I don't want to judge anyone, but I do feel that the pure romantic is bound to get their heart broken if they don't mix it with a little bit of realism.

What I just said does not negate the right to expect gestures from your partner. Everyday won't be Valentine's Day, but I think everyday a couple should make gestures of love and affection towards each other, even if it's in mundane ways, like, fixing dinner so that when your spouse gets home, it's ready. Or taking out the garbage without being asked to. Or buying a cd that you know your partner likes. To me that's a very realistic, much appreciated way of showing that you care and your partner is important to you.


message 21: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
I'm down with realism 100%. My romantic shoes walks on reality road. If romance isn't real to me, then I don't want it.


message 22: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Even in romance novels, if it's too perfect and fairy tale-ish, then it's hard for me to really buy into the HEA. I like to see the H/h struggle a little towards their happy ending in some way.


message 23: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
I love reading and writing tension, but not every couple is going to have tension and I honestly don't believe that every story should have the couple going through something before they get their HEA.

A lot of real life couples don't go through things before marriage.


message 24: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (last edited Dec 03, 2009 08:51AM) (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I don't know, Arch. I think we all have troubles. They don't have to be earth-shaking, ground-breaking troubles. But we all have troubles. You might just disagree with me. That's okay. On the other hand, I am not being clear in saying what I mean. Perhaps what you call tension is what I call conflict. Conflict can take the form of anything from a mean boss to fighting bad guys. The best books have some sort of conflict, whether it's internal or external. I'm not talking about trouble or struggles in the relationship, if you thought that's what I meant. I actually prefer to write stories where the couples is not at each other's throats and fighting a lot, and breaking up. Most of my stories have external conflict or internal conflict where one of the characters is dealing with some issue and the other character helps them to deal with that issue as they grow closer together.


message 25: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
When I say that I like to read and write tension, I'm talking about actions between the couples.

You have said it's hard for you to buy into the HEA, if the romance is too perfect and fairy tale-ish. I took that as you saying that if a hero and heroine don't go through something between them, then you can't buy their HEA.

I will speak for myself. I have read a lot of books where the hero and heroine have gone through an issue between the two of them, before they have gotten their HEA. I just don't think that there always have to be a problem, especially in interracial books.




message 26: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
That's just it, I am not talking about between them in their relationship. I'm talking about obstacles in their life. There are so many things that can serve as conflict in a book that can DRAW THE COUPLE CLOSER TOGETHER, NOT APART. I actually don't like when the couple is always breaking up in a book. That's my least favorite plot device.


message 27: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
Okay Danielle.


message 28: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (last edited Dec 03, 2009 09:41AM) (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I wanted to make you know I wasn't yelling at you. I hope it didn't seem like that. I'm just using caps to emphasize my point. I know that's bad internet ettiquette.


message 29: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
You know, fairy tales are pretty dark. That's probably not the best comparison. :)


message 30: by Christy (new)

Christy Stewart (christyleighstewart) | 86 comments I don't consider myself romantic and have been told many times I'm not; so I don't think I am lol


message 31: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Why do you say that, Christy?


message 32: by Christy (new)

Christy Stewart (christyleighstewart) | 86 comments Hmmm...good question...

I think the short answer is I tend to not 'get' romance.


message 33: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
I'm so not trying to put you on the spot, but can you elaborate on not getting romance? Is it the formula? The conventions, the types of romance offered?



message 34: by Christy (new)

Christy Stewart (christyleighstewart) | 86 comments It comes up when some friends and I are watching a romantic movie and I comment on how I wish they H/H would both die; that's when I'm told I'm not romantic.


message 35: by A.M. (new)

A.M. | 349 comments The young girl of my youth was a hopeless romantic. To that girl love was all consuming, passionate, and without fear. That girl wanted to travel, see the world, and become a painter.

Real life just didn't work out that way. But yes the me who just past her 49th birthday is still a romantic at heart.

I truly believe that love does conquer all.


message 36: by Davina (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "Even in romance novels, if it's too perfect and fairy tale-ish, then it's hard for me to really buy into the HEA. I like to see the H/h struggle a little towards their happy ending in some way."

Agree!

That's one of the reasons why I love reading books with married couples. Being married can be fun, but it takes a lot of effort. Love will not always be enough.


message 37: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Brenda wrote: "The young girl of my youth was a hopeless romantic. To that girl love was all consuming, passionate, and without fear. That girl wanted to travel, see the world, and become a painter.

Real life j..."


