MOVIE MALES: The Price We Pay
Part 1 of 4: The Romantic

Ever heard of Marilyn Monroe?

Much is said about how movie producers of the past and present exploit women or treat them as sex objects. Girls are draped all over movies, carsâ€"almost anything men will buy or buy intoâ€"but nothing much is mentioned about role reversal.

Stereotypes for “the perfect man� do exist, and they are almost impossible to live up to. They’ve been with us at least for as long as the silver screen itself, so we accept them as part of our lives, labels we continue to live with.

For instance, how many guys have been accused of not being...

THE ROMANTIC

Rudolph Valentino, the ideal romantic of movie mania once said, “Women do not become infatuated with Rudolph Valentino. They do not love him. They are infatuated with what he stands for. They love the man they imagine he represents. They are in love with being in love.�

Critic Heywood Brown said it another way: “Valentino was to millions the romance they never knew. He was Prince Charming and he came from the other side of the moon.�

Here’s the reality. As working guys, our lines are not carefully scripted like an actor’s or like characters in a Harlequin romance. It’s difficult to be suave, smooth, and sophisticated when you’re exhausted after a hard day’s work (that usually involves more than memorizing movie lines). Does that mean that we just give up on romance? Hardly.

But if the words aren’t there, or if they are awkward or cheesy to say, why not let your actions speak for themselves?

FOR THE MARRIED GUY:

Run your wife a warm bath and put out a few candles and some soft tunes in the background. Be sure to do this when she is exhausted, tired, or otherwise in need of some TLC. Later, throw a few dry towels in the dryer (it’s that machine beside the other one they call the washer, I’ve discovered) for five minutes or so to warm them up, and just as she’s ready to come out, surprise her with a warm towel. Forget champagne and chocolateâ€"this will make you her hero forever!

FOR THE SINGLE GUY WHO’S DATING:

Traditions mean a lot. Think first. Actually, think firsts! Take her back to the place where you met. Go out to the restaurant where you first broke bread together. Rent an old movie you saw on your first date. Have an anniversary or make one. Find a reason to celebrate and then make it a tradition. Having “your song�, “your movie�, or “your special place� as a tradition will provide lasting memories for both of you.

NOW HERE’S THE BIBLICAL PART:

Turn to the book of Ruth in the Bible and read the story of Boaz and Ruth. It’s a loving tale of a man looking out for the woman he loves. Read it yourself, or if you’re feeling brave enough, read it together with her. . .

It’ll leave you asking another question:

Valentino who?

Until next time, remember to be a MAN ALIVE!

Send This To A Friend