Fairytales.
Im all the more convinced that fairytales have had a bigger hand in our socialization that we'd like to admit.
I think they influence our very perception of how, among other things, love works.

I present to you the cases of Willow and Myself.

Willow
Favourite fairytale : Beauty and the Beast
In the story Belle is a curious girl who gets overpowered by the Beast to stay in his castle as prisoner, after she had trespassed.
In the end of course, his hard, loveless exterior sheds off and what's left is an attractive prince, with only eyes for Belle.
Now I'd have to admit that girls in general (although we won't readily admit to anything like that) like to
be swept off their feet by an alpha male. That he comes across as a tormented soul who has never loved, is an added bonus. (This would be
a good time to mention that Will had a huge crush on Angel , in Buffy the Vampire slayer, and he is the ultimate loveless, tormented babe)
We are nurturers by nature, so you can understand where this is going....

In a bid to transform the frightening and brutal beast, Belle uses tenderness and love.
The problem with this is that not all beasts are princes inside. Sometimes they are just as ugly inside as they are on the outside,
or, even worse, good looking exterior with a evil heart. This then falls into a pattern of trying to transform beasts
into the prince that loves unconditionally ; often with disappointing results.

Anni
Favourite fairytale : The Little Mermaid
Despite my fascination with wanting a green fin and having Ariel's supermodel waistline and flowing hair, there is more than I initially thought.
For some reason I always want what I can't have. Or something that is out of reach ; this could be due to "grass-is-greener_ syndrome" or
just plain competitiveness against natural forces of fate and destiny.
In this instance, Ariel lives happily in her mer-world until she gets a taste of something completely different.
She's fascinated by foreign culture and customs, and after catching a glimpse of a certain gentleman, the men.


Ariel pines, she daydreams, she wonders how it would be to live on land
, she's a bit of an excessive dreamer and a flake , but you got to have sympathy
with the poor girl.....
and finally she makes an effort to go search for her elusive Prince Eric, not knowing if he will want her
after she had lost her voice.
Risky you say?
Absolutely, could even be stupid.
But what can you do? There must be a reason why your actions are only half controlled by your mind....


So post comments, tell me what your favourite fairytale is and what you think the effect is on your life.