The Wonder of Love Stories

Written by Shae Rufe

I’ve wanted to rant about this for a while, because why not? Guys, we’re friends…probably best friends. Is that true? Yes, it is. I have determined that we here at Nerds That Geek are a community of best friends that share our thoughts openly. And if you don’t agree with me, you’re wrong. Anyway, in my writing and reading journeys I’ve always passionately loved the love story. Maybe it’s because I love, love! I do. I’m in love with love. Not all love stories are cheesy romance novels, that can be found pretty much anywhere. Granted, those little novels have their own fans, I’m not knocking them.

I prefer my love stories to have plot. Or maybe I like my stories with love? I’m not entirely sure which. One thing I do know is I hate love triangles. I’m sure there are some of you out there that like them, that’s totally cool, for me, I just…come on. It’s not realistic. The Hunger Games was a great story concept. I loved the world and struggle, and actually liked Katniss, but I couldn’t stand the love triangle between her, Peeta and Gale. There was no call for it, in my opinion. I find love triangles to be useless and speaks to the lack of character development. All right, stepping off my soap box now, let’s just talk about the various types of love stories.

I’d also like to point out, that love isn’t always romantic. Harry Potter showed us many types of love, and really, that was pretty awesome. The dynamics between characters within that realm were something I admired. Especially the love Fred and George had for one another. Sibling love, is a powerful thing. Let’s face it, many of us have siblings, and regardless of what they do, we almost always will love them. Supernatural is a great example too, as we see not just Sam and Dean’s brotherly love for one another, but they build a family. After all, not all blood is family and not all family is blood. It’s a pretty awesome message, if you ask me. Frozen, of course, brought forth the power of sisterly love. Let me say, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my little sister…

Of course, I really love the stories where someone meets someone else and they fall in love. Because, I’m a romantic at heart. It’s not about smut, it’s about the journey these characters take. The Fault in Our Stars is, admittedly, a sad movie. Like, hella sad. But, it’s really cute in the love story it tells. Girl meets boy, they’re both sick, they both fall for each other anyway, even though the girl is reluctant…and then sad things happen. P.S. I Love You is another favorite, because it shows the loss of love and how even after someone dies, that love stays strong.

Romantic comedies are a favorite of mine. No Strings Attached is a favorite because it has all those elements we love. Girl meets guy, they fall into a friends-with-benefits type situation, he falls for her, she’s got commitment issues, and in the non-traditional romantic comedy sense, she screws things up with him. It’s our leading lady who has to make things right for a change. Regardless of the situation, love stories aren’t for everyone. There are elements about these types of stories that not everyone likes, and it’s not always about the sex. Let’s face it, even our beloved superheroes have their love stories. Except Batman…he’s not allowed to be happy. He’s married to justice.

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