Chick Flicks

I’ll fess up. I spent Saturday night watching chick flicks. Of the romantic comedy sort. It’s not something I do every weekend, but it’s been more often lately. I’m the wheels. Well, the cook and the wheels. Okay, the human alarm clock, the cook and the wheels.

I currently schedule Friday and Saturday nights around providing transportation for my 16-year old, and his social life, not mine. Sound familiar?

Oh, it’s not so bad, for now. Not only do I know where he is and with whom, but since much of the time I’m doing the driving, it’s one less worry. Besides, I have chick flicks on DVD. And they possess strange restorative powers.

Romantic comedies – what purpose do they serve?

Whether it’s You’ve Got Mail, Bridget Jones Diary, or Kate and Leopold, let’s face it – it’s a formula that works. You’re tracking to girl meets boy, comic obstacles that intervene, and girl gets boy in the end – a nifty, feel-good guarantee that we don’t have in real life.

And I will add – characters in these movies share chemistry, quirky behaviors and generally, great dialogue. Think back to 1989’s When Harry Met Sally. The quality of banter was sparkling – and that’s essential to viewing pleasure – the more dazzling (and sarcastic) the better!

Irresistible personalities

There’s always at least one unlikely character in the pair, and we identify with that – bumbling but lovable Bridget Jones is a perfect example. She admittedly drinks too much, smokes too much, and by her own words, “will always be a little fat.” She survives more than her share of embarrassing moments, along with a painful encounter with the bad boy boss who turns out to be a genuine cad.

We empathize with these flaws and vulnerabilities, as well as the need for love. We also count on the fact that eventually a good man (with a few eccentricities of his own) will appreciate the heroine and love her – “just as she is.”

Isn’t that what we all want, really? And to laugh, with those who fill our hearts and our beds?

Back in the real world

There are times when we’re too busy, too preoccupied, or logistically not positioned to date, or to carry on an active relationship.

It’s especially true if you’re single parenting.

For me, during those times, a good chick flick hits the spot. But it’s a shame I can’t settle back and enjoy it with a nice Pinot Noir. Don’t forget – I’ll have to hit the road. I’m the wheels.