How Do You Escape?

An article in today's New York Times states that, because of this economic nightmare, "In a recession, what people want is a happy ending." Makes sense.

So how are people trying to get this relief?

Apparently, through Fabio and the like. Harlequin book sales are way up and romance novels in general are flying off the shelves. During the Depression, Gone with the Wind was everyone's book of choice for escapism. Now? It's all about the Twilight saga and its unreal and ultimate leading man, Edward.

Is there anything wrong with sinking into the pages of a book to try and block out reality for a while? Absolutely nothing suspect about that at all. It's what you take with you when you leave those pages that can get you in a heap of trouble... especially in your relationship.

Just because the economy is in dire straits, that doesn't mean your relationship has to end up there as well. But if you're escaping to books (and movies), imagining the kind of happy endings/romance that you're not experiencing, what room are you leaving in life for real love? Whether they're sitting in the other room, or are still out there waiting to be discovered?

If you're struggling with fantasy vs. reality, we're here whenever you want to talk. You can tell us why you're in love with a book character - and we'll help you figure out how you can project that love onto the real person in your world.

→ Romance books - have you allowed them to take you away? Or can you keep your head about you when it comes to the rogues and gents that kiss your bookmark?