A synthesis (aka ‘why’)
by Royaline Sing
Disclaimer: I am not a professional when it comes to psychology etc. This is for fun and all opinions are my own.
I practically grew up on Romance. I’m referring to Bollywood Romance movies (I like some other genre movies in Bollywood too). Even as a young child, I drank all the flirty smiles of Dev Anand, swooned at Sunil Dutt, and wistfully watched every expression of Rajesh Khanna, trying to charm their love interests. They wouldn’t hold back. Singing, dancing, complimenting the love interest was a natural thing. When the time was right groveling was generous, too.
And then I went to college with a generation of Shahrukh Khan, Kajol romances, the soft, heart-tugging 90’s movies. Akshay brought rom-com to a new level. Also my forever crush happened about then. Hrithik Roshan pretty much did it all. The romantic expressions, shy glances, smirks and teasing, singing, excellent dancing, happy and sad moments… and the abs. (Yes, I’m shallow 🙂 ) You might recognize some names above but even if not, just consider them romance heroes.
All this info I am furnishing is for a purpose – to conclude that romance generates happiness (not to say only that generates it, no).
So not only all these Bollywood flicks influenced me but those conditioned me to believe that romance is the biggest element in our lives. So you can imagine my surprise at folks who were surprised at Bridgerton’s success. But the significant reason for the success of Bollywood romances, The Bridgertons is deeply connected with happiness.
The feel-good factor.
The ultimate truth for most of us humans—whether in real life we prefer to seek love or not—is that we always are happy to see, feel, experience the joy of love. Just like how we love to see a baby a smiling when we strolling through a grocery aisle. Just like someone who is afraid of pets but a puppy will bring full split grin across their face. Remember that auntie who never married but loves to set up tons of dates for others? We want to see joy around us, the hope for love, if not for ourselves, for someone else. And fiction is a great medium to deliver it.
What’s better than romance movies and books to achieve it?
Movies are a great auditory and visual experience. Though books take it to a whole another level. Coming from an extremely spiritual culture I’d even call it transcending into spirituality. Books are made to melt in your soul.
The romance books bring you humor, pain and angst yes, but also helps you find nuances of your own emotions. They might spin you through turmoil yes but also bring closure. And the biggest joy? The surge of warmth when you see the fictional characters come to terms with themselves and choose their own happiness.
And if there is a good amount of groveling involved, a huge grin on my face is guaranteed. A cherry on the top.
My debut Betting On A Duke’s Heart is a historical romance set in late Victorian era. You will find it has some or all of the above influences peeking in it.
So considering all the above, I’m going to conclude that romance books (the real HEA/HFN ones I might note) are always guaranteed to make you happy.
In fact, my survey scientifically proves it. (What? It does!)
So go read yourself a real romance book if you are already into it. If not jump on the wagon. Get yourself a little slice of happiness.
For me, the ingredients almost always are a good Bollywood romance flick and a good Historical romance. (That’s why I write them, too.)
What does your dose of happiness look like?
