6 Bad Relationship Behaviors Portrayed as Romantic
Are once-shunned bad relationship behaviors becoming socially acceptable?
Bad Relationship Behaviors
I just read a very interesting article about a recent study by Dr. Julia Lippman, from the University of Michigan. The study demonstrates that watching people engaging in stalking behavior in romantic comedies causes viewers to see these types of bad relationship behaviors as acceptable.
The outcome of the study wasn’t surprising to me, as I’ve been thinking and writing about the damaging effects of certain media portrayals for the past several years. What I’ve observed is that movies and TV often misrepresent how healthy relationships ought to unfold.
On TV and in the movies, we see men and women exhibiting bad relationship behaviors, but the characters on the receiving end most often react as though these actions were reasonable and acceptable. This gives the viewing audience the wrong message about how to go about their own relationships.
There are six bad relationship behaviors I’ve observed on TV and in the movies that ought to cause a person in real life to be concerned, and perhaps even run away.
In the movies, however, these creepy, scary, or abusive bad relationship behaviors end up being viewed as indications of romantic ardor, or the charming quirks of an otherwise loving partner. The couple invariably gets together, living happily ever after.
Romantic comedies are normalizing abusive and unacceptable behaviors and fostering a culture in which people are supposed to accept the unacceptable from a potential, actual, or past romantic partner.
This study by Dr. Lippman confirms that romantic comedies are giving us a distorted and dangerous idea of how we should carry on our relationships.
Here are the six completely inappropriate bad relationship behaviors that are portrayed in the media as perfectly acceptable, even romantic.
Six Bad Relationship Behaviors the Media Portray as Romantic
Bad Relationship Behaviors 1. Predatory behavior early on
In the movies or on TV, when a relative stranger finds out where the other person lives or works, and then drops off presents or shows up unexpectedly, it’s presented as a romantic gesture. In real life, this is predatory behavior—the hunter pursuing their prey—and a sign that the relationship may become abusive.
Bad Relationship Behaviors 2. Boundary violations
When we observe people violating someone’s boundaries on the big or small screen, we’re told at the same time that in fact, these actions are romantic. One good example of this is not taking “no” for an answer. In the movies or on TV, ignoring a “no” is seen as a sign of romantic devotion. In real life, when we tell someone to leave us alone and they don’t respect our wishes, they’re violating our boundaries. This lets us know that they’ll likely never take “no” for an answer from us.
Bad Relationship Behaviors 3. Stalking
In the movies and on TV, the end of a relationship isn’t seen as a finite ending, but rather an opportunity to convince the other person that they’ve made a mistake and that they should get back together with the other person. In real life, stalking an ex is abusive, disrespectful, threatening, and illegal.
Bad Relationship Behaviors 4. Hypersexual behavior
On-screen, the big come-on is a sign of a tremendous passion that will be the basis for an enduring love affair. In real life, one person’s intensely sexual behavior toward someone they don’t really know is a sign that their priorities are skewed firmly toward the physical. A real relationship is exceedingly unlikely.
Bad Relationship Behaviors 5. Hurtful behavior
On-screen, people, engage in behavior that’s rude, mean, nasty, critical, or controlling. The person on the receiving end almost always forgives and forgets. The hurtful person then suddenly changes their ways and becomes kind, thoughtful, and respectful. The relationship proceeds to be loving and supportive. In real life, someone who behaves this badly during courtship will more than likely be even more abusive once the relationship is established.
Bad Relationship Behaviors 6. The silent treatment
On the big and small screen, when someone stops calling, emailing or texting and disappears for a while, this is seen as forgivable. The couple always reconnects, the person who disappeared is forgiven. The relationship ensues without consequence. In real life, it’s always a bad sign when someone goes radio silent. Are they, in fact, married? Are they ambivalent about intimacy? Are they disrespectful? None of these are conducive to a positive relationship.
The bottom line is, don’t believe what you see portrayed in the media, on the big or small screen. When people you are, might be, or have been romantic with are behaving badly toward you, take it seriously. Take care of yourself, and perhaps you’ll even need to walk away.
Reference: Link to study by Dr. Julia Lippman
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About the Author
Marcia Sirota MD FRCP(C) is a board-certified psychiatrist, that does not ascribe to any one theoretical school. Rather, she has integrated her education and life experiences into a unique approach to the practice of psychotherapy. She considers herself a realist with a healthy measure of optimism. Sign up here for her free monthly wellness newsletter. Listen here to her latest podcast. mariasirotamd.com
