These movies and shows bring with them the best lessons on marriage and relationships

We wished we lived in a romantic-comedy—where an ‘I love you’, turns into verses of a song and a swing in the step along the bustling streets of New York or an enmity becomes a singular force of attraction between two strangers. Alas, romance in real life is hardly as such. Larger-than-life romances have occupied a significant part of pop culture and romanticised our idea of love and relationships. They’ve been pulled up for painting a frivolous picture of what being in a relationship really looks like. But, these films also bring to the fore important themes, issues, and nuances of romantic relationships. From Kavya and Dhruv’s nonchalant conversations while having tea to the unabashed love between Rocky and Rani, these movies and shows bring with them the best lessons on marriage and relationships.

Dil Dhadakne Do

Directed by Zoya Akhtar, Dil Dhadakne Do sheds light on the famously rich, yet secret society of India and covers themes of familial relationships, extra marital affairs, expectations, sexism, and more. However, one of the most important lessons that the film brings to the fore is that of communication. Whether in a relationship, a marriage or with your family, open and honest communication is likely to reduce all kinds of complications, tensions, and set the tone for conflict resolution rather than grudges and bitterness. The lack thereof might lead to drastic measures like those taken by Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh or Anil Kapoor in the film. Share your concerns and express your thoughts, emotions, and feelings and you will feel much better. much lighter. 

Little Things 

Written by Dhruv Sehgal, and a personal favourite, Little Things draws on the simple things that make for a large part of every romantic relationship. One of the biggest lessons that the show brings to the fore is the idea of unconditional support in a relationship, no matter what either person is going through. Besides this, the show dwells on the idea that no matter how big a conflict or problem is, breaking up is hardly ever the solution and working together to resolve the issue is always better. The show is a reminder that staying together can be more than good too. 

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani 

This Karan Johar-directed quintessential Bollywood romantic comedy came with lessons galore and we are all for it. In a largely patriarchal world and a male-dominated society, the film paves the way for gender equality in a relationship. It sets the tone for understanding and adapting to the way both families work instead of just one. The film serves as a reminder that age-old traditions that have been followed, generation after generation, can be questioned, and love can stand strong amid it all. 

Modern Family 

“It’s scary to let people see the real you, even when these people are your own family. But aren’t they the ones we should be least worried about? The ones who will love us without judging, who forgive our faults and celebrate our imperfections, maybe even encourage us to let our true selves shine through,” Gloria Pritchett once said. This may sound corny and cheesy, but it’s true. Modern Family’s biggest lesson is to accept your loved ones for who they are and love them not despite that, but because of it. Whether its Cam and Mitch or Phil and Claire—their relationship shows immense understanding, honesty and trust, all of which form the very core of most of our relationships. 

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 

We’ll admit—Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani hardly comes as a lessons to a happily-ever-after life. But what the film excels in, is serving as a reminder to live every moment, to tell someone that you love them, to smile your way through life, and to have every adventure you can because life is really too short for anything else. It dwells on the idea that love and relationships come with its own set of adjustments to be made, yet, they are made willingly, enthusiastically, and with love.