death to fairytales?

As I have mentioned before, I am taking a Marriage Prep class even though I am nowhere close to getting married. The class is very enjoyable, and I highly recommend it. But after last Thursday, I am beginning to think that fairy tales should not exist.

Last Thursday, we covered the Stages of Marriage and the Myths of Marriage.

I have begun to wonder if the divorce rates wouldn't be so high if fairytales ceased to exist. Think about it. You know how fairy tales end with "and they lived happily ever after", after the girl and the prince get married? Many people get married thinking that all their troubles will end after they are married to their one true love. Things are fine and dandy for a time, but then reality sets in and it ain't pretty. Thanks to Hollywood, the couple thinks there is something wrong with their marriage and if it isn't constantly deliriously happy, then they would be better off not being together. I know I could be exaggerating, but if you look at our divorce rates and the top reasons for divorce...you have to wonder. And what girl didn't grow up on fairy tales, dreaming that one day she would meet her handsome prince?

My desire to be married hasn't been trampled by any means, but after this lecture, I'm glad that marriage isn't in the Lord's plan for me at this point in my life. I've known for years that marriage is hard, but I didn't realize it was THAT hard! Mom, Dad...you make it look pretty easy. But then again, you had been married for almost eight years by the time I came along!

There were quite a few myths that made me laugh, such as the "true love at first sight" myth. Okay, whoever believes it by the time they're my age needs help. I haven't believed that in years. There is one fairy tale that doesn't capitalize on that myth: Beauty and the Beast. There's one movie I'll continue watching. I believe in infatuation at first sight, and yes, I have been a victim...but never again. I also think that Mormons who "knew" that they would marry their spouse the first time they saw each other, should stop sharing that. It raises our hopes a little too high. I don't think that'll happen to me. I've been told that I have a personality that takes getting used to. It seems to run in my family.

I know that my posts tend to be a little bit disorganized, but I hope you understand this one!