These 3 Fictional Couples Forever Altered My Expectations Of Love
2. Michael & Holly from The Office
As a child, I learned about the concept of love and relationships by watching most animated princesses fall head over heels with the guy who simply planted a true love’s first kiss on her. The very next day they’d get married and live happily ever after. But as I grew older, I watched characters like Michael Scott join an online dating website with the username ‘Little Kid Lover’ so that he could show the ladies where his priorities were. Needless to say, his search for love didn’t end there.
I’ve become emotionally invested in a number of fictional on-screen couples who have raised my expectations of love tremendously. It takes a lot more than just fitting the glass shoe to end up with the love of your life.
Here are 3 iconic TV couples who represent ultimate relationship goals and have taught me a thing or two about love.
1. Hal & Lois from Malcolm in the Middle
Hal and Lois are the power couple in parenthood. While Lois is hard and stern, Hal is a little soft and goofy. They are united when it comes to parenting their rambunctious kids, they are constantly encouraging each other during hard times, they have a great sex life, and they remain completely in love throughout their marriage.
One of my favorite things that I learned from their relationship was the strategy they used to resolve their fights. In an episode, they had a pregnancy scare and spent a good chunk of the episode arguing and fighting. Lois demands that they list off reasons of what they love about each other, why it’s all worthwhile.
“I love how every one of your toes look like they came from another person’s foot! And, and, and, I love how… how you’re honest and… and fearless and… and how when I’m sick, you treat me like a baby.” — Hal
“I love your loyalty and your kindness and that you still suck in your gut whenever I walk into the room.” — Lois
Hal and Lois showed me that I need to be with someone who supports me through everything and loves me enough to persevere. They showed me that it’s possible to be in love more and more every day, especially after being married for years and raising a family together.
2. Michael & Holly from The Office
Michael was lonely for most of his time on The Office. He was so lonely that he entered a toxic relationship with his boss, Jan. Failed relationship after failed relationships, he finally met Holly. He didn’t fall for her when he first saw her but it was when they first talked.
“It was love at first see with my ears.” — Michael Scott
Michael’s known around the office for his inappropriate jokes, impressions, and other shenanigans. While his employees usually roll their eyes at Michael, Holly smiles and laughs with him. He can be himself around her. They are both dorks who simply just click. They found their counterpart in each other at the very start but had to split up briefly when David Wallace learned about their relationship.
Michael waited for Holly.
“I think today was about just having today. And I think we are one of those couples with a long story when people ask how we found each other. I will see her every now and then, and maybe one year, she’ll be with somebody, and the next year, I’ll be with somebody and it’s gonna take a long time. And then it’s perfect. I’m in no rush.” — Michael Scott
Michael and Holly showed me that you need to be able to have fun laughing with your partner and accept each other's flaws, quirks, and all. When it comes to finding your soulmate, have patience.
Wait for “the one”.
3. Cory & Topanga from Boy Meets World
Childhood first loves, Cory and Topanga lit up my TV screen while I was growing up in the '90s. I swooned over their relationship from their very first kiss to their life as a young married couple in college. They were romantic, completely in love with each other, and they never stopped letting each other know it.
“You do your thing and I do my thing. You are you and I am I. And if in the end, we end up together, it’s beautiful.” — Topanga
“If I had to dream up the perfect woman, she wouldn't even come close to you.” — Cory
Cory and Topanga showed me that you can grow together in a relationship and that you should never stop believing in your significant other especially when your love for each other is all-consuming and wholeheartedly pure.
My Takeaway
These 3 fictional couples altered my expectations of love forever. I know that they are only made-up characters acted out for our entertainment but the lessons they teach are real.
Never settle for anything less when it comes to loving someone. Endure, be patient, be honest and loving, and always pour love into your significant other no matter how much time passes.
