“Now, I’m not going to deny that I was aware of your beauty. But the point is, this has nothing to do with your beauty. As I got to know you, I began to realise that beauty was the least of your qualities. I became fascinated by your goodness. I was drawn in by it. I didn’t understand what was happening to me. And it was only when I began to feel actual, physical pain every time you left the room that it finally dawned on me: I was in love, for the first time in my life. I knew it was hopeless, but that didn’t matter to me. And it’s not that I want to have you. All I want is to deserve you. Tell me what to do. Show me how to behave. I’ll do anything you say.”
– Choderlos De Laclos, Dangerous Liaisons
The year was 1988 and to be honest, it seemed like a dumb movie. But it was based on a classic novel, and starred a young Michelle Pfeiffer. It went on to positive critical acclaim – even though it mainly featured French aristocrats in fancy outfits babbling on incessantly forever.
The plot? A widow and her lover make a bet that the lover can seduce a woman who is pure of heart. To the lover’s dismay, he actually falls in love with the woman.
People sometimes put physical looks on too high a pedestal, don’t they? I mean sure, none of us wants to marry a CHUD monster (Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller – scary film, look it up), but on the other hand, beautiful doesn’t always = nice and or kind. Shouldn’t we try to get past looks and see what’s in a person’s soul?
I mean, looks are great, but they don’t last forever, and long after they fade, you still have to live with the person, so hopefully they’ll have a decent personality too.
All I’m saying is don’t miss out a good but ordinary looking person to go for someone who may look great, but doesn’t act so great.
I have no idea if my advice is helpful though. I’m about as romantic as a CHUD.
Bookshelf Battle 