Hopelful Romantic

Ok, I can admit it... I'm a hopeful romantic. I don't want to say "hopeless" - because I have hope. But if being hopeless romantic means that there is no hope for me recovering from my romanticism... then I suppose that is more accurate.

Its important to note that I am not simply a romantic, sappy soul. From my youth I have loved mystery and adventure stories as much as romance stories. Growing up my favorite books were Agatha Christie and Dick Francis mysteries and James Bond adventures, alongside classics like Little Women, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Gone with the Wind. I was more picky about movies, not liking movies that showcased violence and death (even though those things were present in the books I was reading) - I didn't like graphic violence.

But to bring us back to the present moment.... I still like adventure stories and mysteries, and I love comedies (both books and movies), but I love romance, too. I love movies and books that tell sweet stories of finding love. One of my favorite books is Pride and Prejudice (I think because it has a great romance and comedy), and I love movies like You've Got Mail, Hitch, and Notting Hill, among others. I was watching the end of You've Got Mail tonight, and thinking about why it is I like romantic comedies so much.

I know they sometimes are contrived (some of you would say always), but there is something compelling and enjoyable about watching the dance of people falling in love, of seeing the highs and lows, and hoping that love can really happen, that love exists. I think there are spiritual parallels to the great romance. And I watch them in hope that I will encounter a love like what I see - one that makes me laugh, and sometimes makes me cry, one that is mutual and with respect.

Here are just a few of my favorite romantic movies (comedy or drama)
Pride and Prejudice (A&E version with Colin Firth)
You've Got Mail
When Harry Met Sally
Stranger than Fiction
Hitch
The Holiday
Charade (with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant)
Notting Hill
Music and Lyrics
Love Actually
Sound of Music
Dirty Dancing
Return to Me

OK, readers.... what are some of YOUR favorites?