10 TV Couples That Created Unrealistic Expectations About Relationships

There's a reason you're never quite satisfied with your relationship. It's called television.

Sometimes, when you watch couples on TV, it's easy to get swept up and think that this is the way actual human relationships are supposed to be. You forget that these people are beautiful actors who are playing characters written to be unfairly compatible and perform carefully scripted drama designed to show them in the best possible light.

A lot of viewers fall into the trap of comparing their own relationships with the ones on television, and wondering what the hell they're doing wrong. But it's not you, dear viewers €“ it's them. They're perfect romantic little robots and no one can live up to their fairytale relationship.

Unfortunately, as normal functioning humans, viewers do not have the benefit of a screenwriter telling them the exact perfect romantic gesture that will win over the lady fair, or the perfect outfit and hairstyle that will make someone speechless. When people kiss in real life, the lighting isn't always the best and there's no camera spinning around making it look particularly skilful and romantic.

Keep all of these things in mind when you're annoyed about your significant other not taking the trash out or forgetting to make dinner reservations. You've been raised to expect perfection €“ as you€™ll see from the ten following couples €“ and all that does is cause heartache.

Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.