The Last Kiss

This movie was about several couples dealing with a crisis in their relationship--a 30-year marriage dealing with a confession of infidelity, a young married couple with a baby realizing they are not right for each other, a young couple deals with infidelity despite a baby on the way.

Each person in the movie that made the decision to cheat or leave did so because there was something void in either their life or in their relationship that they felt making a selfish decision would fix it. As you can guess, these decisions didn't fix anything.

The point made toward the end of the movie by one of the characters (who remained faithful throughout his 30-year marriage) is that everyone is tempted to make a selfish decision. Those who act on it have no regard for the person they love, and only think of their own feelings in the moment. A young man repeatedly tells the father of the girl he loves that he's sorry and he loves her. The father points out that any asshole can say they love someone, but the proof is what you do unto the one you love, not what you say.

People make mistakes....unforgiveable ones. I make no excuses for those who have been unfaithful. I do believe everyone has been tempted a time or two, but not everyone acts upon it.

So here's what I'm thinking: Maybe couples should spend more time thinking of what they can do to make their partner happy. Surprise them with their favorite meal, watch a football game with them, go to the ballet even if you hate it. Being with someone is one of the most remarkable gifts we have. I don't know anyone who truly loves to be lonely. Perhaps there are a few. Why is it that early in a relationship we're kind and polite and forgo the things that make us happy. Yet after we've built a foundation we become increasingly more selfish?

Relationships are hard. Music doesn't automatically play in the background when your spouse comes home from work. In my house, I'm not even sure when Ken is able to come home. And, there aren't rose petals leading up to the bedroom full of candelight. Instead, there are Legos strewn around the house, empty cans in the game room and always the sound of video games instead of violins. This is real life. And you know what, I love it.

I love movies. I look forward to this blog series on movies. But I've got to learn that real life isn't one. And what a shame movies miss out on real life. Perhaps you can't write a movie as good as the one you're living.