Many Couples Unaware That Fixation On Fictional Romance Can Change Relationship Views

There’s more going on with the television screen than just watching romantic drama unfold. Couples who watch romance TV, including romance reality shows, may feel that they’ll have to spend a great deal of time and energy on their relationship and may be reluctant to give up their freedom. They may also have a lower desire to truly commit to the relationship.

Increasing studies are looking at ways romance TV may shift couples’ views of their own relationship, and if people translate what they see on the screen into their real worlds. A study of 400 people who were in a marriage asked questions to see if what they see on the screen could impact their views of their marriage. Those who thought the "dream" romances viewed on TV or in movies could be real seemed to have a lesser level of commitment. This may be linked to a belief that the relationship would cost them in terms of time and energy toward their partner.

At the same time, these individuals had a different view toward the value of their steady romantic relationship. Since they felt the relationship took a lot more to be successful, it might also be worth more. Additional survey results suggested that many couples don’t even really consider how romance shows on the Internet, TV or video may alter their perceptions of their own marriage.

Not only does viewing the shows have the potential to change the way a person views their relationship, they can also impact their sex lives or level of sexual attraction. Viewing unrealistic sexual encounters from sources like TV or online, or even in romance novels, may create dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations of a partner. When a person begins to view these artificial sources as "real" in terms of sex, they may engage in excessive use of the materials and could develop a complex addiction.

Recovering from unrealistic expectations, whether from excessive romance viewing or hidden addictions, is most successful when both partners are involved in a professional setting.