Cliché

By: Pia Chudney A. Masongsong

          Ten years ago, I was this girl who loved everything about fairytales. I grew up believing that love is when a prince saves you from a burning castle and slays the dragon who tried to burn every facet of your being, it’s when a prince wakes you up from an eternal slumber with just one kiss, or even when a simple act of kindness can magically turn a beast into a handsome prince. I simply did not know that these were just mere figments of authors’ imaginations.

          Love-- a word that can turn the world up-side-down. Everyone is willing to go beyond their limits just to savor its existence. We cannot deny the fact that we are bombarded with varied love experiences to the point that the word “love” becomes cliché. Let’s face it; we create our own standards of love that we tend to match up reality with fiction.

          “If it’s about my soul, then take it! I don’t want it without you.” Sounds familiar? Now tell me, who wouldn’t drool over Edward Cullen’s perfectly sculpted body and gorgeous skin that sparkles like diamonds? I have to admit that I am an avid fan of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Series. The movie version doesn’t say much about Edward’s sacrifice for Bella, but the book says it all. I remember how Edward killed Victoria when she tried to hunt Bella down. No trace of hesitation was painted on his face when he murdered every vampire on Victoria’s coven just to protect his one and only Bella. Let me ask you, would you fall in love with a guy who feeds himself with blood to survive? One who sucks every ounce of blood from your veins just to satisfy his thirst? Well, I tell you, Bella didn’t mind.

Cinderella was this girl who wanted to escape the wrath of her evil stepmother who did nothing but turned her life into a living hell! Thanks to fairy godmother’s wand, shabby Cinderella turned into a stunning princess who captured the prince’s heart. This prince even ran after Cinderella when the clock struck 12:00, and sent his men to find the girl who owned that astounding glass slipper. In every fairytale in the face of the earth, why does it have to be a brave prince who rescues the damsel in distress? What if it’s the other way around?

Now, who would miss Nicholas Sparks “The Notebook” which made a mark on people’s lives? We can’t deny the clash between Allie and Noah’s castes. They were separated during their younger years, yet destiny found its way to let their paths cross. In spite of Allie’s critical situation, Noah was brave enough to accompany her. Their infinite affection for each other proved that love conquers all earthly things…even death.

I guess these scenarios clearly manifest the true meaning of love. It’s more than just the burning sensation when you hold each other’s hands, nor the butterflies that you feel on your tummy when you hear the sound of his voice. It’s not just those mini thunderbolts that hit you when you kiss under the pouring rain, the slightest flush on your cheeks when you see him coming or how hysteria manages to slip its way when he’s only inches away from you.

Love is often misperceived.  We depend on those heart-melting moments we see on television screens and use it as a standard of a perfect relationship. Come on, love isn’t as appealing as it is way back 80’s.

Could that kind of love pay your bills? Would you still love someone even if you don’t have anything to eat? What would you do if your child got sick and there’s a definite need for him to be inflicted with several antidotes to keep him alive? These are just some of the situations that we see in reality. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not confusing love with money.

My point is, love when it’s the right time for you to do so. Love is way more than what you could ever imagine. It’s that bittersweet thing that could either make or break you. It’s a gamble that you have to face, not certain if you’re lucky enough to reap the prize. You invest much, not sure of the profit you’d gain. Love is a gift from haven that could wash away man’s infirmities.

Love is an unexplainable thing that people can’t predict, nor can’t resist. When love captures the heart, no one could ever find its way out. Just be careful with what you have now, you may have a vivid picture of your perfect love story, just be aware of the pros and cons ‘cause you might end up breaking. As perfect as it may seem, these only happen on movies.