Tuesday, October 31, 2006

The Break Up – Movie

Some people will find it very ironic that I even watched this movie recently. It stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston as the couple going through the break up. Although it is pretty much another clichéd RomCom (romantic comedy), I still think it was able to point out some truths about relationship do’s and don’ts.

Generally
  • Must be willing to give if you are wanting to receive – rarely is this referring to gifts
  • Don’t play games in an effort to show the other what they are missing out on.
  • Don’t force friends into choosing sides
  • Some time apart may be necessary – to get over the shock and other things
  • Don’t pick on little things and make them into big things
For The Boys
  • Don’t inflame situation by arguing. Just apologise and sort it out later
  • Sometimes the best mate can give dodgy advice so proceed with caution
For The Girls
  • Say what you mean – anything implied is not going to be received
Of course the whole situation of this break could have been averted if the couple didn’t buy an apartment in joint names without the slightest regard for getting married first. But then, if they did get married we wouldn't have a movie.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

If they were married it would simply be called 'The Divorce'.

Anonymous said...

Depending on the circumstances, I think it is sometimes better not to just apologise and sort it out later - this can lead to one or both people in the couple feeling like things haven't been resolved (I speak from experience!). I think if the circumstances are appropriate, it's better to sort things out at the time.

Of course, it's hard to do that in practice.

Anonymous said...

I suggest more ballroom dancing in the kitchen...who knows...it just may help...

Prisca said...

Tim, I am uncertain that I agree with your comment (4)... just because two people have said 'i do' does not mean that all issues have been resolved.
When people are married the 'true self' becomes apparent even if it was buried deep whilst 'dating'. It's easy to keep up an act for a little while, but at some point the facade must end.

Anonymous said...

All relationships need constant work. Even the happiest couples have tense moments and say, do or think things they later regret. As difficult as it is to get hurt, you learn from previous hurts and this improves the quality and depth of future relationships. Things take time.

Tim Haynes said...

1. Does Anonymous have a real name?
2. Apologising allows the bloke to leave the situation to cool off before he says something that he will really regret, as happens in the movie many times. It's not suggesting to apologise and leave an issue unresolved.
3. Joel, that was a very random suggestion, but still worth trying
4. Priscilla, maybe I'm beng a tad too idealistic, but I am somewhat inferring that the two people would take marriage that seriously that the couple would sort out any minor indifferences prior to tying the knot. Of course it's not how it is shown in the movies so maybe anon. is right that it would just go by a different name.