Ok, so I admit it I am a sap when it comes to romantic movies, especially period pieces, as I am one of those people that long for love to be “just like the movies”.  I swear Hollywood alone is the sole reason for the high divorce rates, the cheating, and the perpetuated feelings that sweep the nation with everyone thinking there is something better around the corner.

While I don’t go as far as looking for the next best thing, after watching Pride & Prejudice for the millionth time I was reminded of a huge crush on Mr. Darcy--at least the ideal of him, even though I do not believe another actor could have brought out the tormented love sick soul as Matthew Macfadyen did.  I have read “romance” novels since I was a child and he embodied all those long lost ideals I used to have in men.  When I was 10 I actually taught myself to cock my eyebrow in case my hero (who in novels always had some scene where he played the bad boy at first and would cock his eyebrow at the lady) actually performed this action--so that I could be the ready for my little interaction the dating game with a gentleman.

Sometimes a movie really evokes emotion in you that makes you rewind about 20 times on a scene as “I love… I love… I love you” did for me in this movie.  While I am perfectly happy with my love life, nothing will ever compare to the romanticism of the days when men were gentlemen and suitors and I don’t really care if I step on equality with this one. While I consider myself a strong and independent woman, nothing looks like it can compare to the Hollywood version of chivalry.

In all honesty, I would love to have been born in the eras of white handkerchiefs, propriety, and men calling--even though I would have to give up my tech toys to do so--IF it was just like the movies. But alas, as improbable as it is in this century for men to be like, my jaded ideals tell me that it really wasn’t like that back then either.

I think if you guys out there need to realize that even with the equality and freedom from morals we have today, most women still wanted to be treated like a lady. Many of us want to have slow and innocent romances, to have our doors opened for us, to have someone stand when we enter the room, etc. Even though love like the kind in Pride & Prejudice can’t possible exist today, I am hoping for the benefit of all the single ladies out there maybe some of you guys can focus on becoming the “gentlemen” for your ladies.

I want to point out that being a gentleman doesn’t mean you become “the nice guy” that always gets left behind. It’s about respect of each other, actually listening to your lady, and never losing yourself while making someone else happy. It’s simply bringing back chivalry and patience that this time needs!