I, like most girls, love a good chick flick. They’re girly and fun and have the potential to bring out a million different emotions in their 90 minute time frame. As a parent, I don’t get much time to watch movies. Logan has usually taken over with Dora, Elmo, Blues Clues, Bubble Guppies, and the countless other preschool shows. So when he is at his dad’s I make it a point to throw in at least one of Mommy’s shows. It gives me a chance to relax and do just a little something for me while he is away. It gives me something to look forward to, even though I dread him leaving.
But, there is always a downside. We all know the elements of a good chick flick: they make you laugh, they make you cry, and they have a good love story. Uh oh, the dreaded “L” word. Unfortunately, sitting at home on the couch with a bowl of ice cream, watching my favorite chick flicks, has made me acutely aware of the fact that I am “single” again. As a single mom, sometimes it is hard to look at the movie screen. You see these perfect lives, a little drama mixed in to keep it interesting, but in the end, boy always gets girl, and they all live happily ever after. Now, I know these are only movies. The people and the stories are fictional, but is the happily ever after fiction too? I sure would like to believe otherwise, but some days I’m not so sure. These chick flicks are bad news, they make me wish for that fantasy life they live.
Now, I’m still going to treat myself to the occasional chick flick. But for those of you that get sucked in like I do, beware of the fantasy! Keep your expectations realistic and remember that the stories aren’t real. Life is messy. Single parents know that better than anybody, but keep your head up, the stories may not be real, but I still believe in happily ever after.