The most popular film genre at Valentine’s Day is romantic comedy. That is why various blogs and websites are now publishing extensive lists with romcom suggestions which you can enjoy on February 14. A recent study also focused on the so-called chick flicks and reveals that they can have a very positive effect on people’s romantic relationships.
The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Rochester. It examined more than 170 newlyweds. They were separated into two groups, one of which had to watch different romantic films. Interestingly, the diverse rate among this particular group of newlywed couples dropped from 24% to only 11%. So, does that mean that romantic comedies can save your relationship?
According to the couples who participated in the experiment, romcoms do have a positive effect on their marriage. They shared that watching a romantic film allows them to spend more time together. In addition, it encourages them to discuss things they would not normally.
Ronald Rogge, author of the study and associate professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, agrees with that. Rogge has found that namely these discussions can make a relationship stronger. Also, romcoms encourage serious conversations in a non-threatening way. Therefore, discussions inspired by romantic flicks rarely lead to quarrels or disagreements.
Rogge also explained that couples usually know when there is a problem in the relationship. However, they do not always think about it. Nevertheless, he believes that confronting it is the fastest way to improve a bond. That is namely the biggest power of romcoms.
If this study has inspired you to organize a romantic movie marathon this weekend, you should pick your films carefully. According to the study, not every romantic comedy can improve your relationship. Rogge says that films like “When Harry Met Sally” should be avoided, because the characters get together at the very end of the movie. Instead, you should select a movie that shows couples in their everyday life. He suggests that flicks like “Indecent Proposal” and “You, Mine and Ours” are a more suitable and effective choice.
Therefore, if you want to make your relationships stronger, watch a romantic film! Here are some of the most recommended to watch on Valentines’s Day romantic movies:
- “Nine Months” (1995) – Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore
- “When a Man Loves a Woman” (1994) – Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia
- “Anna Karenina” (2012) – Keira Knightly and Jude Law
- “Fools Rush In” (1997) – Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek
- “The Out of Towners” (1999) – Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn
- “She’s Having a Baby” (1988) – Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern
- “Terms of Endearment” (1983) – Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger
- “Blue Valentine” (2010) – Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams
- “Her” (2013) – Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams
- “Monster-in-Law” (2005) – Jennifer Lopez and Michael Vartan
