“Nothing is permanent.”
“We can get through this, I know we can.”
“Trust me. I’m with you.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t love you anymore.”
These are typical “romantic” lines you might find in YA novels, and clearly, they are very reflective of the wonderful and agonizing thing that is love. Since human beings are curious creatures, we tend to be drawn to that, most especially those of us who are helplessly in love with romantic contemporaries, such as myself.
Now I know that a lot of YA novels today are deemed cliche, especially when dealing with issues such as love and first kisses, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve learned a ton from them. Stemming from the sometimes painful fact that I have never had a boyfriend, it is either torture to read these novels or a surprisingly informative venture. Either way, here are a few things I’ve learned:
1. Don’t Give Up Too Easily
You know that the odds may never be in both of your favors, yet you hold onto each other and prove to others that your love won’t just dwindle after a few trials. Hold on, love. Hold on.
2. The Small Gestures Are The Best
You know you can give her all the chocolates and flowers that she might want, but maybe what she needs is a hug or a simple peck on the cheek. Guys who don’t overdo it are definitely romantic.
3. It Just Won’t Work Out That Way
Even if you hope for the best — hoping that the person you love will one day look at you and see you for who you are — sometimes, it just doesn’t work out that way. And that is okay, because that moment is not forever. Sometimes it’s okay to play it safe and not get your hopes up.
4. No Matter How Hard You Try, Love Will Follow You Around
There are times when people choose to not let love rule them, to shut themselves off from the world to protect their fragile heart. But, love finds its way and shoves itself toward you until you are deemed helpless. It’s okay to let it in sometimes.
5. A Loss, A Lesson
In times of pain come the biggest of revelations and the clearest of answers. Rather than sulking in a corner, it’s better to flip the coin around and find a silver lining in the darkness.
6. Distance Is Just, Well, Distance
Don’t let distance be the sign that a relationship cannot work out. Sometimes the farthest of relationships are actually the strongest. It also kind of underlines the point that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
7. There Will Always Be Someone For You
If he or she is not there yet, it’s not so bad to wait… Have a little faith.
I know I’m no love expert, and maybe romance novels might not be the exact answer to how love really is achieved or done properly. I do know, though, that love is many things, and it’s bound to teach you a lesson here and there — even if it’s from reading a YA novel.