Same here, Brenda. I had some lofty goals for my life, but then I realized you can only plan so much. You have to take lemons and make lemonade. Don't stop hoping, but at the same time, realize that life won't always make things easy for you.




message 38: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (last edited Dec 03, 2009 01:20PM) (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Christy wrote: "It comes up when some friends and I are watching a romantic movie and I comment on how I wish they H/H would both die; that's when I'm told I'm not romantic."

--Do you wish they would die because you don't like them, or you really think the end would be better that way?


message 39: by Christy (new)

Christy Stewart (christyleighstewart) | 86 comments Both usually lol


message 40: by Davina (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments Brenda wrote: "The young girl of my youth was a hopeless romantic. To that girl love was all consuming, passionate, and without fear. That girl wanted to travel, see the world, and become a painter.

Real life j..."


Oh Brenda, I do so relate. I was such an idealistic young woman. I married quite young and popped out 2 children very early in my life. I thought the world of my husband, the man of my dreams (well, he is ... on occasion :), I thought nothing could shatter our love or come between us (it could and it did, twice). I've had to sacrifice so much to provide my sons with a good and stable home. Sometimes I've felt cheated, but if given the chance to do it again I would because I can not imagine my life without my kids. And yes, I'd marry my husband again because at his core he's a good man and when other men his age would have shirked and ran from their responsibilities, he stuck around.

So as I approach my 44th birthday, having been married for 24 years ... I still believe in the (healing) power of love, despite everything.



message 41: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
Davina, you have been married for a long time. Most Hollywood people don't even know what 24 years of marriage is. They don't even know what 5 years of marriage mean.

Marriage is work and I believe that when the man and woman are truly in love with one another, they will work hard for their marriage.


message 42: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (last edited Dec 03, 2009 01:52PM) (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Arch wrote: "Davina, you have been married for a long time. Most Hollywood people don't even know what 24 years of marriage is. They don't even know what 5 years of marriage mean.

Marriage is work and I bel..."


I couldn't agree more, Arch. Sometimes it doesn't work out, but as long as you try your hardest to make the marriage work, then at least you've done all you can.




message 43: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Christy wrote: "Both usually lol"

Sometimes I do want to see the leads in a particularly annoying, plastic, canned Hollywood, pseudo-romantic, but mainly just inane romantic comedy jump off the cliff just to put me out of my misery. Maybe that's similar to what you are saying.

I hated Made of Honor. Patrick Dempsey was a low-life in my opinion in that movie. He had a major case of dog in the manger, and I wouldn't have minded him getting ran over by a crazed flock of sheep. I thought the girl in that movie was an idiot to be in love with such a womanizing, misogynistic jerk, and the Scottish guy she chose to marry had no personality (although I like Kevin McKidd as an actor). That movie was torture to watch. I promised myself I would not go see those kinds of movies and I would try to avoid them like the plague.

I ended up watching 27 Dresses and it wasn't bad. I liked James Marsden, and I liked Katherine Heigl with the brown hair. I wanted to slap the mess out of her sister and Edward Burns (who I normally find very cute).

Sorry for all the vitriol. Your post just made me think of this. No offense to fans of any of the above.


message 44: by Christy (new)

Christy Stewart (christyleighstewart) | 86 comments What's that recent one where the leading lady is a boss and she has her lackey pretend to be her boyfriend?

THAT movie made me want them to die.


message 45: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
You mean The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds? I thought I might like that one since it's more quirky and has good actors in it that I like.

I don't dislike Patrick Dempsey. I'm just not interested in him.


message 46: by Arch , Mod (new)

Arch  | 6707 comments Mod
I like when James' character in Enchanted said: Gisele.




message 47: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Don't hit me. I haven't watched Enchanted yet. (hiding).


message 48: by Davina (new)

Davina D. | 796 comments Never got the whole McDreamy thing going on with Patrick Dempsey. Just don't see his appeal at all. He's ugly, imo.


message 49: by Christy (new)

Christy Stewart (christyleighstewart) | 86 comments Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "You mean The Proposal, with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds?"

That's the one!

Come to think of it, though, Ryan Reynolds is hot so maybe he doesn't have to die...

Davina wrote: "Never got the whole McDreamy thing going on with Patrick Dempsey. Just don't see his appeal at all. He's ugly, imo. "

Ditto.


message 50: by Danielle The Book Huntress , Sees Love in All Colors (new)

 Danielle The Book Huntress  (gatadelafuente) | 7331 comments Mod
Davina wrote: "Never got the whole McDreamy thing going on with Patrick Dempsey. Just don't see his appeal at all. He's ugly, imo. "

--I didn't like him because was a cheater. I know his wife cheated first, but it was still wrong. I had no respect for him.




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