Have I Got A Match for You!

The concept of arranged marriages is often denigrated in the romance genre, but even modern statistics prove that they can work as well or better than romantic couples if certain factors are taken into consideration. The problem with romantic love based solely on feelings and physical attraction is that those things are much more fluid than core values, respect, and character. The downfall of most of the HEA structures in society is that they tend to base relationships solely on the temporal, not the eternal. Love does conquer all, but what type of love are we talking about?

Two people who love selflessly have the best shot at forging a lifelong commitment. A couple using love as a basis for their own self-gratification are pretty much doomed. What does that have to say to the romance genre? Build characters who put others before themselves, share values with their love interest, and live with integrity, no matter the cost.

Maybe the real magic in fairy tales and romances is the character of the people involved and their willingness to sacrifice and respect one another.