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How do romance movies and books affect your relationships?

Whether it’s a classic flick or a romance arc in a new thriller, love seems pretty easy on screen.

A customer at Steamy Lit, a bookstore specializing in romance fiction in Deerfield Beach, Fla., April 4, 2024. Melanie Metz/The New York Times

Anyone who has followed two fictional characters dramatically fall in love has probably thought: “It should feel like this.” At least once. Even if you thought it was embarrassingly gross later. 

Maybe you even swooned over Adam Brody’s character Noah when he said, “I can handle you” in the Netflix rom-com “Nobody Wants This.”

Whether it’s a classic flick or a romance arc in a new thriller, love seems pretty easy on screen. Once two characters lock eyes, you just know that it’s meant to be, where two people are undoubtedly perfect for each other, even if they don’t know it yet. 

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Whether it’s “When Harry Met Sally,” “Anyone But You,” or “People We Meet on Vacation,” the story usually follows the same pattern. The characters always say the right things — all the things you wish you heard. They read each other and comfort one another in the way that they need, often without communicating it. 

Do you watch rom-com movies, shows, or read romance novels that later influence your real-life relationships?

We want to hear your stories, anonymously, as you’ve navigated your relationships. 

E-mail [email protected] or fill out the form below. 

Love Letters Submission

We welcome questions about every kind of love – and every kind of relationship. Whether you’re dating, navigating friendships, dealing with in-laws, breaking up, or getting back together, we’re here for you.
Submit an anonymous relationship question to Love Letters between 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 10th and 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 14th and be entered to win a pair of seats to a special Globe Summit conversation between Elin Hilderbrand and Love Letters advice columnist Meredith Goldstein on Nov 18th. They'll dish about main characters, love interests, TV adaptations, new stories, and more. The best questions for Love Letters are at least 150 words, with some details. Winners will be notified by 5 p.m. Nov. 17th.
Enter to win two tickets to a special advanced screening of "The Drama." 18+. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, send a letter to Love Letters between Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10 a.m. EST and Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11 a.m. EST. Ask any relationship question that’s on your mind about single life, dating fatigue, when to say “I love you,” complicated friendships, and marriage and divorce. See Official Rules for additional information.
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Kelly Chan

Content Producer

Kelly Chan is a content producer at Boston.com. She designs multimedia content on site and across social media platforms, and experiments with new ways to engage readers.

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